How important is the transport?

[fiddler]

Okay, I want a nicer sounding source than my Sony D-35 while keeping it totable and affordable. I was thinking of getting a cheap-ish Sony PCDP that has an optical output, buy or build a optical/coax converter (they sell for 15-20 bucks online), and buy and mod an ART DI/O.

My question is: Is there going to be a clearly audible difference between a PCDP and a stand-alone CDP as a transport? If there is, please explain why.

Sony D-EJ721 $62 http://electronicsemall.com/sondejporcom.html
Converter: $16 http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...oduct_ID=16151
ART DI/O $159 new or $80ish used
I'm not sure how much the mods will cost.

I want it to be luggable because I'm going to England in September for university, and I didn't want to get something that's so big that I'd have to ship it overseas... Besides, dorm rooms are cramped anyway. Do you guys think this setup would make an appreciable improvement over my D-35?

 

[bifcake]

You'll be better off with a crappy player than with a crappy transport and a good DAC. I once conducted a test using my DVD player plugged into a Levinson DAC vs using its own DAC. The player sounded god awful plugged into the $15k levinson DAC. When I plugged in the Theta transport, it sounded really sweet. These tests were conducted using a $60k system a friend of mine owns. So, given my experience, I'd say stick to a player unless you're willing to spend some serious money on a transport/DAC combo

 

[DanG]

I'd like to be able to give you specifics on sound differences but I haven't used outboard DACs. However, from my limited knowledge of audio engineering, an ART DI/O will benefit more from a better transport than some of the newer outboard DACs. The ART DI/O has poor jitter control, making a higher-quality transport (which sends across less jitter for a number of reasons) a good choice.

Another issue is the usage of coaxial vs. optical digital transmission. The optical outputs of PCDPs often collect dust as they are rarely covered with a cap (as is the case with many CD decks with optical output). As optical digital transmission relies on as perfectly transparent a connection as possible, the dust is a big problem. Many dislike optical transmission altogether because of the likelihood of at least minute faults inside the cable which can cause data corruption.

I doubt the difference would be astonishing but I haven't tried. Why don't you get the ART DI/O and compare between a home CDP or DVD and a portable? Since you don't have a portable CDP with optical output yet, borrow one from a friend or purchase from a store that allows returns.

 

[DanG]

Quote:

Originally posted by bifcake You'll be better off with a crappy player than with a crappy transport and a good DAC. I once conducted a test using my DVD player plugged into a Levinson DAC vs using its own DAC. The player sounded god awful plugged into the $15k levinson DAC. When I plugged in the Theta transport, it sounded really sweet. These tests were conducted using a $60k system a friend of mine owns. So, given my experience, I'd say stick to a player unless you're willing to spend some serious money on a transport/DAC combo

How old is the Levinson DAC? Many of these issues have been ironed out with newer DACs.

 

[bifcake]

The DAC is about 12 years old. It's a Levinson No.30

 

[DanG]

I suppose that should explain it.

 

[bifcake]

It might. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the newer hi-end DACs to conduct a comprehensive test. Perhaps the next time there is the NYC meet, I'll see if I can do that.

 

[Kieran Comito]

So what you guys are saying is that there is a difference in transports? I'm thinking of selling off my Cary 303/200 cd player and get a lessor player to use as a transport, and get a Denon 5803 reciever to use as my DAC as it has a great DAC in it. Thoughts?

 

[DanG]

Your Cary has a far superior DAC in it than the receiver -- if you don't have tin ears I think you'd miss the Cary a great deal.

 

[markl]

I'd be surprised if there was much difference between the Cary's digital section and that of the Denon. The 5803 has all the best most cutting edge DACs and upsamples as well. In Pure Direct modes, you get 4 of these top-notch DACs per channel. The digital section in the Denon is at least half of the $4300 price tag, so it's not some cheap crappy DAC on a $200 DVD player.

Also, DACs are manufactured by a handful of suppliers. It's not like Cary builds their own. I wouldn't be surprised if they were the very same models in the Cary that are in the Denon.

Mark

 

[Zanth]

topology topology topology

parts parts parts

keep the Cary man, seriously.

 

[tanfenton]

Quote:

Originally posted by markl I wouldn't be surprised if they were the very same models in the Cary that are in the Denon.

Why do you insist on postulations like these?

Fine. Since the CD3000 uses the same drivers as the R10, I wouldn't be surprised if the two sounded similar. I haven't heard either. Have you heard the Cary?

NGF

 

[markl]

Have you heard the Denon?

 

[tanfenton]

Oh, get off it, Markl!

 

[markl]

OK, I looked. There are two DACs in the Cary:
Quote:

(2) Burr Brown PCM1704u (24 bit 96 kHz)

Here's what's in the 5803:
Quote:

DDSC-Digital featuring New dual Analog Devices HammerHead SHARC 32-bit floating point DSP processors • 24 bit, 192 kHz A/D conversion (Burr-Brown PCM-1804 x 4) on all analog inputs, including External 7.1 inputs • 16 Burr-Brown PCM-1738E 24-bit, 192-kHz highest resolution DACs, with DSD compatibility

The way I read this, the Denon has better specs than the Cary. It also uses 4 DACs in parrallel in Pure Direct Mode: Quote:

Pure Audio mode, features 4 DACs per audio channel in dual-differential mode • ALPHA 24 Processing Plus in Stereo/Direct/Pure Direct modes (left/right channels) • 4 24 bit,192 kHz Digital Interface Receivers

Mark