DAC for hifi stereo use?

[jason171717]

After recommendations of people on this forum it seems like i will get farther with a quality DAC, using optical out from a cheaper CD player than i will getting just a CD player at a comparable price. Chances are i am getting the NAD 516 CD player in the not to far future, I just got a new phono cartridge (the ortofon 2M blue) my speakers are set in stone and so is the amp for the foreseeable future. So, now that i have the short not so important back story onto the next question...

What are some quality 300-500$ DAC's that will produce the best sound quality for the money that have optical in?

Currently i am trying to search out the best format for my situation and at the moment it seems like it is going to be CD, Blu ray audio, SACD etc (mostly digital formats), but i need to get some sources nailed down to give each format a good fighting chance. I will be picking up a phono preamp, a new cd player and a dac to accompany it and the pre/power amp will be the same for both formats. As for the main question, i am not sure if you need to know what kind of music that i listen or any other details but i am more than willing to fork that information over!

Thanks to all of the people on this forum my setup is really coming together and i couldnt be more greatful,


So thanks again!



















Jason H

[dst]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

Look at the Emotiva Stealth DAC. Great unit. Can also be used as a preamp. Has all inputs needed, including analog. On sale at $399. A steal at that price. Run a BluRay player into it via coax cable.

[jason171717]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

Look at the Emotiva Stealth DAC. Great unit. Can also be used as a preamp. Has all inputs needed, including analog. On sale at $399. A steal at that price. Run a BluRay player into it via coax cable.

Is the Coax cable just using an RCA or is it a special cable as well?

[craigk]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

You can do much better than the emotiva

[jason171717]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

You can do much better than the emotiva

Any recommendations?

[craigk]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

I will pm you a list a little later.

[jason171717]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

I will pm you a list a little later.

Thanks!

[JRS]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

Is the Coax cable just using an RCA or is it a special cable as well?

Different impedances and shielding, the plug used is the same.
If it's a short distance shouldn't matter at all. Even a 10' run I haven't noticed a difference but i have heard digital gurus argue that proper termination (coax--75ohms) makes a huge difference. I remain skeptical--at least with respect to the bandwidth we are talking with here and less than 10' runs.

[jason171717]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

Different impedances and shielding, the plug used is the same.
If it's a short distance shouldn't matter at all. Even a 10' run I haven't noticed a difference but i have heard digital gurus argue that proper termination (coax--75ohms) makes a huge difference. I remain skeptical--at least with respect to the bandwidth we are talking with here and less than 10' runs.

I should be fine then using RCA for now i will be using a 3 foot Monoprice RCA cable, for now atleast.

[JRS]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

I think so, but by all means try a "digital" cable once you have it dialed in and familiar with the sound.

[saabracer23]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

I will pm you a list a little later.

Any chance you could post that list here? I'm actually looking a for good quality DAC as well.

Dan

[craigk]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

I will send you the list too

[ontariomaximus]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

why the secrecy?

[craigk]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

Because I am not here to provide free advertising on PE's website.

[generic]

Re: DAC for hifi stereo use?

Because I am not here to provide free advertising on PE's website.

So you have no problem talking against brands, just not pro brands? None of us are hear to provide paid advertising. It's a hobby site. Your secrecy is most unusual.