What would be better in terms of sound quality (provided I get a fairly decent AV Receiver)? Am I correct in believing the analogue output of the AE is significantly worse in comparison to its optical out?
External DAC or AV Receiver for Airport Express
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And does anyone know of a streaming device that can play 24 bit? I've read that AE can't which is disappointing.
Yes, the DAC in the Airport Express is not great, and therefore the analogue out is best avoided. An external DAC is definitely the way to go.
I'm currently considering the DACMagic or iBasso D10 (both use the same Wolfson WM8740 DAC chip). I like the portability of the iBasso as I could take it to the office with me.
I'm still undecided and have been looking for reviews of the iBasso unit with limited success (found some user reviews on Head-fi). The DACMagic seems very well regarded.
I'm currently considering the DACMagic or iBasso D10 (both use the same Wolfson WM8740 DAC chip). I like the portability of the iBasso as I could take it to the office with me.
I'm still undecided and have been looking for reviews of the iBasso unit with limited success (found some user reviews on Head-fi). The DACMagic seems very well regarded.
professorhat
Well-known member
Well, it's going to entirely depend on the DAC present in the AV receiver. Clearly the same money spent on an external DAC will buy a better one than is present in the AV receiver.
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Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
tjsshanty:What would be better in terms of sound quality (provided I get a fairly decent AV Receiver)? Am I correct in believing the analogue output of the AE is significantly worse in comparison to its optical out?
Personally, I would only bother with an external DAC if you have a stereo amp. There will always be a compromise using an AV receiver. If you are that worried about your music, spend half the amount you were going to spend on the receiver and buy a stereo amp with it.
Out of interest, what is your budget and which speakers do you have?
Personally, I would only bother with an external DAC if you have a stereo amp. There will always be a compromise using an AV receiver. If you are that worried about your music, spend half the amount you were going to spend on the receiver and buy a stereo amp with it.
Out of interest, what is your budget and which speakers do you have?
Thanks for the advice. I have Kef iq5 se wired up to a Cambridge Audio 540 amp. I was considering, although I think the consensus is against it, selling up the amp and buying a similarly priced AV Receiver. In any case, I guess its probably not worth buying an AV just so I can use a digital input for AE. I just thought it could be a less expensive option.
The DACmagic looks great but I'm not sure I am willing to spend that amount on a DAC just yet.
I don't know.
Basically my problem is I am currently playing all digital music via a 4GB iPod; I listen to lossless music and so I constantly have to sync my iPod to get the music I want to hear.
Maybe I should just buy an external sound card and ditch the streaming idea. What do you guys think? I have been slightly put off by the fact that the AE doesn't play 24 bit.
Out of interest, how much difference will I be able to hear with my system between a DACmagic and a decent external soundcard?
The DACmagic looks great but I'm not sure I am willing to spend that amount on a DAC just yet.
I don't know.
Basically my problem is I am currently playing all digital music via a 4GB iPod; I listen to lossless music and so I constantly have to sync my iPod to get the music I want to hear.
Maybe I should just buy an external sound card and ditch the streaming idea. What do you guys think? I have been slightly put off by the fact that the AE doesn't play 24 bit.
Out of interest, how much difference will I be able to hear with my system between a DACmagic and a decent external soundcard?
Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
tjsshanty:
Thanks for the advice. I have Kef iq5 se wired up to a Cambridge Audio 540 amp. I was considering, although I think the consensus is against it, selling up the amp and buying a similarly priced AV Receiver. In any case, I guess its probably not worth buying an AV just so I can use a digital input for AE. I just thought it could be a less expensive option.
The DACmagic looks great but I'm not sure I am willing to spend that amount on a DAC just yet.
I don't know.
Basically my problem is I am currently playing all digital music via a 4GB iPod; I listen to lossless music and so I constantly have to sync my iPod to get the music I want to hear.
Maybe I should just buy an external sound card and ditch the streaming idea. What do you guys think? I have been slightly put off by the fact that the AE doesn't play 24 bit.
Out of interest, how much difference will I be able to hear with my system between a DACmagic and a decent external soundcard?
With respect, your amp will not bring out the best of what the DacMagic and lossless files can offer.
The DacMagic with the right speakers and amp would be a step up on most sound cards.
Thanks for the advice. I have Kef iq5 se wired up to a Cambridge Audio 540 amp. I was considering, although I think the consensus is against it, selling up the amp and buying a similarly priced AV Receiver. In any case, I guess its probably not worth buying an AV just so I can use a digital input for AE. I just thought it could be a less expensive option.
The DACmagic looks great but I'm not sure I am willing to spend that amount on a DAC just yet.
I don't know.
Basically my problem is I am currently playing all digital music via a 4GB iPod; I listen to lossless music and so I constantly have to sync my iPod to get the music I want to hear.
Maybe I should just buy an external sound card and ditch the streaming idea. What do you guys think? I have been slightly put off by the fact that the AE doesn't play 24 bit.
Out of interest, how much difference will I be able to hear with my system between a DACmagic and a decent external soundcard?
With respect, your amp will not bring out the best of what the DacMagic and lossless files can offer.
The DacMagic with the right speakers and amp would be a step up on most sound cards.
Of course. My amp is definitely the weak link in my system. I have been considering an upgrade. The V1 of the 840a is being discontinued at the moment so they are going (relatively) cheap at the moment; I've been considering it.
But really I think I'll just look into an external soundcard for the moment and investigate amp ugrades some other time (when I have some money to spend!).
With the 840a and my speakers do think the DACmagic would be worth the extra money? Just out of interest.
But really I think I'll just look into an external soundcard for the moment and investigate amp ugrades some other time (when I have some money to spend!).
With the 840a and my speakers do think the DACmagic would be worth the extra money? Just out of interest.
Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
tjsshanty:
Of course. My amp is definitely the weak link in my system. I have been considering an upgrade. The V1 of the 840a is being discontinued at the moment so they are going (relatively) cheap at the moment; I've been considering it.
But really I think I'll just look into an external soundcard for the moment and investigate amp ugrades some other time (when I have some money to spend!).
With the 840a and my speakers do think the DACmagic would be worth the extra money? Just out of interest.
I've not heard your speakers but I have the 840A v1 and it's brilliant - for the £399 RS are selling the last few for, if you can source one, get it! You would definitely notice a huge difference to your system.
Of course. My amp is definitely the weak link in my system. I have been considering an upgrade. The V1 of the 840a is being discontinued at the moment so they are going (relatively) cheap at the moment; I've been considering it.
But really I think I'll just look into an external soundcard for the moment and investigate amp ugrades some other time (when I have some money to spend!).
With the 840a and my speakers do think the DACmagic would be worth the extra money? Just out of interest.
I've not heard your speakers but I have the 840A v1 and it's brilliant - for the £399 RS are selling the last few for, if you can source one, get it! You would definitely notice a huge difference to your system.
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