[Matthew-Spaltro]

I don't think a new power supply will help when my house has 500 trillion electrical devices running all at once.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

I don't think a new power supply will help when my house has 500 trillion electrical devices running all at once.

Maybe that's part of the problem

.

Seriously, read up on the standard mods for the ART DI/O, among which include upgrading the PS.

In general, I think you are not focused enough to decide how to intelligently spend $1300. Not that you are not intelligent, but you seem like you are looking for one component to fix all of your audio desires - whether it be a headphone, a source, amp, whatever - and frankly it ain't gonna happen. That's why I posted my recommendations.

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

I have had the Denon for over a year. And i'm not sure a DAC is my audio answer. I want to try something else. I would rather take my chances with a new source.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

I have had the Denon for over a year...I want to try something else.

Oh, now I get it. You're bored. Hope you have deep pockets. Quote:

i'm not sure a DAC is my audio answer. I would rather take my chances with a new source.

I don't really want to belabor a point that you clearly are not prepared to listen to, but...

What is it, exactly, that a completely new source will do for you? Do you not realize that the DAC is one of the main determinants of the sound coming from a source. With an external DAC on your existing Denon as a transport, you would, essentially, have a new source (audibly anyway).

I'm out

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

How much for a decent DAC?

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

How much for a decent DAC?

For $96 plus some cables, you'd be extremely surprised what the DI/O could do for you:

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...threadid=38066

Maybe you could PM andrzejpw and ask him what he thinks of the one he borrowed before buying one of his own.

 

[TravelLite]

Quote:

Originally posted by Matthew-Spaltro How much for a decent DAC?

Channel Islands Audio

VDA-1 + VAC-1 = $508.00

TravelLite

 

[Solude]

Quote:

Originally posted by JMT My point of reference was my Arcam CD72t. The Arcam was extremely sharp with bass to die for.

What he said

I got an Arcam this afternoon and the Revo and my entire lossless collection is GONE. It was really a no contest, where the Music Hall and Revo were equals and not terribly exciting, the Arcam is a real joy. Hate to use the word but its a real fun player, its prat and musicality really come through.

So for me the Arcam is better than the Sony DVP-S7000, Marantz CD65SE, Classe CDP.5, Anthem CD1, Adcom GDA-700, Rotel RCD-991, Adcom GDD-1, Music Hall CD25, Sony CX335, Live! and finally the Revo, hehe

Oh forgot about the Aragon D2A2

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

How much $

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

Sorry. The 555es is calling my name.

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by JMT I wasn't too impressed with the redbook of my 555ES. My point of reference was my Arcam CD72t. My solution was to go with an outboard DAC (a Bel Canto DAC2). I felt the redbook of the 555 was a bit lifeless, with little dynamics. Whereas the Arcam was extremely sharp with bass to die for.

This is pretty much agreed upon - the stock 555es for redbook is nothing to write home about. However, there has been nothing but the best of praise for the modded 555es in both redbook and SACD.

-dd3mon

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon This is pretty much agreed upon - the stock 555es for redbook is nothing to write home about. However, there has been nothing but the best of praise for the modded 555es in both redbook and SACD. -dd3mon

Hmmmm. Then mayby I should think about putting a DAC on my Denon. Because I don't have the money for the mod right now. What would be the point of buying the 555es when it is only average for redbook and I don't have money for the mod? Jpelg is making alot of sense. Thanks jpelg

I owe you one.

 

[radrd]

Quote:

It was really a no contest, where the Music Hall and Revo were equals and not terribly exciting, the Arcam is a real joy. Hate to use the word but its a real fun player, its prat and musicality really come through.

I actually prefer the Music Hall to the Arcam CD72T. In my system, the Arcam was a little too harsh and not as musical as the Music Hall.

 

[pigmode]

Audio Note 2.1--its a little above your budget but you can save up. I haven't heard it but I want one. Unless, of course, you like the thin dry Sony sound.

I wouldn't mess with DACs. You need a better transport or a player with a better transport/ power supply.

Edit: You can get a Jolida for a great price over at AudioKarma.

 

[Tomcat]

Venus Hi-Fi in Indiana has a demo or used unit of the Audio Note CD3.1x on sale for 1,500 US$ (original retail price is 2,500 US$). At that price, its non-oversampling, digital-filterless musicality ought to cream the competition. Strongly recommended. I own one.