CEntrance DACmini DAC/Amplifier Official Thread - Page 15

A $150 printer doesn't even come with a USB cable, and that is a worldwide standard. An IEC power cable is country specific, and costs a few dollars. Chances are you already have one laying around...

Ert,

 

Sorry the IEC cable was not in your DACmini box. We do ship this cable INCLUDED with DACmini. Please send me a PM and we will either send one, or (I'm noticing you're also located in Chicago) I can even drop one off personally.

 

Again, our apologies.

 

-Jay

 

Edited by Jay Listens - 5/2/11 at 12:34pm

 

Hi Jay, I'm actually still waiting for my mini :)  I was commenting on Townyj's comments, but as it appears he is in the UK I guess there's no issue.

 

 

 

LOL, I hope you don't work in product marketing or sales.

Edited by ert - 5/2/11 at 1:13pm

After a 5 week wait, they've finally arrived.

 

Worth the wait?

 

Build/finish- 4.5 stars.

Features- 4.5 stars

Sound- 5 stars

 

As a D/A converter, no difference to my Apogee gear. Except not just for OSX, but for Windows, Linux, Xbox 360, PS3, TV, PVR, Squeezebox, CD player... 

 

Let the good times roll...

After reading every post on every thread here (no, really...okay, not every post), I ordered a DACmini yesterday. 

 

I already own a DACport and have been using it to drive my LCD-2s at my computer.  I've also been using it as a DAC into an integrated amp and as a preamp into an amp.  So impressed with its performance that I thought I'd spring for the mini so I can leave my DACport at my computer desk.

 

Initially, I was looking for a DAC/amp combo for USB/itunes headphone listening, but the functionality of the DACmini got me thinking (and spending!).  I ended up ordering the variable output option and will be using the mini as a preamp to feed a gloriously refurbished Dynaco ST-70 driving a pair of Spica TC-50s.  It will be my "New meets Old" system.  I'll also use the optical or coax for my DVD and the analog in for my vinyl rig.  And when the kids are doing homework or are in bed, I'll obviously resort to the LCDs.

 

I'll report back once I've received the DACmini and have given it a good listen, but I have to commend CEntrance on their prompt and detailed responses to my numerous questions over the last little while.

I too ordered the pre-amp version aka variable output mod. And so it is ultra flexible.

I've replaced a class A preamplifier and dac and headphone amplifier all with the one unit.

Of course I'd pay even more for selectable fixed/variable output, motorized remote volume control, updated form factor (fit current Mac mini), black finish, balanced in/outputs, 10 ins 10 outs, FireWire 800, preamps etc....but then... Hey, that's not a dac mini (and cost 5 times as much)

Hi guys,

 

I just ordered a DACmini thanks to all the positive feedbacks and awsome respondiveness (not sure this word really exist, but it make sens to me ) of centrance guys.

A couple of question I was wondering.

 

-I think we could state that the Dacmini+audeze LCD2 is one of a great pair. Do you guys use aftermarket cables with your LCD2? And so, I guess that, depending of the aftermarket qualities, it does also impact the synergy of the dacmini+LCD2 in a amazing or not so great way. In so, could you guys share your thougt, impressions or advises. I'm aware there is a particular thread about aftermarket cable for this pair of can, but as I'm particulary interested in this amp/can combo, I think that is was the best way to post here.

 

-It seems that the design of the powersupply (internal part+external brick combo) is very special, and following the philosophy of pro-audio centrance compagny (polyvalance, adaptability, durability...). So it seems that the dacmini does not respond that much to power supply tweaks or upgrades (I know someone try the battery tweak but didn't find any particular change in the sonics). Did some of you try any further "real world" experiments (headphoneaddict, did you finaly try to plug your sigma11 psu in?) did some of you have the occasion to try different aftermarket cables from "decent quality" to "very high end"? Did you noticed any change/improuvement? Or did you all stick with a "3$ radioshack" one"? (and I'm not implying the one provided by centrance is a 3$ one   I'm just quoting someone that made me laugh!)

 

-Did some of you have the occasion to try your dacmini with/without power conditionner? Did you noticed any change? 

 

I'm kind og thinking that if, in some way, this unit can give initialy some frustration to the tweaking/optimising side of hifi rig builind, that aslo imply saving a lot of $$$ one side accessories.

 

looking forward to your comments.

 

 

As it stands, I love the combo with the stock cables on the LCD-2 with the Dacmini. However, just made a purchase with Steve Eddy at Q-audio. He has some cables that are highly regarded by some veteran head-fiers on this site.

They are called black magic cables and there prices are great compared to other cable manufacturers. Also, Steve is a great guy who I don't mind giving my money to. He is very helpful and responsive. (the word you were looking for is responsiveness) I haven't received the cables yet since I live in South Korea but as soon as I get them I will let you know what I think. According to Kwkarth, Skylab ad HK_sends they are great cables and their opinions are highly regarded.

If you are curious about cables, PM Steve Eddy and he can give you some information about the cables or you can search Q-audio cables and probably learn about it that way. Good luck on your search.

Pardon my obtuseness but can this be used purely as a DAC connected to a headphone amplifier? I've just ordered a DNA Sonett and am now venturing into the mind boggling world of DACs. There's so many of them it's overwhelming. 

 

Edited by bumblingbooby - 5/6/11 at 7:36am

It can, yes, and one can choose if the line outs are controlled by the volume control or not, at the time of order.
 

 

thanks a lot  ptrok for your wise advise, I just PM steve eddy. 

my I ask your advise or fedbacks regarding the power related topic? are you using the standard power cord?

thank you all for keeping this thread and interested and inspireing one 

Thank you kwkarth. I've only just commenced my search for a DAC. My preference is for a DAC only to team with the headphone amplifier and laptop to form a desktop audio system. The HRT II+ attracts me as a reasonably priced good quality DAC for this purpose but the DACmini appears very impressive at its price point. I also prefer that it has its own power supply. 

Bumbling,

 

It is my understanding that CEntrance is coming out with a DAC only version of the DACport (no head amp or volume control) very soon (weeks?).  They would know for sure.

That would be ideal.  Hopefully it will be cheaper than the DACmini, which exceeds the budget that I've set for a DAC. I'd prefer to keep the purchase of a DAC to around $500 if possible. I sent CEntrance an email enquiry last night so they might make mention of this in their reply. Thanks for the information songforyou. 

Hey Dookie, I wish I could help you out with the power supply issue but it is out of my ability sets. I'm a beginner and do not want to lead you astray. I can only comment on what I have read. From what I have seen, it seems that Centrance's does a good job of eliminating problems with power supply issues. But I can only comment on hearsay. I use the standard power supply and it sounds great with no sonic issues. It seems like a clean representation of how the music was intended to sound.

Please take my opinion with a grain of salt because I have no background in music or engineering. I'm just a lowly English Teacher with an expensive hobby...LOL.

Good luck with your search for answers.