Need a DAC - Advice Please ?

[admin_exported]

Hi All,

I am looking to improve the sound of the MP3 / FLAC files coming out of my Computer into my hifi. I have the following :

Denon AVR3802
Arcam Alpha 8P
B&W 603 S2's
Arcam Alpha 8SE CD

I am happy with the sound I get from playing CD's but unfortunately, the sound I currently get from the Computer is rubbish in comparison.

Having researched on Google, it seems the answer is to go down the DAC route, but obviously there are numerous solutions out there such as :

DACMagic
Arcam rDAC
REGA DAC

Would anyone have any suggestions what would be a suitable solution to match my system without having to take out a mortgage ?

What I really would like is to get a sound close to the Arcam from the PC.

Some would say to go for the Arcam rDAC, but I have read mixed reviews.

Many thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Simon,

If you dont fancy taking out a mortgage then the HRT Music Streamer II is really great value for money. It has only got a USB input and is USB powered as well so no adaptors.

It sounds great with Spotify premium, but really excells when the music is in lossless format. Recently I have dabled my toe in listening to some High resolution music which I get from HD tracks and the sound quality is nothing short of magical. I only wish they had more choise.

Got luck with your search. If you need more inputs then look else where. Maybe the Beresford Caiman Gatorised which is also very good value for money.

cheers

 

[audioaffair]

As a simple DAC solution the M1 DAC from Musical Fidelity with a Wireworld USB cable takes some beating for PC audio - adding the M1 HPA for headphones and other matching bits later on adds up to an impressive mini sized system that sits very well with PC streamed audio. Look out also for the M1 CliC due out soon which promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

 

[Anonymous]

Whats the Optical / Coaxial Quality like compared to USB ? It is not really an option to use USB as my receiver is over the other side of the room to my PC.

I read somewhere that the M1 produces a slightly bright sound or is that a load of twaddle ?

 

[caesar44]

The DacMagic its a nice dac...brings the magic to a pc.

 

[audioaffair]

Whats the Optical / Coaxial Quality like compared to USB ? It is not really an option to use USB as my receiver is over the other side of the room to my PC.

I read somewhere that the M1 produces a slightly bright sound or is that a load of twaddle ?

Not a massive difference between USB and Optical/Coaxial inputs - you're mostly paying for the quality of the DAC itself which is superb.

 

[CustomCable]

To be honest I don't agree with running USB straight into the M1 DAC, it's a great DAC using Coaxial or Optical but the rDAC is better over USB. If you want a decent setup then my suggestion would definately go for an M1 DAC but purchase a V-Link to piggy back the M1 DAC and convert USB to S/PDIF. Offering 0 Jitter and an amazing sound. If you're after the one box solution then the Rega DAC.

 

[Anonymous]

One thing I would like to know is whether the fact that I have an onboard sound card will make any difference ?

In another forum, I am getting real grief over the fact that my Denon is not telling me what the sample rate is and that it is all my computers fault, and that I shouldn't buy a DAC !

Surely the whole point of a DAC is to take a signal and process it prior to it hitting your hifi equipment ?

Can I assume that there is not a lot of difference in sound quality between the Rega and M1, and that it is just down to price ?

 

[Anonymous]

One thing I would like to know is whether the fact that I have an onboard sound card will make any difference ?

In another forum, I am getting real grief over the fact that my Denon is not telling me what the sample rate is and that it is all my computers fault, and that I shouldn't buy a DAC !

You shouldn't worry too much about the sample rate unless you're playing high-sample rate source files (i.e. 88 kHz and higher). Yes, there is a theoretical quality loss when converting between 44k1 and 48k sample rates but the algorithms for converting between them are fairly straightforward and adverse effects have yet to be shown. Most likely all your source files are 44k1 so stop worrying, or use a USB connection for peace of mind 🙂

Surely the whole point of a DAC is to take a signal and process it prior to it hitting your hifi equipment ?

Well, technically speaking, the whole point of a DAC is to convert a signal, not process it 😛

Can I assume that there is not a lot of difference in sound quality between the Rega and M1, and that it is just down to price ?

I haven't heard the M1, but I would answer yes, then no. The quality between the two might be comparable, but their sound character/presentation may not be.

 

[Anonymous]

Simon Hi, really you do nt want your files to ne up or down sampled just played in their native format.
If you are thinking of using a OC /Mac as source then lok at async USB or FireWire dacs, there is no point adding another layer of conversion (USB to spdif) Keith.