Digital Drive Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

---

[ Follow Ups ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Digital Drive ]

---

[ Alert Moderator ]

---

Re: looking for CD player upgrade BUT...

Posted by AstroSonic (A) on May 16, 2005 at 09:53:24

In Reply to: looking for CD player upgrade BUT... posted by BJordan on May 15, 2005 at 18:44:19:

I upgraded my digital source around 2000. At the time, I decided to stick with CD and wait to see which new high-res format would prevail. After considerable listening and research I settled on the Bel Canto DAC 1. It was the first digital playback I heard that was free of digital grain and edge and that I was comfortable with the cost. I could have spent more but did not find anything close in performance for similar cost, and I anticipated that I would upgrade to the 'new' format in a few years. Several cost effective DACs and players are now available, but the Bel Canto (now in DAC 2 version)is still very cost effective. I understand that the later version has improved dynamics, detail and bass. It goes for about $1300 from Audio Advisor.

I guess that I am about ready to upgrade again, but once again to CD. I have about given up on waiting for a clear resolution of the high res format wars. It looks like they may both be loosers. I have not been impressed with the musicality of any HT systems I have heard. I think that the mastering is a big factor in sound quality. The recording industry seems barely able to make a good stereo mix. Multi-channel is way past what most of those floks can handle. Lots of 'special effects' to distract one from the music. Yes, I know that there are some (a handful) of multi-channel recording that provide a remarkably natural presentation, but I suspect thats all there ever will be. I hope that we stick with two channels.

If you are comfortable with soldering, consider the AudioNote Dac 1. Visit their website (there is a link on the Asylum home page) for more info. Its performance can apparently be substantially approved by relatively easy upgrades.

The Bel Canto continues to amaze me with its performance, even through several amplifier, speaker and cable upgrades.

Regards,

Bob

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Sonic Craft

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---