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Can Someone Recommend a DAC Please?

realjimjim

realjimjim

Well-Known Member
We just got a LG flatscreen TV . . . which will not play through our 2 channel stereo system. We've been told we need a DAC for it.

After a search we're puzzled at all the different ones and price ranges.

Can someone please make some recommendation on some models please?
 
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You didn't mention a budget, so I'll relate that the absolute best DAC I've ever heard is the Berkeley Alpha DAC. It's not cheap, but IMHO, sounds better that any of the others, including those that cost 2 or 3 times as much.

If you are on a budget, and can diy, then the Twisted Pear Buffalo DAC is pretty amazing and offers considerable value and performance.

Best Regards,
TerryO
 
You'll probably want something that can decode Dolby Digital signals. That's especially true with many newer HDTVs, which often will send only a Dolby Digital stream out of their optical/toslink outputs. That's true of my LG 55-inch LCD HDTV, if I recall correctly. It may be true for your LG HDTV, too.

An old Technics SH-AC300D or SH-AC500D will do here, providing DAC and Dolby decoding in a single device -- and they can be found for cheap if you watch eBay. Many other manufacturers made similar devices.
 
Crotalus said:
That's a darn good price on a nice looking DAC.:thmbsp: I was gonna say Musical Fidelity V-DAC II until I saw that one!

If you want something super cheap that will do the job and sound decent, IMHO, this is a good option. http://www.fiio.com.cn/product/index.aspx?ID=33&MenuID=020302
If you want more audiophile sound, see above.
Click to expand...

This looks like just what we need!

http://www.fiio.com.cn/upfile/File/2011/20110511162549.pdf

http://www.fiio.com.cn/upfile/File/2011/20110829112929.pdf

But it looks like we may need to get some special cables???

What other cable/s do you think we'll need to use this besides my standard RCA to stereo cables?

Thanks a million!!!
 
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realjimjim said:
We just got a LG flatscreen TV . . . which will not play through our 2 channel stereo system. We've been told we need a DAC for it.

After a search we're puzzled at all the different ones and price ranges.

Can someone please make some recommendation on some models please?
Click to expand...

First off, you should be able to use your TVs analogue outputs to the high level input on our 2-channel system. You may need to go into the TVs menu to turn off the speakers to use the analogue output on the back. I've used it this way for years.

That being said I've also used the TV's optical output to a DAC, and from the DAC's analogue output to your 2-channel rig. I've got better sound this way.

The Musical Fidelity V-Dac is a good budget DAC for about $250.
 
realjimjim said:
We just got a LG flatscreen TV . . . which will not play through our 2 channel stereo system. We've been told we need a DAC for it.

After a search we're puzzled at all the different ones and price ranges.

Can someone please make some recommendation on some models please?
Click to expand...

Without knowing exactly what you have for your setup,this may or may not help you.

If you are using a separate source for your tv viewing (cable box,sat,etc.) you could always take the analog audio output from that and ship it to your stereo.
 
mjcmt said:
First off, you should be able to use your TVs analogue outputs to the high level input on our 2-channel system. You may need to go into the TVs menu to turn off the speakers to use the analogue output on the back. I've used it this way for years.
Click to expand...

Most TV manufacturer's are leaving the analog output off their newer TV's which seems to be the case with the original poster. I have the same issue with my 2 year old Panny....no analog outs.
 
Crotalus said:
Most TV manufacturer's are leaving the analog output off their newer TV's which seems to be the case with the original poster. I have the same issue with my 2 year old Panny....no analog outs.
Click to expand...

Interesting information.:sigh: My less than 1 year old Sony has them and I use them. I wouldn't want a TV without it, for the flexibility.
 
So glad this question was asked. My friend is in a similar situation and I was just going to start a thread when I noted this one! Thanks realjimjim.
 
I use my TV as a video monitor only. The audio originates from the cable box. The analog audio from the cable box is connected to my HT receiver. Just connect it to a line level input on your 2 channel amp and turn off the speakers in the TV. I don't use any audio connections to or from my TV.
 
realjimjim said:
This looks like just what we need!

http://www.fiio.com.cn/upfile/File/2011/20110511162549.pdf

http://www.fiio.com.cn/upfile/File/2011/20110829112929.pdf

But it looks like we may need to get some special cables???

What other cable/s do you think we'll need to use this besides my standard RCA to stereo cables?

Thanks a million!!!
Click to expand...

I don't recall if someone mentioned it already, but if the TV puts out a Dolby Digital signal on the digital output a DAC intended for use with PCM signal (which is virtually all 2-ch audio DACs) will NOT work.

Be sure to check to see if your TV will allow you to set it to output/downmix to 2-ch PCM otherwise you may be disappointed in what happens with a plain old stereo DAC.
 
Yes, I mentioned that above (post # 5), but no one seems to have paid attention. Thanks for the reminder.
 
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