Le Monstre Class A 8W
Tannoy M3
Tannoy M3
Thanks, was just wondering if the rest of the system was revealing enough to notice a difference.
It often seems to be the issue when someone states they cannot hear a difference.
It's a modest system but it's pretty good. The tannoys are considered average speakers even though I find them good.
The amp was built by my dad who was an electronician by trade and huge audiophile. Searched very hard to find the proper components to build
Le monstre. A simple design highly dependant on the quality and synergy of the transistors.
Quality wise it's very similar to the yamaha ca-800, though less powerful with a slightly more relaxed sound. It has great transparency with good bass extension.
What I'm finding out is that the DAC plays a minor role when one tries to improve the sound quality of his system. Better off saving that money to get a better amp and speakers.
The amp was built by my dad who was an electronician by trade and huge audiophile. Searched very hard to find the proper components to build
Le monstre. A simple design highly dependant on the quality and synergy of the transistors.
Quality wise it's very similar to the yamaha ca-800, though less powerful with a slightly more relaxed sound. It has great transparency with good bass extension.
What I'm finding out is that the DAC plays a minor role when one tries to improve the sound quality of his system. Better off saving that money to get a better amp and speakers.
To be clear, it is your contention that amplifiers play a greater role in the sound of one's system than do DACs?
I have not found this to be the case, at least not on a consistent basis.
I don't have any doubt anymore. If I compare le Monstre or a Yamaha ca-800 to a Yamaha A-S1100 which is considered a good amp. there is no doubt that they sound much nicer. Smoother, clearer, better balanced. I could never make the A-S1100 sound as good as those using the most expensive DAC in the world.
Obviously when one has already invested in an amp, pre-amp, speakers, the easiest part to upgrade is the DAC so I understand the obsession over DACs but in my opinion and I respect diverging opinions on the matter, it's the equivalent of being penny wise pound foolish.
I have no DAC obsession. I just happen to own three different DACs (multiple systems), and have owned several others in the earlier days of stand-alone DACs.
I have found notable differences in the quality and design of DAC power supplies and analog sections. They seem similar to active preamps in this regard (to me, anyway), with similar influence on final stage amplification.
I have found notable differences in the quality and design of DAC power supplies and analog sections. They seem similar to active preamps in this regard (to me, anyway), with similar influence on final stage amplification.
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yes, +1 for @spark1 comments. the DAC can make a bigger difference than changing out the amp, especially if a person makes a really big jump in DACs.
so what should I buy?
How much money needs to be spent?
Dac makes a greater different than an amp? That is nonsense. Such comment makes it seem as if you haven't listened to many amps.
One has to wonder why some people would spend big money to upgrade their amp when they only have to change their dac...
How much money needs to be spent?
Dac makes a greater different than an amp? That is nonsense. Such comment makes it seem as if you haven't listened to many amps.
One has to wonder why some people would spend big money to upgrade their amp when they only have to change their dac...
You should keep what you have. Or upgrade your amp and speakers; that's where there appears to be the greatest potential for improvement in your system.
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Give me a recomandation. You can't just say that DAcs makes a notable difference and not provide me with a worthy DAC or else you don't believe a word of what you preach
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Can I suggest you go and listen to some DACs? Then you can decide for yourself; you seem very sure of your ability to sense different component sound, so I'm sure you will have no problem finding a DAC you like the sound of.
Insisting that the possibility that a source might have a significant impact on sound is 'nonsense' is a fairly bold statement...
I have and I don't see all the fuss. You guys seem to know what is great. So I'd like to know. What would you recommand?
You should read more carefully. I said that claiming that DACs have more impact than an amp is non sense. Not that DACs do not impact the sound. There is nothing bold or outrageous about that comment.
According to you guys, I can take a 200e Denon amp, put an 2k DAC and it will sound better than a 1k amp with 100e DAC. Really?
JoeESP9
ESL's & tubes since 83
It would help a great deal if you would be so kind as to let us know what country you reside in. The availability of gear, used and new, varies greatly from continent to continent.
FWIW: The term "electronician" is not really a word in English.
AudioAvarice
Super Member
The amount you spend on equipment is no indication of performance, especially when the second hand market comes into play. Most well designed amps will sound similar (barring tubes), the most important factor concerning the amp is can it drive your speakers well, the quality of the DAC (or any other source) will have more of a impact on the overall sound of the system, the speakers, and room having the largest imo.
charles 1973
Super Member
I think there are too many variables to make a blanket concerning cheap vs expensive DAC's.
What I did learn is that all my presumptuous about digital music have taken a u-turn when I compared the optional DAC module in my 13 year old Bryston B100SST integrated amp to the DAC in my brand new multi-award winning $1,800 CAD network music streamer.
I can listen to CD's using the same transport through the streamers DAC and in fact it does sound as good as the reviews suggest. But once I switch to the Brystons DAC for a while the fine one in the streamer sounds ordinary. Soundstage opens up, Mico acoustics are razor sharp, Bass is much more taught. Drumers sound like there playing right there in the room. Even internet radio is presentable, and Spotify Premium sounds great, despite not being the last word in HD streaming.
I'd like to think we can there for less then the $3,500 CDN the Bryston stand alone DAC sells for.
What I did learn is that all my presumptuous about digital music have taken a u-turn when I compared the optional DAC module in my 13 year old Bryston B100SST integrated amp to the DAC in my brand new multi-award winning $1,800 CAD network music streamer.
I can listen to CD's using the same transport through the streamers DAC and in fact it does sound as good as the reviews suggest. But once I switch to the Brystons DAC for a while the fine one in the streamer sounds ordinary. Soundstage opens up, Mico acoustics are razor sharp, Bass is much more taught. Drumers sound like there playing right there in the room. Even internet radio is presentable, and Spotify Premium sounds great, despite not being the last word in HD streaming.
I'd like to think we can there for less then the $3,500 CDN the Bryston stand alone DAC sells for.
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Spotify Premium is not even the first word in HD streaming!
I agree that some DACs are more enjoyable than others.
charles 1973
Super Member
Spotify Premium is not even the first word in HD streaming!
Precisely my piont, and it sounds great through the Bryston DAC, Imagine what Qobuz would sound like. That said CD's do sound better, but sometimes the convience is worth it.
The point is digital music done right can sound superb.
While hardly inexpensive, the Marantz CD6007 CD player w/usb for music from a thumb drive looks like a fine balance between quality sound and affordability at $1,000 CAD.
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onepixel
.
The new iPhone 14 Pro's built-in DAC sounds pretty darn good using the Lightning to 3.5mm adaptor. The Dolby Atmos is probably partially responsible. The sound isn't as vibrant or have depth straight from my older MacBook Pro's 3.5mm jack.
I was considering an external DAC/headphone amp for my desktop system, but will hear what happens after I upgrade to a new Mac.
My main system with a Cary Audio tube pre-amp had an old, cheap Entech DAC plugged in and it made a nice difference. But I don't sit and critically listen to it much anymore.
I was considering an external DAC/headphone amp for my desktop system, but will hear what happens after I upgrade to a new Mac.
My main system with a Cary Audio tube pre-amp had an old, cheap Entech DAC plugged in and it made a nice difference. But I don't sit and critically listen to it much anymore.
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Isn't that adaptor actually a DAC?
https://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/lightning-adapter-audio-quality.htm
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