Topic: DAC what it is, how much of it is needed to enjoy music?

[noob]

So many are in the marketplace:

There is a bel canto, chord, cambridge, rcam, audiolab among others.

i have bushmaster D-14, marantz cs 4398 but never seem to satisfy my cravings.
Please educate and help me and others who have the same concerns, thanks!

[qguy]

IMHO - unless you have a real crappy DAC, the differences would be small, specially if the DACS are in the same pricerange, I upgraded to a DAC costing twice as much as to what I have and I struggle to hear the difference.  Best options if possible is to try before you buy.
 
You may want to identify first what is missing or what you want to improve in your system and then look for the component that would bring that improvement, chances are it would not be the DAC

[noob]

IMHO - unless you have a real crappy DAC, the differences would be small, specially if the DACS are in the same pricerange, I upgraded to a DAC costing twice as much as to what I have and I struggle to hear the difference.  Best options if possible is to try before you buy.
 
You may want to identify first what is missing or what you want to improve in your system and then look for the component that would bring that improvement, chances are it would not be the DAC

Yeah, i think one of the weakest links to my system is my speakers, i have a fairly decent mezzo 2 but wish to upgrade them if budget permits.

Back to the dac, the marantz na 7004 with cs 4398 i have is quite musical but comparing it with the music i heard during the hifi show my system was dwarfed by the soundstage, clarity of instruments and the warmest of the music played.

[Conan]

Yeah, i think one of the weakest links to my system is my speakers, i have a fairly decent mezzo 2 but wish to upgrade them if budget permits.

Back to the dac, the marantz na 7004 with cs 4398 i have is quite musical but comparing it with the music i heard during the hifi show my system was dwarfed by the soundstage, clarity of instruments and the warmest of the music played.

It's probably your speakers. I used to have those Mezzo 2 speakers before. While good for its time (nice airy treble but soundstage is so-so, bass is weak) I've since upgraded several times and I'm quite happy with KEF LS50 and B&W 606. The B&W being slightly better than the KEF with regard to bass and detail.

[alvinbaronsia]

The DACs should be last in your priority of upgrades: 1. speakers, 2. amp, 3. room, 4. DAC.

That said, try Chord DACs or other non-delta sigma DACs. Most DACs (delta-sigma) sound the same and are really common, so it's harder to distinguish unless you are just looking for a lower noise floor. The R2R dacs sound more unique and more natural for me, but usually more expensive.

[noob]

It's probably your speakers. I used to have those Mezzo 2 speakers before. While good for its time (nice airy treble but soundstage is so-so, bass is weak) I've since upgraded several times and I'm quite happy with KEF LS50 and B&W 606. The B&W being slightly better than the KEF with regard to bass and detail.

Missed auditioning the LS 50 in the show, what was set-upped was the active LSX 50. cant remember also how much it was offered. nasipon na ako dun sa show, nakakapagod mag ikot pati. 

First time to know the b&w 606, read just now it is pricier than the 685 s2 which i am also eyeing together with the LS 50.  will try to audition it together with maybe the evoke 10 advertised in the mp.

Thanks to qguy and also to you. appreciate your responses.

[noob]

The DACs should be last in your priority of upgrades: 1. speakers, 2. amp, 3. room, 4. DAC.

That said, try Chord DACs or other non-delta sigma DACs. Most DACs (delta-sigma) sound the same and are really common, so it's harder to distinguish unless you are just looking for a lower noise floor. The R2R dacs sound more unique and more natural for me, but usually more expensive.

Nice to point clearly what those delta sigma are, starting to know clearly compared with lengthy reviews i have read so far.

Wow, those dacs, chord and r2r,  are really expensive and maybe out of my league.

Thanks also bro!

[qguy]

Have you considered a subwoofer?

[synchro_01]

Or room treatment perhaps?

[sdsmds]

Pwede rin yata sa source sir. Mostly cds gamit ko pro iba iba din SQ

[noob]

Have you considered a subwoofer?

For music not yet, will try it instead of having it idle, but it is only MS 907w.

[noob]

Or room treatment perhaps?

Will wait for the house improvement which will start 1st quarter next year pa. No use pa as of now kasi paayos muna.

[noob]

Pwede rin yata sa source sir. Mostly cds gamit ko pro iba iba din SQ

May records, cd 5005, iphone for Spotify premium and lately procured sony walkman hi res pero wala pa files. Alternate use them though pag tinamad iphone lang lagi.

[noob]

Pwede rin yata sa source sir. Mostly cds gamit ko pro iba iba din SQ

I admire nga yun collection mo ng cds, kayo lagi post sa “what are you ....”

[sdsmds]

I admire nga yun collection mo ng cds, kayo lagi post sa “what are you ....”

Thanks sir. Collecting cds for ages. Started w cassettes & vinyls but sold most of them.
I consider myself as reg listener Lang, Not audiophile or critical. I also have Prang entry level gears so I train my ears to accept it...hehehe
What I can’t take is almost 0 bass & “tunog lata”. Subjective pa rin yata.
Try nyo sir mag sub if hindi nyo naman prefer “pure” or “direct”.