Hi all
I’m planning to use my Sony Vaio as the main source and already have a 1TB external HDD containing Apple Lossless files which I load onto my iPod. My current headphone setups are as follows:
IPod 5G (60GB) -> GQ-24 LOD -> Voyager -> HD595/CX300
Pioneer PD-S703 -> NAD3020i -> HD595
After researching here for weeks (!) I’ve come up with the following upgrade plan over the next 2 years:
Phase 1
Buy DacMagic for USB output from Vaio and optical from PD-S703. DacMagic to be connected to the Voyager until Phase 2. I’m assuming the optical out from PD-S703 would be better than USB from Vaio – is this a valid assumption?
Unfortunately my Vaio doesn’t have optical out. Is there an adaptor which would convert USB to optical and would this compromise sound quality compared to a laptop with dedicated optical out? (Phase 5 might have to be a new laptop!)
The manual for the PD-S703 warns of possible incompatibilities of its optical out with some amp inputs (it doesn’t elaborate). Does anyone know if this would be compatible with the DacMagic? Would digital coax-out give the same SQ?
Phase 2
Retain Voyager for portable use only and buy a Solo MC/intro. Would this be overkill if I were only able to use USB -> DAC?
Phase 3
Replace HD595 with HD650.
Phase 4
Buy PSU1 for Solo
Music preferences are, in order: electronic, classical, rock and jazz.
Do you think I’m upgrading items in the right order?
Sorry for all the questions but I don’t have the money to experiment much and want to get it right first time. Any opinions welcome!
I’m planning to use my Sony Vaio as the main source and already have a 1TB external HDD containing Apple Lossless files which I load onto my iPod. My current headphone setups are as follows:
IPod 5G (60GB) -> GQ-24 LOD -> Voyager -> HD595/CX300
Pioneer PD-S703 -> NAD3020i -> HD595
After researching here for weeks (!) I’ve come up with the following upgrade plan over the next 2 years:
Phase 1
Buy DacMagic for USB output from Vaio and optical from PD-S703. DacMagic to be connected to the Voyager until Phase 2. I’m assuming the optical out from PD-S703 would be better than USB from Vaio – is this a valid assumption?
Unfortunately my Vaio doesn’t have optical out. Is there an adaptor which would convert USB to optical and would this compromise sound quality compared to a laptop with dedicated optical out? (Phase 5 might have to be a new laptop!)
The manual for the PD-S703 warns of possible incompatibilities of its optical out with some amp inputs (it doesn’t elaborate). Does anyone know if this would be compatible with the DacMagic? Would digital coax-out give the same SQ?
Phase 2
Retain Voyager for portable use only and buy a Solo MC/intro. Would this be overkill if I were only able to use USB -> DAC?
Phase 3
Replace HD595 with HD650.
Phase 4
Buy PSU1 for Solo
Music preferences are, in order: electronic, classical, rock and jazz.
Do you think I’m upgrading items in the right order?
Sorry for all the questions but I don’t have the money to experiment much and want to get it right first time. Any opinions welcome!
