Will adding an external DAC to my setup improve SQ significantly?
jlr621, In your quest, try to tune into what you are looking for. DACs have different personalities. Don't get hung up on the chip set. It is the manufacturer's implementation of a given chip set is where the rubber meets the road, especially with respect to the op amps. Two different DACs using the very same chip set may exhibit very different personalities based upon differences in their implementation. What matters most is what you yourself like. So my advice to you would be to go forth and listen, at friends, at dealers, to figure out what you like best. Also seek out reviewers that you trust, and have a good sense of how to interpret. I personally seek out reviews by both John Darko and Mike Lavorgna. Happy hunting. |
Good morning everyone! I can't thank you enough for your various suggestions and advice, it really helps me to learn more about this wonderful hobby, and hopefully, make sound decisions as to what the next move could be. mahler123: thanks for sharing your experience with the Node 2 and associated equipment. Lalitk: I am really intrigued by the Denafrips Ares II, on which they are currently offering a 10% discount on an already quite reasonable price... I can afford it !! May very well pull the trigger and resell should it not work out... everest_audio: thanks, I wasn't sure there would be no difference between WIFI and wired connection... jazzman7: I hear you loud and clear, each person's perception will be different. But since I currently reside in the Central African country of Gabon, where there is NO serious audio reseller, I have to pretty much rely on forums, reviews, and occasional trips abroad to have a listen... I have read several of John Darko's reviews, and a few from Mike Lavorgna, and enjoyed them thoroughly. Thanks again everyone and keep it coming! Regards, jlr261 |
Great advice to you here! I agree on trying out the DAC in the Peachtree as it’s a free and fun thing to do. I have a NODE 2i as well. It’s a fairly good DAC but nothing special and it’s a tad noisy. See https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-bluesound-node... as folks say, it’s really a matter of improving overall quality while zoning in on what you want most. Some DACs are state of the art and won’t offend but may sound sterile to you. I moved to a tube DAC. The Doge Audio 7. See https://www.doge.audio/products/tube-dac/doge-7-tube-dac/ It’s slightly north of your budget. One thing you you could do on the cheap is to reduce jitter. I love this product ! See https://ifi-audio.com/products/spdif-ipurifier/ |
