cambridge 840c (would i need a dac)

[admin_exported]

In the future i will ripping my cds and getting my music from my computer, i know by reading the forums that the sound will be inproved by a dac, am i right in thinking that the 740 or 840c will let me channel the music through so i can use the on board dac, or will i need a seperate dac, thanks.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

If your computer has digital-out then fine. If it only has 3.5mm analog jacks, you will need an external USB soundcard with digital-out...

 

[matthewpiano]

No seperate DAC needed. The 740C and 840C both have digital inputs. (As long as you have a digital output from your laptop)

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys iam i right in thinking the dac in the 840 is better than the dacmagic.

 

[John Duncan]

I think the chips are the same, but that the upsampling is better in the 840. In practice the difference would be slight (certainly in cost differential terms anyway).

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks i think i might wait until the 940 comes out and buy the 840 combo a bit cheaper, also looking at the s/ box duet, should do the nicely.

 

[vinod_david]

Really 940 is due, is it ? 😱

 

[Anonymous]

Taiking to a guy in richer sounds the other day day and he seemed top think so, and he works there.

 

[Anonymous]

JohnDuncan:I think the chips are the same, but that the upsampling is better in the 840. In practice the difference would be slight (certainly in cost differential terms anyway).

True, but you could say the same about the Cyrus DAC-X or even a Chord 64!

OP - I would stream via an Airport Express into your digital in on the cdp. Would get awesome results (imo will be better than DAC Magic, however slight). This way you wont need your pc near the stereo. Cost would be GBP 65 + an optical cable with a mini jack. Bargain.

 

[Anonymous]

I have owned a 740C, 840C, and the DacMagic. The DacMagic is pretty much as good as the dac in the 740C. The dac in the 840C is much better to my ears. Please do make sure you get the latest firmware for the 840C as there was a clock synch issue with older versions between the Airport Express and the 840C DAC. Like JohnDuncan says, Airport express optical into the 840C works best. the 840C is a great combo of CD player and good DAC. For that price its hard to find a better DAC. The next level up would be the Cyrus DACX in my view.

I have now sold all kit and ordered the ADM 9.1's......

 

[John Duncan]

thfcwestlower:
JohnDuncan:I think the chips are the same, but that the upsampling is better in the 840. In practice the difference would be slight (certainly in cost differential terms anyway).

True, but you could say the same about the Cyrus DAC-X or even a Chord 64!

OP - I would stream via an Airport Express into your digital in on the cdp. Would get awesome results (imo will be better than DAC Magic, however slight). This way you wont need your pc near the stereo. Cost would be GBP 65 + an optical cable with a mini jack. Bargain.

Indeed, I just wanted to posit that you needn't get too angsty deciding between the two sonically - comes down to money and whether you need a disc player, as opposed to overwhelming superiority of one DAC over the other. Yeah the 840C is better (generalising), but whether it's 550 quid better only the OP can judge.

 

[Anonymous]

Dont think there will be a 940 range out anytime soon as the 840E and 840W have only really just got onto the market this would be pointless to bring them out now also they have just released a whole new mini system, speaker and soon to be blueray range so there hands are a little bit full.... But a new 640 (there midrage budget Amp and CD Player) might just be in the making.

ÿ

Also the DAC in the 740c and 840c is actualy better than just the DACMagic so this way you have the better CD player and the Better DAC.

ÿ

nick46:Thanks i think i might wait until the 940 comes out and buy the 840 combo a bit cheaper, also looking at the s/ box duet, should do the nicely.