[jjames]

Been browsing this great forum for many months. I love it.

I have a relatively quick question for the experts that visit this forum:

Currently, I own a NAD 521i, which I use through a Denon deck (soon to be replaced with headphone amp), to run some SR225's (and a soon to be purchased HD600).

I'm considering purchasing the Rotel RCD-1070 along with a Rotel preamp and amp for my main, non-headphone rig. It will all be powering some B&W 604 S3's. My hope is to use the 521i (along with a DAC possibly) to run my cans.

To make a long story short, is the Rotel RCD-1070 enough of a jump up from the 521i to be justified? Frankly, I have a lot of interest in it based on the What Hi-Fi article I recently found...and the fact that it would match the rest of my gear (blushes). But, I am hesitant about this whole 18-bit DAC.

Any help would be greatly appreciated about whether the RCD-1070 is a good step up from the 521i, and I would also appreciate any comments on the 18-bit DAC?

Cheers!

 

[blr]

RCD1070 will sound better than 521i no doubt. There are other alternatives however. Look at Rega Marantz and Creek. They all make very competitive CDP in the 500-1000 USD range. It all depends on how you like your music. Rotel products are usually on the analytical side.

 

[jjames]

Thanks blr. Anyone else have any thoughts on the 18-bit DAC? I noticed that many other upgrades I was considering have a 24-bit DAC. I understand that "if it sounds good, then don't worry about it" but I guess I'm just curious why they used an 18-bit DAC.

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[blr]

Quote:

Originally posted by jjames Thanks blr. Anyone else have any thoughts on the 18-bit DAC? I noticed that many other upgrades I was considering have a 24-bit DAC. I understand that "if it sounds good, then don't worry about it" but I guess I'm just curious why they used an 18-bit DAC. Thanks again for all your help.

You're welcome
Don't worry about the number of bits. This is not related to the sound IMO. Listen for yourself. If it sounds good to you just ignore all the technical details.

 

[pbirkett]

If your getting a Rotel amp mate, you may be surprised just how good headphones can sound out of it....

 

[Canman]

a well implemented 18 bit DAC will sound better than a poorly implemented 24 bit DAC.

Using 16 bit redbook CD's it is arguable whether or not upsampling to 24 bits is advantageous to the sound.

I think it is all in the way the digital filtering is designed, so these numbers are not always comparable.

I wouldn't not buy a CD player just because of the "18" number

 

[jjames]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Much appreciated.

I'm now looking at the Arcam CD72 as well. It is so difficult to decide!!

I did change my mind on the whole upgrade strategy though. I'm going to keep my existing speaker rig......as I just bought a MOHR today and broke the bank!