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Author Topic: DAC upgrade OR tube amp upgrade under $2K  (Read 3043 times)

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Claritas

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DAC upgrade OR tube amp upgrade under $2K
« on: November 11, 2014, 03:54:13 AM »
The revised thread starts at http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1916.msg51827.html#msg51827 but don't miss the fun at the beginning.  popcorn


I'm considering using my Marantz CD6005 as a transport and buying a DAC. Why? Because the Marantz Cirrus has a little stridence or bite in the treble. It's not an annoying sizzle like some Sabres, but it's not smooth either. It has some good qualities: sense of space, decent resolution, and not being too cold-sounding. But I'd prefer something smoother and maybe warmer too.

The reason I'm keeping the price under $1K is that I'm planning to upgrade my tube amp within a few months, maybe to Sonett 2 or a used S7. It might not be worth buying a DAC at this price; I don't know. So far I kind of have my eye on Metrum Octave.

I appreciate any advice you have.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2014, 08:46:30 AM by Claritas »
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Maxvla

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2014, 07:53:24 AM »
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Claritas

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2014, 08:22:50 AM »
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OJneg

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2014, 08:38:23 AM »
Reported  :spank:
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Claritas

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2014, 08:43:03 AM »
Sure, call the cops. But that doesn't answer the question.
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Maxvla

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2014, 09:08:06 AM »
Just fitting that you'd create a thread asking for advice when you report similar threads saying they should be in the advice thread. Just a little teasing.  *:p
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Claritas

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2014, 09:23:04 AM »
I thought about that before starting the thread. Indeed, I told two of you that I intended to start a thread and wasn't given any indication that it would be unwelcome. So I wrongly assumed that the convention had changed.

Bottom line: I couldn't tell your meaning; I insulted you; I apologize. I'm man enough to admit my mistakes.
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zerodeefex

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2014, 02:00:26 PM »
Does your CDP have AES output? Mine doesn't and I'm using with wyrd/Gungnir to great effect via coax.

If you required AES/EBU input, you can go down in SQ a bit and I've heard decent things about the Emotive DC-1. I can't outright recommend it as I've not spent any meaningful time with one.
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Marvey

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2014, 04:49:21 PM »
LOL, you guys are assholes.  :spank:


The Metrum might be a good bet. It's laid back, renders vocals in a really nice way, and quality of transport doesn't seem to affect sound as much for it. I found the staging of the Marantz CDPs to carry through regardless of DACs. (Yes, transports do have a sound, and they do carry through the DAC, however unbelievable that may seem. I was an unbeliever once.)

Gungnir would be more aggressive sounding than Metrum - less laid back - more bite, more edge. Also more slam. But treble is smooth with no stridency. It is more sensitive than Metrum to tranports. I can try that combo out with my own Marantz CDP.
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Mr.Sneis

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Re: DAC upgrade from CDP under $1K?
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2014, 05:47:35 PM »
I don't know the Marantz CDP but quick glance around the web seems to show pretty overwhelmingly positive comments.  What amp are you using right now?  You may be able to roll tubes to get to where you want.
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