Dac's and cd players

justshoemarkjustshoemark
in Digital
Hi all. What dac or cd players do you use if you still use one. 
I'm looking to buy a dac but don't no where to start really there's so many out there it's hard to pick? 

Comments

  • uglymusicuglymusic
    edited October 28
    I haven't used a CD player in years. All my CDs got ripped to a NAS drive years ago. And now I buy a mix of CDs and hi-res downloads. Qobuz gets streamed through Lyrion Music Server alongside my local files.
    My DACs are a cheap Chinese SMSL DAC in the main rig, soon to be given a kick up the backside with a new PSU from Colin, an ancient Mk 1 Young DAC and linear PSU in my headphone rig and an Allo DAC piggybacking on an RPi 4 in my office (soon to get the linear PSU that is currently driving my RPi 5 server). So, cheap or outdated DACs with linear PSUs.
    Aside from the linear PSUs, the other part of my digital front ends is experimenting with software for the RPis. Both factors make a significant difference to the SQ.
    I guess the third factor is keeping as much of the software Open Source as possible and to run as much of the digital side on computer hardware rather than closed hi-fi streamers that can suddenly be made obsolete by their manufacturer and turned into more electronic waste.
    I'm not sure any of that is relevant to your question, but there it is! :)

  • AntiCrapAntiCrap
    I found my NAS with music and movie,work very well the Panasonic TV. The audio out was far better than any other digital lies machine I have ever used.
    I also on TV no2 record to the NAS 3D movies, and managed to put 3D movie on CD.
    Has anybody had any experience with this ?
  • justshoemarkjustshoemark
    My TV only has an optical output so has to go in a dac witch is a pain. 
  • quickiequickie
    I use an old lightly modded Arcam Alpha 5 CD player. Standard one sounds good too. 
  • justshoemarkjustshoemark
    Do you have a dac quickie? 
    I have a couple of cd players. But was looking for a dac. 
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    AntiCrap said:
    I found my NAS with music and movie,work very well the Panasonic TV. The audio out was far better than any other digital lies machine I have ever used.
    I also on TV no2 record to the NAS 3D movies, and managed to put 3D movie on CD.
    Has anybody had any experience with this ?

    Trouble is, you've only tried MP3s :)
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    quickie said:
    I use an old lightly modded Arcam Alpha 5 CD player. Standard one sounds good too. 

    How have you modded the Arcam, Paul?
  • AntiCrapAntiCrap
    Yes Paul tell us ! And does stob fibbing?
  • cj66cj66
    I would normally have a Meridian 506 on transport duties and my DIY DAC. The 506 has gone on strike ( suspected dry grease on transport rails ).
    Therefore, my Teac CD300 in filling in. Big difference!
    The DAC is far from the last word in bit rates and file compatibility but the sound it makes is the best I've heard via coaxial. 
  • quickiequickie
    edited October 30
    I must have done the work to the Arcam around 15 years ago now, maybe more. 

    It's basically the same as the mods Les Wolstenholme of Avondale Audio used to do for £375 iirc.

    NOS, clock mod, op amps and some cap changes

    https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/aaaa5_e.html

    Sorry Justin, no DAC's here. 
  • SmiffySmiffy
    justshoemark said:
    Hi all. What dac or cd players do you use if you still use one. 
    I'm looking to buy a dac but don't no where to start really there's so many out there it's hard to pick? 

    Right. First thing's first... What sort of  budget are you working with ?

    Or are you planning on robbing a bank over the weekend ☺️👍
  • justshoemarkjustshoemark
    Don't want to spend silly money. But not sure weather to look at older DACs or look at newer ones. I manly use cd. But like to listen to new music by streaming before I buy on cd or vinyl. 
  • SmiffySmiffy
    Define silly money.
    Because Your version of that statement can vary between different people.

    On second thoughts, don't. Neither you nor I are looking to spend just below the threshold of said 'silly money'.

    Need to know your budget to give you a realistic idea of what's possible within the scope of your disposable pot of cash.
  • justshoemarkjustshoemark
    Up to 300. But happy with second hand. 
  • SmiffySmiffy
    Okay, so we have something to go on now.

    In my experience, there is much hype out there with companies dressing up their products.
    So-called advancements in technology and design, where most are just following the suggested standard support circuitry around a mananufacturers chip.

    The real secret sauce comes about when the supporting output components are looked into & understood.
    Most manufacturers don't want to spend £'s on components - they want to spend pennies !

    You can make your money go further by doing D.I.Y but again, you must invest in time to discover/implement what you want.

    Off the top of my head, I would recommend looking(waiting) for a 'Doge' cd player - they are great value for money 👌
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    edited November 3
    Up to 300. But happy with second hand. 
    I went Chinese (bought from Amazon in case I didn't like it), faced with a maximum budget of £300. You'll need to do your research about which is the current best best, though.
    Although, if you're up to it, DIY would be a good bet, as @Smiffy said.

  • justshoemarkjustshoemark
    I just brought a topping e30mk2 to try so we will see how that goes. 
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    justshoemark said:
    I just brought a topping e30mk2 to try so we will see how that goes. 

    Great minds...
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