DAC specs

[hoopsontoast]

This is the spec of my current CDP:

Audio
-24-bit/96KHz Digital Output.
-24-bit/96KHz Current Pulse D/A Converter.
-VC 24 Plus Digital Filter.
-Two Audio Master Clocks.
-Audio Direct Output.
-Separate Audio Circuit Board.
-Twin R-Core Power Transformers.
-Multiple Power Supply Secondaries.
-Audiophile Parts.
SACD
-Plays Back Super Audio CD (SACD) Software.
-Direct Stream Digital 1-Bit Coding.
-Sample Rate of 2,822,400 Hz.
-Accurate Complementary Pulse Density Modulation (ACP) Stage.
-Separate CD and SACD Low-Pass Filters.

I have thought about in the future adding a new DAC, and what might be suitable giving that this player is a good 10 years old plus.

Not looking to buy at the moment, but can anyone enlighten me on what to research on DACs. (not interested in USB or streaming, just SPDIF and Optical inputs) so older 'legacy' DACs might be suitable?

Would be looking at 2x Optical Inputs (Sky+HD and PS3) as well as 2x Digital Coax (S9000ES and CD-850)

[DSJR]

Are you happy with the sonics of the machine you currently have?

The "DAC bit" was done many years ago IMO and apart from needing more inputs? the main difference you're probably going to get is in power supply rejection and the care taken in the analogue output stage.

[hoopsontoast]

The other inputs I need are mainly for the SKY+HD box and PS3 (Bluray) as it will make it easier, and possibly better to use a separate DAC rather than the ones inside.

I know the S9000ES is well rated, its just a nagging feeling, you know that I might do better.

I suppose if I say had £300 in the new year would be a budget unless its not likely to be an improvement then something a lot cheaper for just the extra inputs named above.

[DSJR]

Then I'd start with a Bushmaster and go on from there, even if the main player is used separately.....

[technobear]

...or a nice used Caiman http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8191199588_34431897b0_o.gif

[hoopsontoast]

So what should I be looking at with regards to DAC's, 24-Bit/96kHz seems to be the standard with others up to 24-Bit/192kHz.
Any older DACs worth having a look at as I dont need stuff like USB input etc.

[wee tam]

hi rob , how you doing mate ? , i know you are primaraly a "music" lover , so musicalitty , do not dismiss the old school dacs , meridian 563 , 3 x coax 1 x opt , have to say , for a couple of quid , an opt 3 way splitter does not demean from the sound , so 3 x opt 3 x coax , and for an old style 24 bit , its damned fine and puts the music where it should be , would never ever part with mine , i have found a way to cheat , simply one output from the telly , covers blueray / sky box etc , so if wired to the telly one opt will suffuce

[hoopsontoast]

Tommy doing well mate, how are you? Everything OK now?
Well in the last week I had a bit of a cold, and the hifi was sounding a bit lacking which promted this thread. Got home today feeling back to normal and its sounding a lot better, might not look for a DAC for the S9000ES.
An older 'Legacy' may interest me though in the future.
I may however look in the new year for a cheaper DAC for the SKY+HD, PS3 and CD-850 for general use (not critical listening) just to tidy things up a bit.

[wee tam]

well as i said rob , bought one of those 3 way opt splitter things , can't tell the diff , so tidying up and bloody good music , meridian 563 24 bit , damned fine , shame scally is a step too far again this year , or you could have tried for yourself , but if you come north ,,welcome anytime
Tommy doing well mate, how are you? Everything OK now?
Well in the last week I had a bit of a cold, and the hifi was sounding a bit lacking which promted this thread. Got home today feeling back to normal and its sounding a lot better, might not look for a DAC for the S9000ES.
An older 'Legacy' may interest me though in the future.
I may however look in the new year for a cheaper DAC for the SKY+HD, PS3 and CD-850 for general use (not critical listening) just to tidy things up a bit.

[hoopsontoast]

Cool, will have a look around Tommy :)

[wee tam]

splitter is at the mo being unused rob , drop me details and i will pop it and a couple opt cables for you to play with , i can't hear a diff , but as you know i'm an old git lol
Cool, will have a look around Tommy :)

[hoopsontoast]

Cheers Tommy but I would not be using it for a while anyway. Thanks for the offer though!

[wee tam]

just keep it in mind mate , you know me , try before you spend :lol: its an open offer , and open to all of course , i honestly could not tell something was in the "chain" , so now i have 2 extra opt , making 3 in totall , and 3 x coax , fills the bill as they say
Cheers Tommy but I would not be using it for a while anyway. Thanks for the offer though!

[Jazid]

There's been an excitable thread on the 'Wam about the Fiio D3. At £25.00 it might be worth a punt on the 'if you've got an itch then scratch it' principle, just use it as another DAC next to your existing one. Coax and optical in. I've never heard one so take this post for what it's worth!