~$400 upgrade from Entech 205.2?

[Abbadon]

Although buying an analog Opera probably wasn't the wisest choice given the fact that I have an Entech, the opportunity came up, and it just so happened that I had just enough money for it. (I was literally left with 0$ in my bank, but that's another story). Now that I've come into some cash, I feel that it's time to make my final expenditure as a Head-Fier.

I'm looking for a DAC in the 400$ range, after import fees, that would be comparable to the one that's in the Opera. Is this feasible? Or would I have to spend more? Your suggestions/advice are greatly appreciated.

(As an aside, if anyone in Canada has an Opera with a DAC that they aren't using, I'd be more than happy to trade my analog + some cash)

 

[joe_cool]

What is it about the Entech that you want to improve? Knowing this will help with comments and recommendations.

 

[Herandu]

Are you talking money or sound improvements? The older TC-7510 were about on par with the Entech 2.5. The latest TC-7510 version (6/3?) is getting rave reviews on forums in Finland, Norway and hifiwigwam in the UK. Having found out that it is based on my own mod to my MK6/1, I would think hard before jumping on a Entech 2.5.

 

[AS1]

Be smart, buy used. Up to a certain point, price range is more important than age.
This also gives you the option to avoid import fees.
The Beresford is good for its price but it's nothing special. If you want warm sound, avoid it.

Here's a list of all the DACs available:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199941

 

[Abbadon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe_cool /img/forum/go_quote.gif What is it about the Entech that you want to improve? Knowing this will help with comments and recommendations.

I have this nagging suspicion that its the Entech, more than anything else, that's the bottleneck in my system. Maybe I just don't know what to listen for, but I have a feeling that the Opera is capable of more - specifically, soundstage-wise - although I feel that improvements across the board should be possible. If it helps, it's the exact same Entech that I almost bought off of you a few months ago, with the modded opamp.

As for the Beresford - I've done some reading into it, and I'm hoping to try for a more substantial improvement, even if it means stretching my budget. I won't buy something that requires modding to realize its full sonic potential, unless it's secondhand, and already modded.

Again, everyone's advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[AS1]

Do you have a certain preference? Warm? Neutral? Bright? Etc.

 

[Abbadon]

I prefer a neutral-warmish sound. The Opera is driving a pair of HD580's, if that helps.

 

[AS1]

what about things like USB and size?
I'd take a look at all the dacs in your price range which have the specs you want.
I ended up with a very short list because I didn't want full-size.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Save up some more $$ if you want a big jump up. I suggest the V4 Ori Zhalou but you are Canadian so it may be cost prohibitive.

Perhaps peruse Audiogon if they have a Canadian only? You can search by area code.

 

[elnero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacemanspliff /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... but you are Canadian so it may be cost prohibitive.

Our dollars worth more than yours now.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elnero /img/forum/go_quote.gif Our dollars worth more than yours now.

Shipping to Canada is not cheap. Bush is a moron. What else is new?

 

[papomaster]

In fact, the entech IS your bottleneck right now, unless you have some cheap cables... Just changed mine with a H5 - ad2000, I bought an used Md-10 on the FS forum. The differences are not subtle, but they are not for everyone's taste, as it gives a bit more warmth, smoother sound with overall less bite than the entech (however, the entech has a very hard treble compared to other DACs), but a somewhat "cube-shaped" soundstage, as opposed to the "Very wide, not too deep, flat" soundstage, so people who like instrument separation should look somewhere else. However, it gives alot of spatial information on what room you're in (concert hall, stadium, small room, studio). Also better build quality, as well as an internal power supply (so no need to carry on the wall-mart).

Going from a 900 bucks (w/ entech) to a 1100 bucks (w/ musiland) setup was worth the price

.

 

[elnero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacemanspliff /img/forum/go_quote.gif Shipping to Canada is not cheap. Bush is a moron. What else is new?

I remember not that long ago, less than two years, our dollar was worth something like .65 of the US dollar now it's 1.03, truly incredible. It's an amazing amount of savings when we're buying from the US. But yeah, those extra shipping charges do suck and Bush is a moron, but hey, we've got Harper.