Digital Drive: REVIEW: Entech (Division of Monster Cable) Numbers Cruncher 203.2 DAC Processors by Biff

Model:	Numbers Cruncher 203.2
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$299.95
Description:	Budget 20-bit CS4329 delta-sigma D/A converter
Manufacturer URL:	Entech (Division of Monster Cable)
Model Picture:	View

Review by Biff on September 25, 2009 at 07:06:04
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for the Numbers Cruncher 203.2

I mostly listen to vinyl these days, but I would like to revisit some of the 1000+ CDs that I have. My NAD c542 player seemed to be brighter than I remembered, so I thought I'd give an outboard DAC a try. A friend kindly lent me this unit.

I connected the NAD to the Entech via optical cable, and used Audioquest Sidewinders from the Entech to the Marantz. I also connected the analog output of the NAD to the Marantz using another set of AQ cables. This allowed me to quickly A/B the sound.

Starting with the NAD, same sound I've been used to. Switching to the Entech, the depth was suddenly increased dramatically. Going back to the NAD, the music sounded like a cardboard cutout of what I had been hearing through the Entech. I tried many different titles, and the same thing occurred. It also smoothed out the high end quite a bit, something that had really been a problem for my ears.

I then connected it to my Pioneer DV-45 (a universal player - SACD, DVD-A, etc.) in the same manner as before. I now have a lot more respect for the internal DAC of the Pioneer, as I honestly could not hear a difference. I must admit, I haven't used the Pioneer for CDs much, thinking that a "dedicated" CD player would be better. I was wrong. The Pioneer is very good indeed.

Conclusion - the Entech blew away the NAD in terms of depth, soundstage, and smoothness, whereas I could not perceive an improvement over the Pioneer.

Product Weakness:	None that I can pinpoint.
Product Strengths:	Easy connection, increased depth and %22air%22 around the music. Tames the highs a bit (depending on the player of course).

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Marantz SR4002
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): NAD c542, Pioneer DV-45
Speakers: Magnepan SMGa
Cables/Interconnects: AudioQuest Sidewinders
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock mostly
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition

Amplifier:	Marantz SR4002
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	NAD c542, Pioneer DV-45
Speakers:	Magnepan SMGa
Cables/Interconnects:	AudioQuest Sidewinders
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock mostly
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition