Home Digital Drive

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

Comments on Ayre AX-7e + External DAC vs Hegel H160 including DAC

Unfortunately, my Sony Blu-Ray player in my home theater system does not have RCA output jacks. I run a cable from my TiVo cable box to my Ayre AX-7e amp for audio (use HDMI for video) BUT cannot connect my Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-Ray player to my Ayre AX-7e amplifier (no DAC). Most new TV's also do not have RCA jacks. My options are:

1) Purchase another DAC that takes the Sony coaxial output to the DAC and then to the AX-7e using balanced connections for the best sound quality from the AX-7e integrated amplifier.

2) Purchase the Hegel H160 integrated amplifier (or another integrated amplifier) since it has a broader set of input connections. The H160 has a variety of connections, varying from classic balanced and unbalanced analog connections, to Home Theatre integration and onwards to various digital inputs. I am not familiar with Hegel products so any comments on the Hegel H160 amp would be appreciated (or Hegel separate DAC).


In summary, I am inclined to keep my Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier since I like it very much. Assuming I chose this option, what DAC should I purchase? My audio only system has an Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC and I prefer a less expensive DAC that has balanced outputs to take advantage of the AX-7e balanced inputs. A separate DAC gives me the option to update either the amplifier or the DAC.

My Sony Blu-Ray player is used mostly for movie streaming and sees limited use for DVD or CD's. I am undecided on a budget since I need to decide on what my options are.

Does anyone have any recommendations?




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


Topic - Comments on Ayre AX-7e + External DAC vs Hegel H160 including DAC - howgeif 11:40:09 06/08/15 (12)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.