New DAC.... maybe?

[RunOutGroove]

Though I had kind of sworn off spending more money upgrading my system, I find myself with a bit of extra $$ and I'm considering some kind of upgrade, with a DAC possibly being my target. I'm kind of resigned to keeping my old Marantz 2270 receiver because even if it maybe isn't the most revealing high performing unit, it's by far the best that I've owned and I really like the functionality of it, not to mention the looks and I have to admit that I have a bit of a sentimental attachment to it. I like the sound of my Jamo c103 speakers (in combination with a 12" sealed port SVS sub) too, though I may at some point trade out the Quad 12L speakers that I use as remotes (they're good, but maybe not quite great and seem to lack a certain umph at low volumes, which is how I often listen to them)... so anyway with all of that in mind, the one thing that I'm most considering upgrading is my DAC...

I have a Schitt Modius DAC, which is the best sounding of a couple that I've had, but I wonder if I can get anything like a real improvement with something else and then how much would I have to spend to really notice? I wonder too if my Marantz receiver would be a limitation, so that I wouldn't really benefit from a far better DAC..? Maybe this amp just lacks the resolution to really show the finer differences of these things. Incidentally, I'd be using this for CDs primarily and not for USB (though that may come later). I've heard good things about the Denafrips Aries which would be in my preferred price range (even better if I could find one used) as it supposedly preferences tonal qualities over maximum detail, which appeals to me. Then again, if this one has a warmer sound, maybe something that's a bit crisper sounding would pair better with my old amp..?


Moderator note: [ quote ] tags removed to improve readability.

 

[Audiofreak71]

Ever thought of a streamer with a built in Dac? If you got one with a sabre Dac they are known for having a bit more detail and depending on the implementation they can be more on the crisp side of neutral.


Audiofreak71

 

[RunOutGroove]

Ever thought of a streamer with a built in Dac? If you got one with a sabre Dac they are known for having a bit more detail and depending on the implementation they can be more on the crisp side of neutral.


Audiofreak71

Homestly, I have so many CDs already and am still buying them, particularly because they tend to go for so cheap these days, that I haven't really considered streaming. I also have my TV hooked up to my audio system and running though my DAC so here and there if I want to hear some new thing that I've heard about, I'll surf to the Spotify or Amazon app on my TV and check out some music. This level of service admittedly comes with commercials and isn't quite CD level resolution (it does sound a bit flat, listening with critical ears) but is good enough for my purposes and doesn't require a streamer or any kind of subscription service. What I'm looking for is more max SQ than extra capability at this point and besides, I think that I'd rather go separates than an all in one thing so that down the road if I want to upgrade just one part of it I can do so without replacing the whole thing... and not invest more into it upfront.

 

[Audiofreak71]

Well a steamer can be used as a streamer and if it has a Dac you can compare with your existing one to see if you hear a change or not. Also you can get a streamer that you can rip all your cds to and consolidate all those discs yet still have them if you want to spin them occasionally.

You say you’re trying to get better sound so in order to do that you have to go out on a limb and experiment some. Streaming is easy and relatively cheap so it’s a win win. If you go and buy 15 cds a month at a dollar a piece that’s $15 , if you pay $15 for a streaming service you have access to hundred of thousands of music and you can listen to your hearts content rather than just the 15 albums you bought.

I don’t know exactly what you’re meaning about separates and an all in one steamer because many have them and separates and can upgrade when they want and not be stuck with one device. Anyway just thought I’d throw some options your way so that you can possibly improve your system.


Audiofreak71

 

[Akustic]

Homestly, I have so many CDs already and am still buying them, particularly because they tend to go for so cheap these days, that I haven't really considered streaming. I also have my TV hooked up to my audio system and running though my DAC so here and there if I want to hear some new thing that I've heard about, I'll surf to the Spotify or Amazon app on my TV and check out some music. This level of service admittedly comes with commercials and isn't quite CD level resolution (it does sound a bit flat, listening with critical ears) but is good enough for my purposes and doesn't require a streamer or any kind of subscription service. What I'm looking for is more max SQ than extra capability at this point and besides, I think that I'd rather go separates than an all in one thing so that down the road if I want to upgrade just one part of it I can do so without replacing the whole thing... and not invest more into it upfront.

IMO ..You're on the right track with separate pieces ..
There are a lot of ways to accomplish "streamed" music and a lot of different streaming services .. especially if you're just listening and not cataloguing music ..

I listen on fairly high res systems and even Spotify thru Bluetooth can approach CD quality resolution ..
I just use a laptop for the stream and separate DAC's through both usb hard-wired and Bluetooth connections to the DAC.

 

[Audiofreak71]

IMO ..You're on the right track with separate pieces ..
There are a lot of ways to accomplish "streamed" music and a lot of different streaming services .. especially if you're just listening and not cataloguing music ..

I listen on fairly high res systems and even Spotify thru Bluetooth can approach CD quality resolution ..
I just use a laptop for the stream and separate DAC's through both usb hard-wired and Bluetooth connections to the DAC.

I did it that way for years sounded really good but had no idea there was much more I was missing until I simplified things albeit with a high end streamer. Either way you go though I’ll give you guys a small secret to getting much better sound out of your streaming and that’s linear power supplies and as well to your router/modems.

P.S. and don’t skimp out on Ethernet cables either , they make a big difference.


Audiofreak71