Todd R
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2001
- Posts
- 4,220
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- 136
I recently got an early 2006 Desktop amp with the Desktop power supply.
It has the "Max" Amp module with the older buffers and the "Home" Dac.
Thinking about an upgrade, but not sure which option would be best.
Using my Marantz SA-11S1 CD player as a source and Sennheiser HD-650 with Cardas recable.
Currently, I get better sound using the analog inputs on the amp rather than the digital inputs.
IOW, the DAC in my Marantz is much better than the "Home" DAC in the Desktop.
I have a few options.
1. Do nothing and use it as is. Cheapest thing I can do.
Downsides:
I have to climb behind the rack & swap cables when I want to listen to speakers.
I don't have the latest "Diamond" buffers in the amp module that are supposed to sound better.
I have a DAC that I paid money for and don't use.
2. Send the amp in for an upgrade to a Max Dac.
Downside: Costs $500 and I still won't have the latest amp buffers.
3. Buy a new Ultra Desktop and sell the 06 with the Astrodyne. Keep the Desktop Power supply for the Ultra.
Concern: Will the Max Dac be as good or better than the Marantz Dac?
Downside: Cost and hassle of selling the 06.
4. Buy new Balanced Ultra Desktop (the Marantz has single ended & balanced outputs). Keep Desktop power supply. Sell the 06 with the Astrodyne.
Downside: Cost and hassle of selling the 06, buying balanced interconnects, reteminating the headpone cable.
So...
Anyone have an idea of which option would be my best choice?
TIA
TR
It has the "Max" Amp module with the older buffers and the "Home" Dac.
Thinking about an upgrade, but not sure which option would be best.
Using my Marantz SA-11S1 CD player as a source and Sennheiser HD-650 with Cardas recable.
Currently, I get better sound using the analog inputs on the amp rather than the digital inputs.
IOW, the DAC in my Marantz is much better than the "Home" DAC in the Desktop.
I have a few options.
1. Do nothing and use it as is. Cheapest thing I can do.
Downsides:
I have to climb behind the rack & swap cables when I want to listen to speakers.
I don't have the latest "Diamond" buffers in the amp module that are supposed to sound better.
I have a DAC that I paid money for and don't use.
2. Send the amp in for an upgrade to a Max Dac.
Downside: Costs $500 and I still won't have the latest amp buffers.
3. Buy a new Ultra Desktop and sell the 06 with the Astrodyne. Keep the Desktop Power supply for the Ultra.
Concern: Will the Max Dac be as good or better than the Marantz Dac?
Downside: Cost and hassle of selling the 06.
4. Buy new Balanced Ultra Desktop (the Marantz has single ended & balanced outputs). Keep Desktop power supply. Sell the 06 with the Astrodyne.
Downside: Cost and hassle of selling the 06, buying balanced interconnects, reteminating the headpone cable.
So...
Anyone have an idea of which option would be my best choice?
TIA
TR