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Do you stream hi-res music or download hi-res tracks? We want your opinions!
Which DAC to buy
- Thread starter JAF
- Start date
daytona600
Well-known member
- Oct 5, 2012
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Really outboard DACs are for a different breed of listener, connecting laptops and streaming devices CD transports. But yes a Dac "can" improve the sound of a CD player drastically in some cases but as always it depends. And these can be had for as little as 50 quid to sky's the limit.and you can of cause connect your TV
If you're thinking of spending 500-1500 on a DAC better option is a new amp with digital connectivity such as Arcam sr250 or something from Marantz or Cambridge's staple of products pick your poison and price point these are just examples.
So a standalone DAC might not be what you need at all in fact it arguably isn't as you want to connect your TV.
Other options are streamers as some have DACs built-in with optical inputs Cambridge and pioneer do some fab devices for around 500 quid and your killing 2 bird with one stone
Pure DACs with optical connections though
topping
ifi
chord
audiolab
im sure some will eb along with options
again pick your price point and brand.
plastic penguin
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- Apr 28, 2008
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Just focus on the TV. This is why: The Arcam CD23 has the DCS Ring Dac, which is one of the best Dacs around. Very sought after and only fitted to a few Arcam models, incl. CD92 and a couple from the Alpha range.
GSV Ethics Gradient
Moderator
- Aug 31, 2015
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If you are just looking to get better sound by sending TV to hifi, a relatively straightforward DAC should do the job - I wouldn't be trying to better what you're getting from the CD unless you are prepared to spend a reasonable sum. The ring DAC was good, but sounds a little soft and rolled off in comparison with something more modern - I had a CD23t until a year or so ago.
iFi does some good things, but you are limited if you are needing an optical or coaxial input to connect the TV to. Here's what RS offers, and I believe the cheapest is supposed to be pretty good:
www.richersounds.com
iFi does some good things, but you are limited if you are needing an optical or coaxial input to connect the TV to. Here's what RS offers, and I believe the cheapest is supposed to be pretty good:
DACs | Richer Sounds
Shop for DACs with Richer Sounds for expert advice and lowest prices guaranteed.
www.richersounds.com
jjbomber
Well-known member
- Dec 22, 2006
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That is far and away the most cost effective. A 3.5mm to RCA adaptor for a £1, Add on a pair of RCA leads that you'll have lying around the house and job done. I would try this first anyway, before spending £500 on a DAC.
Next option, get a bluetooth transmitter from Eligiant for less than £30. That will take the bluetooth output from the TV and connect via adaptor and RCA to the amp.
What amp do you have anyway?
You can get a good small DAC for TV duty that’s as cheap as chips. I was in your situation, and initially wanted to do this for my mother, but the thought of all those extra cables etc soon became unappealing to me. I thus sold my then 11 year old Arcam Solo Mini - tearfully and heartbreakingly I might add, and bought a Denon all-in-one streaming system for her which had optical inputs.
JAF, describe your amplification?
JAF, describe your amplification?
Late reply folks. Just been watching the fantastic tour de France on my new TV. Utter joy.
I have a Plinius 8200 which I just use as a pre-amp at present. Power is by Plinius SA 102. B&W 804 speakers. Old set up but sings from a whisper to a scream on any type of music.
I have a Plinius 8200 which I just use as a pre-amp at present. Power is by Plinius SA 102. B&W 804 speakers. Old set up but sings from a whisper to a scream on any type of music.
- Jul 27, 2020
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i agree it’s a wise move but with the caveat that the dCS ring dac is an evolving tech not just one dac, and DACs change quickly.
- Jul 27, 2020
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Definitely not studio quality. that looks like it could be the worse piece of **** dac you can get. Sorry - say it how I think it is. Lol 😀 a Pi which Is noisier then Brian blessed into a dac that looks cheap. If you want a better one, spend a bit more and get an Allo is my advice.
MUSICRAFT
Well-known member
- Mar 23, 2009
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Nice 👍 I used to use a Plinius Hiato,
Anyway, for the TV also look at the the discontinued Arcam irDAC MK1 or the irDAC MK2 which you should be able to find for not too much money, Based in my experience the Hiato had excellent synergy with the irDAC MK1 and the irDAC MK2 and therefore I think this should also follow suit with the 8200/SA-102 too 🙂
Last edited:
- Jul 27, 2020
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I’d look at topping or schiit for good but inexpensive DACs as it may be overkill to add too good a dac from a tv where the digital output probably isn’t the best quality, not by normal hifi standards and where you don’t want a dac that doesn’t show itself. Good design but not silly money. You could also combine it with a headphone amp like the schiit products, to kill two birds.
The Topping E30 is pretty amazing for the price. Or the SMSL Sanskrit. Measurements aren't everything but they're a tangible place to start.
www.audiosciencereview.com
DAC, Speaker and Headphone Amplifier Measurements
Ranked listing of top level distortion and noise metric for Audio DACs and DACs in other products.
www.audiosciencereview.com
the alpha 9 had a dcs ring dac i believe.
was that the reason it was so well rated ?
Arcam Alpha 9 CD player
Recently, we've seen the digital "horsepower" race accelerate with the arrival of digital sources and devices with 24-bit and 96kHz sampling capability. Much of this has been spurred by the 24/96 labels emblazoned on the newer DVD players—and, within the purer confines of the audio community, by...
plastic penguin
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- Apr 28, 2008
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Recently blagged a Peachtree iDac from a very nice person to see if it improved things with CDs, use the CDP as transport. It didn't improve or degrade the sound. The only subtle difference was with the Blu-ray player. This is not my first experience of using a Dac: Owned a Cambridge DacMagic, demoed a Rega years ago and a Arcam... all with similar results.
I've concluded a Dac makes little to no difference, and thus is a waste of money. My only guess is my current set-up is balanced just so, although I can't dismiss other factors.
I've concluded a Dac makes little to no difference, and thus is a waste of money. My only guess is my current set-up is balanced just so, although I can't dismiss other factors.
MUSICRAFT
Well-known member
- Mar 23, 2009
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the alpha 9 had a dcs ring dac i believe.
was that the reason it was so well rated ?
Arcam Alpha 9 CD player
Recently, we've seen the digital "horsepower" race accelerate with the arrival of digital sources and devices with 24-bit and 96kHz sampling capability. Much of this has been spurred by the 24/96 labels emblazoned on the newer DVD players—and, within the purer confines of the audio community, by...www.stereophile.com
Yes, the Alpha 9 also incorporates the Ring DAC and in the main played a big part excellent performance of the Alpha 9 CDP.
MrBee
Member
- Sep 19, 2020
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You obviously have no idea? It's a DAC that has a 192,000hz at 24bit passthrough. It allows Studio quality to passthrough it to your system for thos in the not know!
I plumped for the cheap and cheerful headphone socket approach as a trial. 3.5mm jack to RCA males with a 1m lead - 6 quid. Works ok. Sound is a bit thin but much better that the TC hand over mouth sound. Watched the Robert Plant Austin City Limits concert which is still on my skybox. Superb visuals and acceptable sound. happy me 🙂
Thanks for all the advice and interesting comments
Thanks for all the advice and interesting comments
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