Replace my DAC MAGIC already? Premature? Let me know...

[admin_exported]

I've just purchased an Arcam a32. I am using a low-end Mrantz CD players (2001 model) that happens to have a digital output, which i've connected to the DAC Magic with a good cable. Now, esthetically, this looks horrible. The sound is very good. However, I see that superfi is selling their Arcam DV135 (DVD Player) for £290. This is originally £900! I looked at the specifications, and the DAC is extremely good! -
24 bit/192 kHz Wolfson 8740 Audio DACs (as used in ARCAM's FMJ CD36 & AV9 processor)
11 bit/216 MHz Analogue Devices Video DACs- now, the question is, will i sonically better off by selling the DAc magic and the dodgy Marantz and get this bargain? Can such a cheap Marantz transporter be better than a £900 top end DVD suited for hi end-audio? Bsides, the DVD sound will be great too because of the inbuilt DAC, moreover, it will be ARCAM+ARcam compatibility...

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Bismarckian:I've just purchased an Arcam a32. I am using a low-end Mrantz CD players (2001 model) that happens to have a digital output, which i've connected to the DAC Magic with a good cable. Now, Asthetically, this looks horible. The sound is very good. However, I see that superfi is selling their Arcam DV135 (DVD Player) for £290. This is originally £900! I looked at the specifications, and the DAC is extremely good! -
24 bit/192 kHz Wolfson 8740 Audio DACs (as used in ARCAM's FMJ CD36 & AV9 processor)
11 bit/216 MHz Analogue Devices Video DACs- now, the question is, will i sonically better off by selling the DAc magic and the dodgy Marantz and get this bargain? Can such a cheap Marantz transporter be better than a £900 top end DVD suited for hi end-audio? Bsides, the DVD sound will be great too because of the inbuilt DAC, moreover, it will be ARCAM+ARcam compatibility...

No, no, no! The Arcam dvd player will not be as good as the DacMagic.

 

[Anonymous]

even though this Marantz is low end? are you sure??

 

[Anonymous]

Without wanting to sound frivolous, buy one and see what works best for you. Unless you're going to use it as a DVD player as well I wouldn't bother. The next step up from the DACMagic is going to be a big one so perhaps you could keep an eye open for a cheap CD36 or something of similar ilk. The Unison Unico CD is very very nice and should be snapped up if the analogue sound suits.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Bismarckian:even though this Marantz is low end? are you sure??

I have my DM connected to my BD player. I used to have the slightly older, but better Arcam dvd player, FMJ DV27A (£2k rrp) and I'm happier now.

 

[the record spot]

Go down the Stello SA100 Signature DAC (£650) route for a significant DAC upgrade, then add the current Cyrus XT transport when the cash allows. That'll be a combo to make the rest sit up and take notice!

 

[Anonymous]

Bismarckian,

The DACs in the DAC Magic are the Wolfson 8740 !!

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Pauldosteo:
Bismarckian,

The DACs in the DAC Magic are the Wolfson 8740 !!

But the DacMagic isn't just the 8740 and then nothing else.

 

[chebby]

Gerrardasnails:Pauldosteo:
Bismarckian,

The DACs in the DAC Magic are the Wolfson 8740 !!

But the DacMagic isn't just the 8740 and then nothing else.

Absolutely. They cost £3.49 each (£2.99 each if you buy 1000 of them). The DACs used in the £1300 Benchmark DAC1 Pre (Analogue Devices 1853) only cost about 7 dollars each! These are just components. It is the overall design that matters.

Cheap as chips!

I have WM8740's in my Arcam Solo-Mini and they are in the Rega Apollo. I expect they are to be found in a whole bunch of other CD players and DACs at different price/performance levels.

 

[Anonymous]

the record spot:Go down the Stello SA100 Signature DAC (£650) route for a significant DAC upgrade

That's pretty expensive, I got hold of a Stello (not from RA) for £450 last year and ditched it soon after for the Benchmark DAC1 at £650.ÿ

 

[chebby]

Octopo:
the record spot:Go down the Stello SA100 Signature DAC (£650) route for a significant DAC upgrade

That's pretty expensive, I got hold of a Stello (not from RA) for £450 last year and ditched it soon after for the Benchmark DAC1 at £650.ÿ

The Stello DA100 is less than the DA100 Signature (RRP £695). I only found out there were two versions a few days ago when researching it and the Benchmark.

On the April Music website they are listed as $695 and $895 respectively.

 

[Anonymous]

chebby:Octopo:
the record spot:Go down the Stello SA100 Signature DAC (£650) route for a significant DAC upgrade

That's pretty expensive, I got hold of a Stello (not from RA) for £450 last year and ditched it soon after for the Benchmark DAC1 at £650.ÿ

The Stello DA100 is less than the DA100 Signature (RRP £695). I only found out there were two versions a few days ago when researching it and the Benchmark.On the April Music website they are listed as $695 and $895 respectively.

Lord, these DAC companies don't make it simple.

I may have to rethink my Lavry purchase now.ÿ