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Digital-to-analog converter
#325364 10/11/10 11:21 PM
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Hello everyone. So today i would like to enter to the world of DAC. I am not that familiar with and since i only go thrut cd's, i would like to add a DAC to my system. The main reason.. i listening/discover a lot of music via my computer (itunes and youtube) So of course id like to be able to link my laptop to my system.
So how a good dac should work into my system. As good as a good cd player. Does music from itune and youtube will sound good ?
Any recommendation of a good dac ?

Thank in advance.


Nad C356 DAC & C515
Axiom M3v3
Grant Fidelity RPF-120 MKII
Analysis Plus Black Oval 12&10
JRiver 19
Re: Digital-to-analog converter
Philippe #325373 10/12/10 01:42 AM
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Philippe, you'll need a device which takes the digital output from the USB port on your laptop and converts it to a form which an input on your 5003 can accept and process. One reasonably priced item is available here which works by converting the USB output to optical digital data which you then use an optical cable to feed into the optical input on your 5003.

The quality of the sound sources available through your computer varies, and doesn't match the excellence of the CD format, but can be quite acceptable. I listen to a great deal of classical music from stations when I'm on my computer (KUSC at the moment), and the great variety available makes it enjoyable, even when the sound quality isn't the ultimate.


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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: Digital-to-analog converter
JohnK #325389 10/12/10 02:57 PM
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Philippe,

Looking at the level of your components and gear, you should try a Blue Circle Audio USB Thingee Digital Converter. It comes in several configurations:

Here is a writeup about it here: http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/blue_circle_usb_thingee.htm

I have several Blue Circle products and they are extremely high quality.


SC-05, HLT6189, Oppo BDP-93, Blue Circle Audio FX2
Axiom M2v3's, QS8v3's
Re: Digital-to-analog converter
Philippe #325390 10/12/10 03:02 PM
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Philippe, I have the Musical Fidelity V-DAC and like it very much. It is a pretty good value for what it does. There is a review here: Stereophile V-DAC Review

Re: Digital-to-analog converter
Joebob #325393 10/12/10 04:25 PM
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Emotiva just announced the impending release of their XDA-1 for $299.

Personally, I just use the SPDIF output from my computer and let the receiver do the conversion.


bibere usque ad hilaritatem
Re: Digital-to-analog converter
tomtuttle #325396 10/12/10 06:07 PM
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Emotiva seem quite nice. I have for now my look at Grant Fidelity http://grantfidelity.com/site/Grant_Fidelity_Tube_DAC-09
Since i own a tub processor, i am really satisfied.


Nad C356 DAC & C515
Axiom M3v3
Grant Fidelity RPF-120 MKII
Analysis Plus Black Oval 12&10
JRiver 19
Re: Digital-to-analog converter
Philippe #325400 10/12/10 07:36 PM
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I use WD TVlive to stream Audio and Video form the PC to the receiver (since I don't have a PS3). Input: ethernet or usb, outpout: HDMI. Does the job. I would only use an expensive DAC if my intent was to play uncompressed music.

Last edited by bdpf; 10/12/10 07:45 PM.

Bruno
M80s/VP180/QS8s/EP600/AVR-890
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"The problem is choice..."
Re: Digital-to-analog converter
bdpf #325403 10/12/10 08:15 PM
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I have (and I believe JohnK does also) the older version of this Xitel DAC. I don't know how this newer unit performs, but I can't imagine it being any different, and I've been extremely happy with mine.

For what you get-cable's, unit etc., you can't beat the price.


The only reasonable argument for owning a gun is to protect yourself from the police.
Re: Digital-to-analog converter
Ya_basta #325436 10/13/10 01:41 AM
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Yes, as Cam comments, I've used that Xitel item for years now with complete satisfaction. The Turtle Beach converter works by optical conversion instead, but the results should be equally good and it's a bit less expensive. The Xitel comes with cables, but the Turtle beach requires an optical cable(maybe $5). Philippe, DACs or optical converters have been mature technology for many years and there's no good reason to spend hundreds of dollars for such a simple item. This is yet another audio area where you often don't "get what you pay for".

At the moment I'm using the Xitel DAC unit to listen to BBC Radio 3, which broadcast an excellent NY Philharmonic program yesterday afternoon, available on demand for six more days.


-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: Digital-to-analog converter
JohnK #325455 10/13/10 01:33 PM
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well like i said i am completly newbie about Dac. That's why i take any recommencdation. I didn't had in mind to spend that much, i just want a decent sound when i link my notebook to my a/v reciever.


Nad C356 DAC & C515
Axiom M3v3
Grant Fidelity RPF-120 MKII
Analysis Plus Black Oval 12&10
JRiver 19
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