Help with picking a DAC

[McFlapperDragon]

Hi all,

I’ve got a pair of Swan M200MKIII active speakers that are going on 15 years old now. They were previously paired with a Cambridge DacMagic, which unfortunately died a couple of years in.

I’m currently looking for a new DAC. I prefer investing in quality gear that aligns with my actual use, but I also like to leave some room for future upgrades.

My setup would primarily be PC and other digital audio sources (consoles, CD players, etc.) feeding into the DAC, then out to the speakers. I’d also like the option of Bluetooth with LDAC support.

At the moment, I’m considering two options:
– The Audiolab D9
– The Shanling SM1.3 DAC Streamer

While I appreciate good audio quality, I don’t have a deep technical understanding of how to optimise a setup like this, so I’m open to insights and suggestions.

One thing I’ve noted is that the Shanling seems to be region locked for 120–220V. I’m based in Australia where mains voltage is typically 230–240V. I believe 220V devices usually operate fine here, but I’d really appreciate clarification from someone more knowledgeable on that front.

I’m leaning slightly toward a streamer since I use Tidal, but if the D9 would provide a noticeably better experience, I’m happy to invest in that instead.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Integralista]

Hi, I think Audiolab M9 with streamer integrated and high quality volume control is match made in heaven for your active speakers. Highly recommended! BR.

 

[McFlapperDragon]

Hi, I think Audiolab M9 with streamer integrated and high quality volume control is match made in heaven for your active speakers. Highly recommended! BR.

Don't suppose you have a link? Can't seem to find it online

 

[Gray]

....a Cambridge DacMagic, which unfortunately died a couple of years in.

That is more than unfortunate.
It's not really good enough*

...if the D9 would provide a noticeably better experience, I’m happy to invest in that instead.

There will likely be an audible difference - though it may not be significant - or even better. (Newer / more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better).

* Personally I wouldn't be happy to accept the situation with the DacMagic.
Don't know about Oz, but here in the UK there's an unofficial rule that an item should be 'fit for purpose' for at least 6 years.

It may just be a simple fault.
Cambridge Audio (or their local distributor) might like the opportunity to restore your faith.
Maybe you've got spare money and just want a change.
I wouldn't.
You were probably perfectly happy with what you had - 2 years life is not good enough.
You asked for advice 😉

 

[McFlapperDragon]

That is more than unfortunate.
It's not really good enough*

There will likely be an audible difference - though it may not be significant - or even better. (Newer / more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better).

* Personally I wouldn't be happy to accept the situation with the DacMagic.
Don't know about Oz, but here in the UK there's an unofficial rule that an item should be 'fit for purpose' for at least 6 years.

It may just be a simple fault.
Cambridge Audio (or their local distributor) might like the opportunity to restore your faith.
Maybe you've got spare money and just want a change.
I wouldn't.
You were probably perfectly happy with what you had - 2 years life is not good enough.
You asked for advice 😉

Yeah it died 14 years ago now, had a avionics tech look at it then ended up shelving and eventually binning it. I should have got in contact with Cambridge.

But time for something new 🙂

 

[Gray]

Yeah it died 14 years ago now, had a avionics tech look at it then ended up shelving and eventually binning it. I should have got in contact with Cambridge.

But time for something new 🙂

...in that case.
Try the D9.

D9

Audiolab has long been synonymous with high-fidelity digital audio conversion, pushing the boundaries of DAC technology since the groundbreaking M-DAC and followed by the longstanding M-DAC+. Building upon this rich heritage, the D9 represents a new era of audiophile-grade digital-to-analogue...

www.audiolab.co.uk

 

[McFlapperDragon]

Yeah its one I've been looking at, but then the shanling caught my eye.

Don't suppose anyones got an opinion on the Fiio R9? Also looks nice, however the vertical placement would prevent me from placing it under my monitor stand.