[Ogu]

Do you know a good stereo-only amplifier/receiver with digital inputs, so I can use its DAC for playing CDs throught digital output ?

I don't want to pay for Dolby Digital, surround modes, 5 channels, and so on, because I just don't need these features.

I have done some search but I haven't found something suitable.
My price range would be no more than 300$ if such a thing exists.

Thanks

edit : sorry, wrong category...

 

[princeclassic]

it would probably be cheaper to just buy a better cd player with better DACs

 

[Ogu]

Ok, it could, but I need a new amp and I already have a CD player.

 

[soundboy]

I seriously doubt such a receiver exist. All of the stereo receivers I've seen recently (from the likes of NAD, Yamaha, Onkyo, Rotel, Sherwood, Sony, and HK) are analog. No DACs inside at all. On the other hand, you always use a surround sound receiver and leave it in stereo mode. I just purchased a Sherwood 6108 surround sound receiver (with 3 digital inputs) that features a Crystal Semiconductor chip that will even sample at 24/96kHz. The cost? US$80.00 + tax. Brand new in box with full factory warranty.

 

[kartik]

Quote:

Originally posted by soundboy I seriously doubt such a receiver exist. All of the stereo receivers I've seen recently (from the likes of NAD, Yamaha, Onkyo, Rotel, Sherwood, Sony, and HK) are analog. No DACs inside at all. On the other hand, you always use a surround sound receiver and leave it in stereo mode. I just purchased a Sherwood 6108 surround sound receiver (with 3 digital inputs) that features a Crystal Semiconductor chip that will even sample at 24/96kHz. The cost? US$80.00 + tax. Brand new in box with full factory warranty.

Not true!

There are at least two integrated amps with extremely high resolution upsampling DACs from Sharp. They retail for $4499 and $ 15,000 respectivelyalthough you could probably get one of the cheaper ones for about $500-1000 on Audiogon now that it is out of production. The downside to this is that it only accepts redbook input 16-bit 44/48/32 Khz. It will not accept any 24-bit or 20-bit digital inputs. It is a wonderfully analytical amp with great neutrality and transparency. The reason I know is that I actually have one. I know that Xanadu777 (another headfi member) bought 3 of these in a special sale and is probably going to put them up for sale. pm him if you are interested.

 

[kartik]

I've used the amp both with a crappy player and with a really high end player and it sounds absolutely fantastic.

 

[soundboy]

Thanks, kartik!

I have seen these Sharp amps, and from all indications, they sound fantastic.

 

[lini]

Ogu: The only integrated amp with dac currently in production I'm aware of is the Marantz PS 17 - rather expensive (~ 2500 Euro). But there were quite a few others, which you could look for on the used market: Marantz PM 95, Akai AM-95 & AM-M939, Pioneer A-91D for example...

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini