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100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2011
- Posts
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I got one of these upon the suggestion from someone in Pro Audio many years ago, at the time, I was wanting to get the Weiss FireWire DAC, but for about $30 for a used Behringer, why wouldn't I give it a try. I was very glad I did, because when setup correctly, it produced a better sound than all the CD and SACD players I had the past, including two highly modified SACD players. (http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue6/stock.htm) so I sold all my CD and SACD players and never looked back. I was so pleased with the results, I haven't really attempted to pursue anything else. I'm using a Mac Pro running Audirvana Plus though firewire into the FCA202, then into my tube preamp.
Now I'm getting curious if investing in a better DAC would bring me better sound. Doing a little digging yielded this post (http://www.head-fi.org/t/146703/short-review-behringer-fca202) where he identified what he thought was the DAC in use in the little behringer. It appears this uses the Cirrus CS5340, specs are listed here. (http://www.cirrus.com/en/products/cs5340.html).
I'm not sure why I didn't consider a replacement DAC before now, because I do akin a DAC in the digital world, to the Phono Cartridge of the Analog world. If the sound isn't there in the beginning, it won't be there in the end. There is a good book, written by Robert Harley, "The complete guide to High-end Audio", a good read by the way, and in that book, I believe I recall that he mentioned that putting together a well done audio system, you should spend 30-40% of your budget on the front end, meaning the CD player or the Turntable, so If follow that rule, I should be investing in a better DAC. Well, I have my sights on the Audio GD Ref 7, or the Red Wine unit, so I think I will know my answer soon enough. I was just wondering if someone remembers this Behringer unit and upgraded and said wow, now I know what I was missing...
