Is their a DAC w/Auto Input Selection or Remote Control Input Selection?

Jul 15, 2009 at 9:09 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 29

intelonetwo

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Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a new DAC. I'll be using it for my 3 sources; HDTV, DVD Player, Media Center PC.

The Media Center PC has a optical digital output, so no need for USB but that would be nice. Anyway. I'm looking for a DAC that's under $200 shipped.

I have special needs however.
biggrin.gif
  • Must sound great with FLAC files from PC (possibly NOS)
  • Must feature some way to switch inputs without getting off my bum. Convenience factor.
  • Must be under $200 total.

This DAC will actually be apart of my very simple but nice sounding main audio system. My main system features:
  1. Integrated Amplifier - NuForce IA7 v1
  2. Speakers - BG Z-7
  3. Subwoofer - BG Z Sub
  4. Source - Oppo DV-980H
  5. Source - Media Center PC w/Digital Optical output
  6. Source - HDTV
  7. Power Filtration - API Power Pack V

Now that the technical bits are complete back to the DAC situation. What DACs do I like you might ask... I like the Zero DAC, but I'm not sure if the newest one actually does the auto input selection for me. In looking at eBay the very newest Zero DAC refer's to auto input and signal lock. Having no experience with these DAC's, I'm not sure if this means the input will be selected based on which input has a signal?

I like the 2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP. It's a bit expensive and violates one of my special needs...I guess I could swing it if the benefits were worth wild.

I invite your thoughts.
 
Jul 15, 2009 at 12:45 PM Post #3 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Duck /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I would not be seduced by cheap asian DACs. I think the AMB Gamma1 DAC has automatic input selection.



Why not? What are the cheap asian DACs doing differently than say the Americans or British made DACs?

Many a respectable American and British companies have their goods made in asia.

In the immortals words of Tina Turner (almost!)...... Whats geography got to do...Got to do with it?
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Jul 15, 2009 at 1:27 PM Post #4 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Duck /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I would not be seduced by cheap asian DACs. I think the AMB Gamma1 DAC has automatic input selection.


incorrect. each input must be switched by a human.

auto selection is problematic. there is no standard way to know if a port is 'active' or not. spdif sends out a 'carrier' even if there is no data on the line.

if you have 2 senders (opto and coax) and they both are 'idling the line' no switch can tell which is playing music and which is not.

abandon the idea of auto switching. its not a good idea.


if you can wait a bit, I'm planning on releasing some DIY build instructions for MY remote controlled spdif switch (you can then use any dac after that you want):

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schematic and source code to be released soon (still in alpha test now, though). hoping to have a version out in a few weeks (if time permits; there are other projects I'm also working on at the same time.)


DIY parts cost to be in the 'less than $50 range' I would guess, as all the parts are quite cheap to buy.
 
Jul 15, 2009 at 1:32 PM Post #5 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by intelonetwo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Why not? What are the cheap asian DACs doing differently than say the Americans or British made DACs?


the quality of the parts AND workmanship.

the pc boards can be low quality. soldering often is low quality. parts are frequently knock-off, fakes or lower-end varieties.

china also had a big bloody nose due to the 'chinese electrolytic syndrome' (google it) where they ruined the world market for, well, decades (!) by counterfitting elecros and dumping them on the world market. many motherboards blew up due to fake caps. those fake caps are STILL in the pipeline, too! ;(

the quality just is not there. I've bought (and opened and fixed) my share of imported electronics from china. buyer beware - that's all I have to say. there are a lot of places that cost could be cut - and they WILL BE, too; even on safety related areas (power trafos!)

also, if things fail (and catch fire!) there is no legal recourse. most things are not u/l rated or certified labs testings and if you get harmed, there's no manuf to 'call up' or sue. they know this and there is a lower manuf. standard since they're 'remote' and outside of legal avenues. sony/panasonic and those guys cannot afford to have things catch fire (as much, lol) but rogue asian builders can do as they please and know they can't be touched.

there's a lot more to it than even this. but it should give you some idea of what you are 'buying' when you buy HK goods.
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 10:20 PM Post #6 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by intelonetwo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Why not? What are the cheap asian DACs doing differently than say the Americans or British made DACs?

Many a respectable American and British companies have their goods made in asia.

In the immortals words of Tina Turner...... Whats geography got to do...Got to do with it?



Yeah, alot actually. You get what you pay for. Those who tell you different, probably own those cheap asian DACs and are trying to validate a purchase. They're cheaper for a reason.

Oh and Tina Turner never said that.
 
Jul 16, 2009 at 10:38 PM Post #7 of 29
A home theater receiver would probably do best (Onkyo or something of the like) since you want remote features and multiple inputs under $200. Most receivers use pretty damn good DAC chips.
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 10:33 PM Post #8 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxworks /img/forum/go_quote.gif
incorrect. each input must be switched by a human.

auto selection is problematic. there is no standard way to know if a port is 'active' or not. spdif sends out a 'carrier' even if there is no data on the line.

if you have 2 senders (opto and coax) and they both are 'idling the line' no switch can tell which is playing music and which is not.

abandon the idea of auto switching. its not a good idea.


if you can wait a bit, I'm planning on releasing some DIY build instructions for MY remote controlled spdif switch (you can then use any dac after that you want):

schematic and source code to be released soon (still in alpha test now, though). hoping to have a version out in a few weeks (if time permits; there are other projects I'm also working on at the same time.)


DIY parts cost to be in the 'less than $50 range' I would guess, as all the parts are quite cheap to buy.



Sounds interesting. What effect would their be on the SQ?
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 10:35 PM Post #9 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by linuxworks /img/forum/go_quote.gif
the quality of the parts AND workmanship.

the pc boards can be low quality. soldering often is low quality. parts are frequently knock-off, fakes or lower-end varieties.

china also had a big bloody nose due to the 'chinese electrolytic syndrome' (google it) where they ruined the world market for, well, decades (!) by counterfitting elecros and dumping them on the world market. many motherboards blew up due to fake caps. those fake caps are STILL in the pipeline, too! ;(

the quality just is not there. I've bought (and opened and fixed) my share of imported electronics from china. buyer beware - that's all I have to say. there are a lot of places that cost could be cut - and they WILL BE, too; even on safety related areas (power trafos!)

also, if things fail (and catch fire!) there is no legal recourse. most things are not u/l rated or certified labs testings and if you get harmed, there's no manuf to 'call up' or sue. they know this and there is a lower manuf. standard since they're 'remote' and outside of legal avenues. sony/panasonic and those guys cannot afford to have things catch fire (as much, lol) but rogue asian builders can do as they please and know they can't be touched.

there's a lot more to it than even this. but it should give you some idea of what you are 'buying' when you buy HK goods.



Point well taken. Are their some known reputable Chinese manufacturers, if lesser known? Say Yulong or any of the newer crop of cheap chinese DAC's.
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 10:49 PM Post #10 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by crossmd /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Yeah, alot actually. You get what you pay for. Those who tell you different, probably own those cheap asian DACs and are trying to validate a purchase. They're cheaper for a reason.

Oh and Tina Turner never said that.



crossmd, thanks for the reply. The Tina Turner comment has since been adequately noted to clearly show the statement was made in fun.
tongue_smile.gif
I should have done this initially. Moving on...
I can appreciate your statement about cheap Asian DAC's being inferior. I guess I'm looking for the "Why." However obvious this may be to you, it may not be to me. The "Why" is helpful because it allows me to make an informed decision helped by those who have practical experience with the equipment. You guys have informed opinions to offer about gear that I'd like to hear. Providing a content than "its bad" statement, give me the why to educate me.

Another member here already did provide a very good explanation of "Why" not to buy cheap Asian DAC's. I can dig that.
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 10:53 PM Post #11 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by taso89 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
A home theater receiver would probably do best (Onkyo or something of the like) since you want remote features and multiple inputs under $200. Most receivers use pretty damn good DAC chips.


I thought of that too. But, I'm running a 2 channel system, a receiver wouldn't be the best option for me. There's just to many other things going on inside a receiver to ensure the DAC section is as clean as it can be. At least as compared to a standalone DAC.
 
Jul 17, 2009 at 11:40 PM Post #13 of 29
Quote:

Originally Posted by intelonetwo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Sounds interesting. What effect would their be on the SQ?


none.

its digital.

I plan to run an RMAA test and I'm expecting zero diff with a 'switched' signal vs straight thru. that should show me if there are issues or not, but I really don't think anythings going to get worse (or better). it simply passes bits thru realtime, with no buffering or anything.

I've been living with that device for a few months now. I can't detect any audio problems, both with coax in and opto in.
 

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