My $50 DAC
- Thread starter AlleyKat
- Start date
AlleyKat
Super Member
30 Day Status Report on the $50 DAC
Today marks one month of “fairly regular usage” so, according to the manual, the DAC has burned-in and reached optimal levels of performance. Throughout the month , I left the analog outputs of the CD/DVD player connected so that I could switch back and forth between the internal DAC (24bit/96 audio DAC according to Njörðr Nóatún) and the 20bit Entech 203.2.
There was an immediate improvement in CD sound quality with the Entech. The difference became much more pronounced after the initial 24 hour burn-in, with gradual and continuing improvement as time passed. In particular, the highs showed the most improvement over the period. Initially, they were a bit metallic, almost brassy. Over the month, they opened up, bringing additional depth to the sound stage. The mids were very good from the start, but have opened up as well. A little change in bass is noted, becoming more musical over time.
I set out to really listen today with a selection of favorite music: Robert Randolph and the Family Band’s Live at the Wetlands; Madreblu’s Necessità; Tutto Fellini (Nino Rota’s film soundtracks); and Nucleus’s Elastic Rock. On every single track, the Entech performed far, far better than the internal DAC.
One of the most striking improvements was noted on Madreblu’s album. With the external DAC Raffaella Destefano’s silky vocals purr from the speakers. Live at the Wetlands charges out into the room with all the energy and image of the live performance. Nino Rota’s work for Fellini has always been a self-indulgence and, with the DAC there is so much more depth, clarity and separation of the individual instruments that I am receiving threats regarding its frequency of play. Quite possibly my favorite album, Nucleus’s Elastic Rock has been a revelation. I was able to purchase a limited edition (2500) re-mastered CD of this album. I have a vinyl collection of Nucleus going back to 1970, which includes an import copy of Elastic Rock. For the first time on my system, I now have a CD that actually sounds as good as ( and maybe, just maybe a little better than) the vinyl.
There is simply no real comparison between the sound quality produced with the 20-bit Entech and that produced with the 24-bit internal DAC of the Panasonic. When I switch directly between the two, there is a loss of at least 60% of the bass, highs, clarity and imaging when the internal DAC is used. I’d have to spend lot more than $50 buying a quality dedicated CD player to match what the Entech has done for my system.
Today marks one month of “fairly regular usage” so, according to the manual, the DAC has burned-in and reached optimal levels of performance. Throughout the month , I left the analog outputs of the CD/DVD player connected so that I could switch back and forth between the internal DAC (24bit/96 audio DAC according to Njörðr Nóatún) and the 20bit Entech 203.2.
There was an immediate improvement in CD sound quality with the Entech. The difference became much more pronounced after the initial 24 hour burn-in, with gradual and continuing improvement as time passed. In particular, the highs showed the most improvement over the period. Initially, they were a bit metallic, almost brassy. Over the month, they opened up, bringing additional depth to the sound stage. The mids were very good from the start, but have opened up as well. A little change in bass is noted, becoming more musical over time.
I set out to really listen today with a selection of favorite music: Robert Randolph and the Family Band’s Live at the Wetlands; Madreblu’s Necessità; Tutto Fellini (Nino Rota’s film soundtracks); and Nucleus’s Elastic Rock. On every single track, the Entech performed far, far better than the internal DAC.
One of the most striking improvements was noted on Madreblu’s album. With the external DAC Raffaella Destefano’s silky vocals purr from the speakers. Live at the Wetlands charges out into the room with all the energy and image of the live performance. Nino Rota’s work for Fellini has always been a self-indulgence and, with the DAC there is so much more depth, clarity and separation of the individual instruments that I am receiving threats regarding its frequency of play. Quite possibly my favorite album, Nucleus’s Elastic Rock has been a revelation. I was able to purchase a limited edition (2500) re-mastered CD of this album. I have a vinyl collection of Nucleus going back to 1970, which includes an import copy of Elastic Rock. For the first time on my system, I now have a CD that actually sounds as good as ( and maybe, just maybe a little better than) the vinyl.
There is simply no real comparison between the sound quality produced with the 20-bit Entech and that produced with the 24-bit internal DAC of the Panasonic. When I switch directly between the two, there is a loss of at least 60% of the bass, highs, clarity and imaging when the internal DAC is used. I’d have to spend lot more than $50 buying a quality dedicated CD player to match what the Entech has done for my system.
riverrat
professional camper
Well I finally got my system hooked up with the number cruncher in the loop.
I do not have a well trained ear for this stuff, and have not listened to a wide range of gear. But I do notice a pretty significant increase in sound quality with the new DAC, even though I'm pretty sure my CDP is a couple years newer than the DAC.
I guess I would have to say the sound is overall smoother and more detailed, less harsh.
Sansui AU-D11 Mk II amp
Sony SCD-222 ES CDP
Entech Number Cruncher 203.2 DAC
Totem Sttaf speakers
Radio Shack "Premium" bulk speaker wire
Radio Shack "Gold" coaxial cable
MCM "High Res" interconnects (These)
I do not have a well trained ear for this stuff, and have not listened to a wide range of gear. But I do notice a pretty significant increase in sound quality with the new DAC, even though I'm pretty sure my CDP is a couple years newer than the DAC.
I guess I would have to say the sound is overall smoother and more detailed, less harsh.
Sansui AU-D11 Mk II amp
Sony SCD-222 ES CDP
Entech Number Cruncher 203.2 DAC
Totem Sttaf speakers
Radio Shack "Premium" bulk speaker wire
Radio Shack "Gold" coaxial cable
MCM "High Res" interconnects (These)
m1.5tman
Active Member
I just recently read a review of an Entech that was included in an auction for one. The reviewer states that the Entech runs 3db hotter than other sources making it "sound" better due to it being louder. He goes on to say that, to properly compare it to other sources, one needs to match the outputs of the components.
AlleyKat
Super Member
QUOTE]
Well, 24 hours have passed and the DAC is HUMMIN' There is a soundstage and articulation present in my system for CD's that just was never there before! One thing I have noticed is that, after burn-in, the DAC does seem to add gain to the circuit. [/QUOTE]
The amplification difference was quite apparent from the initial hook up.
Well, 24 hours have passed and the DAC is HUMMIN' There is a soundstage and articulation present in my system for CD's that just was never there before! One thing I have noticed is that, after burn-in, the DAC does seem to add gain to the circuit. [/QUOTE]
The amplification difference was quite apparent from the initial hook up.
AlleyKat said:
I currently have the Entech hooked up, through my pre, so that I can A/B against the output from my Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000, with upsampler, and the Entech, with the push of a button. The Ah! has a 2.5V output. The level sounds the same when switching back and forth. The Entech manual states a 2.5V output, also.
EasyRiderNYC
Tubed
Now I'm Intrigued. Sony Discman circa 1990!
I currently use a Sony Discman circa 1990 That I found in a desk drawer! It is plugged into my Mcintosh c28 pre amp which is plugged into my Mcintosh mc2505 amp which is then plugged into a pair of Klipsch Heresy's type I (The Mcintosh's and Heresy's have been serviced recently). It actially sounds decent. although i need an upgrade.
I currently use a Sony Discman circa 1990 That I found in a desk drawer! It is plugged into my Mcintosh c28 pre amp which is plugged into my Mcintosh mc2505 amp which is then plugged into a pair of Klipsch Heresy's type I (The Mcintosh's and Heresy's have been serviced recently). It actially sounds decent. although i need an upgrade.
A prerequisiste for any DAC is that the CD player must support digital outputs... whether through an optical or coax (RCA) connection.
If you are asking whether a DAC will connect to the standard stereo RCA outputs... the answer is no. Those are analog outputs.
If you are asking whether a DAC will connect to the standard stereo RCA outputs... the answer is no. Those are analog outputs.
Last edited by a moderator:
EasyRiderNYC
Tubed
DAC and older Preamp.
will this DAC work well with an old pre amp?
will this DAC work well with an old pre amp?
EasyRiderNYC
Tubed
OPPO DV-970HD Universal DVD Player
has anyone used this player?
The player:
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd.html
http://www.audaud.com/article.php?ArticleID=1701
http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdproductreviews/gr/oppodv970hds.htm
has anyone used this player?
The player:
http://www.oppodigital.com/dv970hd/dv970hd.html
http://www.audaud.com/article.php?ArticleID=1701
http://hometheater.about.com/od/dvdproductreviews/gr/oppodv970hds.htm
EasyRiderNYC
Tubed
192kHz/24 bit DAC built in?
what about a 24 bit?
what about a 24 bit?
AlleyKat
Super Member
From other another poster on this thread, I learned that my DVD/CD player"s internal DAC is 24-bit, higher than the 20-bit Entech. However, the Entech simply blows the internal DAC away in terms of the quality of sound produced. I would think that the results may vary widely, depending upon the specific build quality of your internal DAC (sounds like a pharmaceutical commercial). :scratch2:
EasyRiderNYC
Tubed
OPPO DV-970HD Universal DVD Player
the oppo used a 24 bit/192 KHz Cirrus Logic 4360 DAC.
the oppo used a 24 bit/192 KHz Cirrus Logic 4360 DAC.