The Sansui G-X000 series is widely regarded as a peak in quality. The next G-X500 series was still nice but a step down in build quality.   Earlier Sansui receivers have also many fans, with good reason. The earlier models may sound slightly warmer; "tubey-er" and perhaps a bit less...

I've wondered why there wasn't a thread on this DAC here.  I am taking a close look at it.

moodryn: "I have come across a few forums that compared both."   Thanks moodryn.  I do understand that people vary in their perceptions of sound qualities, and also that system synergy can play a big role in different conclusions.   Could you point me to the discussions you refer to...

Thank you DjAmTrax.  That is what I was afraid of.    If the Sony has a much smoother and more analog sound, I guess my search continues.  I'm currently using a Denon 3930ci for disc playback, and a stand alone DAC.  But I'd love to reduce the number of boxes in my system.  I don't really...

Still patiently waiting to hear from djamtrax regarding a comparison between the SA-8004 and Sony 5400...please do tell!

Please keep us posted on your further impressions, especially how the SA-8004 stacks up against the Sony 5400.

Quote: Thanks moodyrn, very helpful.   People I respect alot who post on various other boards seem to universally regard the Sony 5400 as a very special player- not the world's best build quality but good enough, and sonically fantastic, even compared to much more expensive players.  ...

Has anyone compared the SA-8004 and Sony SCD-5400ES side by side?  If so, how do they compare both on redbook and SACD?

Quote: Originally Posted by FallenAngel ...newer does not mean better! There are lots of new DACs available now, especially at the < $400 range and I gotta say, they ABSOLUTELY SUCK in comparison to some older DACs that are selling for the same price. FA, please name some names...

Whether or not you hear a difference between an MP3 and a FLAC file of the same music depends on several things- your ears, the resolution/quality of your playback system, the quality of the MP3 and the type and quality of the original source material. Burning to FLAC is a no-brainer for me...

Just a quick note to say THANK YOU to ENoYin for taking the time to share your knowledge with such detailed yet concise guidance on ASIO and related topics regarding why we might want or need it. As a confirmed techno Luddite who is nevertheless trying to stay abreast of some of the best new...

Any updates from users of this player?

Thank you for the clarification noxlord. I'm pretty new to this computer-based stuff. Head.fi is apparently focused, or at least it was originally, on headphone based systems. But in my limited experience it is also a primary resource for expertise regarding most aspects of digital audio...

Quote: Originally Posted by Bostonears I tried a CityPulse 2.03eII, and found the headphone amp to be surprisingly good. However, the variable analog output (connected directly to a power amp) had harsh treble, even after burn in. No way I could live with it long term as a source for a...

Reviving this thread to solicit more recent opinions/reviews, and also to inquire about differences in the DA2.03e Version II. Sasha at Obad Imports told me that this version includes upgraded TXCO clock, perhaps that is what is meant by version II. But I wonder if the USB function is still...