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Just before you start spending the dosh, note that you haven't got a rubbish CDP. It's possible that none of the DACs mentioned will be better.
Having owned a host of DACs, I'm now of the opinion that avoiding the SPDIF link by having an integrated CDP is generally a good thing for performance.
So I'm going to suggest that you look at completely replacing you CDP with a better unit. Consider something like a Densen 400xs.
Made in the US? Does that mean it is inferior quality?
No it just means that it costs twice as much as it would if it were made in China or Taiwan.
Just kidding
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When a doctor slaps on some latex gloves... gets a good firm grip on your balls & tells you, with a big grin, to turn your head & cough he's feeling your spine for a hernia... or at least thats what he tells you he's doing
Take it for what it's worth, but one VDA-2 owner compared it to a DL III and heard no differences between them. It's posted in the CIAudio subforum in Audio Circle.
Having owned a host of DACs, I'm now of the opinion that avoiding the SPDIF link by having an integrated CDP is generally a good thing for performance.
I agree with you there, except for the following caveats:
-- By using a CD player instead of digital inputs you are sacrificing the extreme convenience of a digital media library.
-- Using a high-quality digital RCA cable between your transport and DAC will yield virtually the same sound quality.
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Headphones → Denon AH-D5000 (modded)
Amp/DAC → Meier Audio Corda Opera :::
Transport → ESI Juli@ ::: Vista → Foobar 0.9.5 → EAC extracted PCM → ASIO 2.0 → SSRC@96/Ultra → ESI Juli@ → S/PDIF :::
Power → Virtual Dynamics Master LE 2.0 Power Cord(Amp/DAC) ::: Cobalt Cable Ultimate Power Cord(PC) ::: API PowerWedge I
Interconnects → Virtual Dynamics Master LE 2.0 Digital IC ::: Cobalt Cable Ultimate Digital Coax :::::::::::::::::: Cobalt Cable Ultimate Audio Interconnect Pair ::: ALO 6" iPod LOD ::: Qables 15" Silvercab iPod LOD
Portable Source → iPod Classic (6g) 80gig, with Agent18 Hardshell Acrylic Case:::
Accessories → Audio Technica AT-HPS500 Headphone Stand ::: Woo Audio Silver Headphone Stand
I agree with you there, except for the following caveats:
-- By using a CD player instead of digital inputs you are sacrificing the extreme convenience of a digital media library.
-- Using a high-quality digital RCA cable between your transport and DAC will yield virtually the same sound quality.
To respond.
A unit such as a modified transporter or the SB+ that I own are both examples of integrated high quality units capable of streaming music, so they do exist.
With regards to the cable. Yes, cables can improve things, but IMO you still haven't gotten over the fact that you have to stuff the digital signal through the SPDIF interface. Putting the DAC very close to the transport (ie. within the same box) does seem to help.
Note that I'm not trying to state this from a technical viewpoint, i.e. an genuine understanding of how the SPDIF interface works. My comment is based upon the fact that despite spending a lot of time trying to get the best out of some dedicated transports and DACs, that some standalone CDPs sounded better and thus were better value for money.
Another example would be at the extreme high end of something like an Esoteric. I remember someone on this forum playing with their transport/DAC combo, and prefering the integrated X01.
DLIII has a spiky harsh upper midrange, I found it unbearable.
that's very strange that you had this experience. almost everyone who's written about it agrees with what i heard, that it's a neutral-warm DAC with smooth treble.
__________________ No, Thursday's out. How about never - is never good for you?
that's very strange that you had this experience. almost everyone who's written about it agrees with what i heard, that it's a neutral-warm DAC with smooth treble.
Linear Mode
