The question asked by the poster is if a DAC has have "the same influence on the sound because it's as close to the source as the cartridge is?". What makes the question problematic is that a cartridge's signal has to be amplified and equalised to bring it to line level so any meaningful comparison is between a cartridge/phonostage and a DAC. As a related comment, I don't really buy the "closest to the source" argument. Back in the day, when Linn were preaching this, people were spending big money on an LP12 with an Ittok, sticking a vile K9 cartridge on it (having spent all their budget on the turntable and arm) and getting dreadful sound for the investment involved. Hi-Fi systems are exactly that - systems - so the relationship between the parts is critical.
Is the DAC the digital equivalent of a cartridge.
I'm thoroughly convinced that the closest thing to the source of the music/sound is most important component. I'm an analog vinyl guy, but am looking into digital, and was just wondering if DACs have the same influence on the sound because it's as close to the source as the cartridge is.
- ...
- 43 posts total
For most of us, “yes” - start with the DAC, which I think will create the largest difference (and thus closest to impact of changing a cartridge). But think about the DAC/streamer as an integrated chain - I wouldn’t let the quality of one lag too far behind the other (in the same way it wouldn’t make sense to put a $2,000 cartridge on a $200 table) Based on very sophisticated engineering and psycho-acoustic analysis (a “guess”), for me, I’d probably go 4:1 on dac vs. streamer on a first try (I think ratio smaller on cartridge/table). DAC is the piece really chewing up the bits. Accumulate more money, and try a better streamer. (n.b., the lower the budget, the closer the dac and streamer will get in price, in any event) I just went from a six year-old Meridian Explorer2 to a Benchmark DAC3 HGC, and it was a fun “wow” moment. Better in every way - put a smile on my face. So for me, a recent big leap in DACs made me very happy Let us know what you decide to do! Have a great day |
@holmz I agree with you on the streamer. I too run roon on a NUC and am having trouble finding any real evidence that a streamer improves digital performance. There are people I respect who say it does so I’m keeping an open mind. I would go out and plop down $10k on a streamer tomorrow if I thought it was an improvement but so far, can’t see it. As for the DAC, there are lots of great DACs out there that sound great. Glad you found one you like. There is a lot of difference in the various analog renditions that are presented by various manufacturers. While measurements tell you a lot, I’m in the clear, transparent, vivid soundstage camp of enthusiasts so I find some DACs muddy that. My DAC is the most expensive component in my system. Jerry |
@carlsbad thanks Jerry. I am pretty much of the mindset that most of what many hear is what we want to hear, and is therefore psychological. Most of what I tend to like is also gear that measures good, so I am sort of lucky as that it gives me a way to avoid listening tests to weed out a lot of gear. Most of the time I am in Australia and a long way from shops. I am in the US for another week, and have went to one shop so far, and will be headed to another one this weekend. Been considering a new phono stage, which will become the most expensive part of the system if I decide to get it. The used AVR is currently the most expensive part of the system, and I have not even had time to put it in yet with the Covid lock downs and travel restrictions. (And it being at the second house.) The second most expensive part is the LP cleaner ;) |
- 43 posts total