|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
75.6.178.22
Hi Everyone,
I have a Telekit 8600S paird with a set of Omega 8 XRS speakers. (I haven't actually set up the system yet because the amp is still on its way here). But I have a question about my setup that I thought you might be able to help me with. I'm thinking of getting a good DAC for my system. Something decent but not very expensive. My budget is around $800. Here is my basic question. Should I go for a DAC that has a tube-like sound signature, for example ARES II, or should I go with a neutral and clear DAC, such as the Topping D90, because I'm already getting the tube sound signature from the amp-speaker combo? I like the tube sound signature. But I don't want to over do it. But I also don't want to diminish it with a flat DAC. Do you have any recommendations about this? I am completely new to this forum and to electronics. So any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
cheers,
WoodMizer
WoodMizer
Follow Ups:
Right now, I am driving a McIntosh 240 with a Schiit Fulla and it's fantastic.
Thanks for all the responses so far. I guess another way to put the question is: should I go for the synergy between the DAC and the AMP or with the two components being complementary? Is there a general answer to this question that is not a matter of taste?
WoodMizer
Thank you for all the helpful responses. I think I'm going to go with a DAC that has clarity but not super-neutral. For my budget that means Schiitt Bifrost 2.
WoodMizer
I personally like AKG DACs - I have a AK4490 and the AK4499 is better still. It goes straight into my tube amp. I don't use tubes to be euphonic, just to be crystal clear and free of high frequency hash and roughness.Go for clarity in the DAC - start right!
On another forum I see the Chord Qutest recommended above the D90, but there's a price difference.
Edits: 12/17/20
Thanks for all the responses so far. I guess another way to put the question is: should I go for the synergy between the DAC and the AMP or with the two components being complementary? Is there a general answer to this question that is not a matter of taste?
WoodMizer
Probably not. Only your ear can make the final call on this one. FWIW, the Ares does not sound tubey, but I will say it sounds "less digital" in character than other DAC's/CDP's I've owned. I can only assume the Ares 2 is similar in this regard. Reviews seem to indicate it does.
I have the original Denafrips Ares feeding a Schiit Freya+ and then on to a Latino ST70. Nothing overly "tubey" to my ear. Of course much will depend on the character of your RS8's as well. The little RS5 based Omega's I once had could use all the warming up or tubiness possible.
I just set up a MHDT Stockholm v2 DAC with my Mini Torii tube amp. Love the sound rich bass, nice high end, not fatiguing, euphonic is how some describe it. and a nice soundstageThey have several models with the same overall house sound, and harder to find used but both within you price range
Edits: 12/16/20
I have an EL34 based integrated amp and I ended up getting a Border Patrol dac (used) because of cost and analog like sound. For me, it is not a case of too much (tube sound) partly because the BP uses a tube in the power supply, not in the dac itself, AND, it's switchable on/off for what you prefer.
When you buy used (Audiogon, ebay) you can always resell if you don't like it. I kept mine. Good luck
+1 for BP.
"Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." ― Thelonious Sphere Monk
Cpwill
JMO, find a source whose voice is neutral, but not "icy cold".
What constitutes excessive euphony is likely highly subjective. However, it IS distortion and loss of fidelity.
Eli D.
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: