the simple answer is that while the olive's internal dac is high-quality and well reviewed, you can always find an external dac that sounds better, as long as you're willing to pay for it. personally, i'd go with the unabetted olive for starters and see if it satisfies you--you can always add a dac later.
Why use DAC w/ server equipped w/ one already?
Hello all. I'm still in preadolescent stage as it comes to hi-end hifi and am building a system gradually via the aftermarket. I'll try to be succinct. Not altogether optimistic of pulling it off though lol.
Thus far, I've purchased 2 items: Anthem Integrated 225 amp and Usher CP-6381 speakers. I've listened to neither thus far - the most maddening aspect of starting from scratch via the aftermarket. Read reviews endlessly; pare down to selections that give all indication of being can't-miss and still fit within the budget; wait patiently for them to appear on Agon or Amart.
The pieces purchased to date should yield a fairly clear indication of the budget in play.
After spending many hours learning the game, it became clear that a music server is the way to go. I'd all but decided, for good or ill, to purchase a spinner first so I could get started listening, plus I just want one (probably because I'm over 50). It would require the capacity to become a DAC at a later date. To that end, Oppo BDP-105 and Cambridge 752BD jump to head of the class because of the inputs.
So today I look through music servers to build knowledge for the future and see this Olive 04 server with a CD slot. Comes equipped with a DAC. Well holy hell, that' a game changer lol. Just get one of those and no need for a separate spinner. I start reading reviews and one string was laden with posts about hooking it up to a DAC.
So there's the question: why?? Why not just use the analog outs and hook directly to the amp? Is that the mindset from a higher-end perspective or am I missing a step?
Thanks for reading and ignoring that "succinct" folly to open the post.
Thus far, I've purchased 2 items: Anthem Integrated 225 amp and Usher CP-6381 speakers. I've listened to neither thus far - the most maddening aspect of starting from scratch via the aftermarket. Read reviews endlessly; pare down to selections that give all indication of being can't-miss and still fit within the budget; wait patiently for them to appear on Agon or Amart.
The pieces purchased to date should yield a fairly clear indication of the budget in play.
After spending many hours learning the game, it became clear that a music server is the way to go. I'd all but decided, for good or ill, to purchase a spinner first so I could get started listening, plus I just want one (probably because I'm over 50). It would require the capacity to become a DAC at a later date. To that end, Oppo BDP-105 and Cambridge 752BD jump to head of the class because of the inputs.
So today I look through music servers to build knowledge for the future and see this Olive 04 server with a CD slot. Comes equipped with a DAC. Well holy hell, that' a game changer lol. Just get one of those and no need for a separate spinner. I start reading reviews and one string was laden with posts about hooking it up to a DAC.
So there's the question: why?? Why not just use the analog outs and hook directly to the amp? Is that the mindset from a higher-end perspective or am I missing a step?
Thanks for reading and ignoring that "succinct" folly to open the post.
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