7520 with a SB3?

[Class]

I'm very tempted to buy the 7520 DAC but I'd like to get some input first.

I have a Squeezebox 3 connected to a Cambridge Azur 640A, speakers are B&W685 on good stands.
Cables are Tara Labs Spectrum Helix 8 and Spectrum 3a.
Files are mostly FLAC.

This setup sounds ok but I'm missing high end details, soundstage and more.
Maybe I have to high expectations from a cheap system? (I used to be a hi-fi enthusiast with Apogee Scintillas (1ohms) and such.)

Could someone offer any input on how much a DAC like the 7520 could improve the sound from my system?
I guess the analogue out on the SB3 is pretty good for the price, but...

I also have Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80, should/could the 7520 be modified to match these?

[StanleyB]

Maybe I have to high expectations from a cheap system? (I used to be a hi-fi enthusiast with Apogee Scintillas (1ohms) and such.)

The TC-7520 is even cheaper still. Can music be bribed into performing better if lavished with cash? Well yes it can. A Stradivarius sounds even better, every time its auction price goes up.
If you were into Apogee, then it might well come as a shock to you that the TC-7520 outshines the Apogee DAC as shown in the picture frame of the AoS logo above this page. And I have that from several good authorities.

[NRG]

...

Could someone offer any input on how much a DAC like the 7520 could improve the sound from my system?
I guess the analogue out on the SB3 is pretty good for the price, but...

...

I think you would do well with either the 7510 or 7520. The analogue o/p of the SB is OK but not brilliant, either DAC will open out the top end and increase detail I think you'll like it.

[Class]

If you were into Apogee, then it might well come as a shock to you that the TC-7520 outshines the Apogee DAC as shown in the picture frame of the AoS logo above this page. And I have that from several good authorities.

I'm not sure if it's the same company? The Apogee I meant is http://www.apogeeacoustics.com/

These are the speakers I had: http://www.apogeespeakers.com/scintilla.htm

[tizer2000uk]

The 7520 outguns the SB3 no question and would be a good addition imho.

[Covenant]

Once you have your 7520 a decent power supply for the SB3 is a must....

[Labarum]

Either Beresford DAC will improve an SB3 very significantly.

You probably don't need a USB input, and you will probably use the Beresford's fixed output, so the difference between the two Standacs when driving amp and speakers will not be so great.

The more expensive Standac will pull ahead when driving the phones.

[Gazjam]

Having recently upgraded to a 7520 I have made comparisons between the 7510 and the 7520.

Dac still running in (30hrs or so) but I can truly say the 7520 IS BETTER AS A DAC than the 7510.

I dont use USB(yet) and I dont use variable outputs, so my opinions are purely as a stand alone Dac.

The 7520 has a lot more "air" around the music than the 7510.
Far more detail is leaking out too, there is more "thwack" to drums, I think this may be because the noisefloor is a lot lower on the new Dac.
Dunno, the individual strands that make up the music just stand out more, being easier to follow complex stuff.
Its easier to "get" the point of the song, as it just sounds more like people playing music.

I held off getting one as I wasnt using either USB or Variable output, but I can confirm the 7520 is a better Dac than the 7510.

I use it with the Maplins power supply, which I found to make a good improvement in my system to the supplied wallwart.

[Class]

I ordered the 7520, can't wait to try it in my system!

I was holding on to analogue sound for years after my friends bought CD players. Had a Micro Seiki turntable with SME3009s2 arm, Luxman M05 100W pure class A power amp but now I fear I will want another SB3 with another DAC for my bedroom etc

Thanks for your help so far.

[Gazjam]

Class,
There is something "analogue" about the sound of the 7520. I dont mean just the lack of any digital harshness or anything, it just sounds "right" in a way a good turntable does.
Its a solid sound, solid but very delicate and open too. Lots of weight and "thwack", but having a wide open soundstage - just like a good record player.

Yer in for a treat.