I am looking to add an external DAC as I believe the internal DAC is the
weakest link in my audio chain. I am hoping to increase the brightness
and move the sound stage out.
I am not going to spend allot of $$ bc I would rather re-invest more
frequently as chip technology advances and costs less. So here are the
ones I am currently considering. Which is the best choice considering
cost and sound quality relative to internal SB3 DAC?
DAC707 SuperPro (~$100 shipped)
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The DAC707 Super Pro might be small, but it plays very well with the big
boys. This scrappy little four-ounce DAC puts out a big, dynamic and detailed
sound. Immediately tagged as a giant-killer when first introduced on the Asian
market not too long ago, it compares to DACs selling for many times the price.
The Super Pro supports up to 24bit/96KHz and uses the CS8416 for the receiver
ship and the highly resolving,24-192kHz, CS-4398 for the D/A chip. Dual
LT1364Cs are used for analog output. The unit has optical TOSLINK and RCA
coaxial digital outputs. Analog output is via standard RCA plugs.
The DAC Super Pro comes with external power supply, but for and ultra-quiet
background and even more revealing detail, we suggest a battery power supply.
* D/A Receiver chip CS-8416,
* D/A converter chip, CS-4398 (24-192KHZ )
* Dual LT1364C OPAMPS for analog output circuit
* Optical digital input
* Coaxial Digital Input
* Standard RCA analog output plugs
It comes with everything you'll need to get up and running, including:
* Universal Power Supply
* Optical Cable
* Digital coaxial cable
--------------------
Zhaolu D2.5C (~$210 shipped)
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Zhaolu (pronounced "chow-loo") DACs have developed a dedicated following
around the world for audiophile performance at a very reasonable price. In
keeping with this reputation, the Zhaolu DAC 2.5 delivers new levels of
engineering refinement and sonic improvement.
On the heels of the highly successful D2 model, the 2.5 boasts a number of
major design upgrades, including independent operational modules for power,
digital processing and analog processing, and a headphone amp section. For
lower distortion and noise, each module is a separate circuit board connected
with quality cables, plugs and sockets.
At Audiomagus, we always say, "stay grounded in the sound!" Listening to the
D2.5 is a pleasure: it delivers excellent imaging with a spacious and open
soundstage. The CS4398 brings a natural tonality and great detail. If you are a
headphone lover, the D2.5 also features an excellent headphone amp module. (For
ultimate performance and fidelity, a Discrete Headphone Amplifier Module is
available as an upgrade for $50) .
The D2.5C includes an optical cable
Features:
DAC Chip: Cirrus Logic CS4398 24-bit/192 kHz with advanced multi-bit
Delta-Sigma architecture
OP Amps (for DAC output sections): Linear Technology LT1057 precision
high-speed dual Op Amp
OP Amps (for Headphone Amp): Burr Brown OPA2604
*
Optical (Digital) Input
*
Coaxial (Digital) Input
*
Non-Balanced (RCA) Analog Output
*
Toslink Digital Input
*
Digital input switching
*
RCA analog output
*
RCA analog output from headphone amplifier (volume controlled)
*
RCA analog input to headphone amplifier
*
Volume control (headphone)
*
Mute on zero signal input
*
6.3mm Headphone Signal Output
*
Independent headphone amplifier (supports different headphone impedance)
*
Power-on delay and Power-off protection
*
Easy to upgrade and very mod-friendly (change op amps to suit your taste)
*
Audiophile-grade parts and components
*
Separate power supply to analog and digital circuits
*
High quality double-sided printed circuit board (PCB)
Specifications:
S/N Ratio: 120dB
THD: 102dB
Dynamic Range: 117dB
Frequence Response: 20Hz-22kHz (±0.5dB)
Power 110v/60Hz ±110% (can be converted to 220)
Dimensions 9.4" x 11.8" x 2.16" (239mm x 300mm 55mm)
Weight 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
--------------------
Zhaolu DAC D3.0 (~$270 shipped)
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Audiomagus offers a specially upgraded version of the D3, including:
* ELNA BP capacitors installed in the power supply and analog section
* Linear Technologies LT-1057 replaces the BurrBrown OPA604 Op-Amps
The case deisgn is the same as the D2.5. On the front panel you'll find
digital input selections, power switch and setting options. Users can specify
startup priority for digital audio input and D3 decoders will automatically
choose the preset input. The rear panel now features high quality chassis
mounted RCA sockets for input, and four digital inputs.
* 2 RCA Coaxial Inputs
* 1 Optical TOSLink
* 1 TG-Link high-speed buffer input
With the D3, Zhaolu has stayed with independent modules for each section of
the DAC. Not only does this lower noise and distortion, it also makes upgrades,
mods and repairs much easier. Digital SPDIF signals are intercepted by the
Cirrus Logic CS8416 and are then transferred to the Cirrus Logic CS4398 D/A
Converter. The low-level signal output by the CS4398 is buffered by the
BurrBrown OPA627. To reduce noise and digital error, components in the digital
circuit are surface-mount parts.
Specs:
24bit/96kHz test results :
SNR : ≤ - 115dB (A-weighted)
Dynamic range : ≥ 113dB (A-weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion : - 100dB ( 0.001%)
Stereo separation : ≤ - 111dB 1KhZ ≤-108dB
（300hZ40KhZ）
NOTE: The D3 does not have the discrete headphone amp. We will contuinue to
carry the D2.5 and the headphone amp upgrade.
--------------------
Citypulse DA7.2x II (~$370 shipped)
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Often compared to the well-known Benchmark DAC1, the Citypulse Audio DA7.2x
Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) has gained an international following and
reputation as the best-value D/A converter available. That's no surprise, given
that the Citypulse 7.2x sells for less than a third of DAC1's thousand-dollar
price tag, yet delivers sound that rivals and, according to many, surpasses
much more expensive DACs.
A versatile component, the Citypulse 7.2x has motorized volume, and optical
coaxial and analog auxiliary inputs, all selectable from the front panel or
remote control. It accepts input from two digital and one analog source and can
easily double as a pre-amp.
Inside you'll find quality components from Wima, Evox and Rubycon. The
PCM-1796 DAC chip from Texas Instruments is used for high-quality conversion at
high bit rates while the digital input is a CS8416 IC from Crystal
Semiconductor. Extremely well constructed with an extruded aluminum case with
6mm-thick machined aluminum front panel, the compact size of the DA7.2x lends
itself to easy placement.
This Citypulse DAC can be used to upgrade you existing CD player if it has a
digital output or it can be connected to DVD players for an improved output
stage. It can even be used for digital computer outputs and paired with an
amplifier of headphones.
Audiomagus is an authorized Citypulse Dealer
Stylishly designed and well-constructed (with matching remote control) the
Citypulse 7.2x delivers:
* 24-Bit/192kHz performance
* User selectable from front panel buttons or remote control
o Volume
o Input (Optical. Coaxial or Auxiliary)
o Frequency (44.1 KHz or 88.2 KHZ)
o Mute
* Balanced XLR and Single-ended RCA analog outs
* Class A transistor output stage
* Headphone amp and front jack
o Perfect for a range of headphones, including mid- to low-impedance and
high sensitivity
* Dual voltage operation 115/230V
* Burr Brown PCM1796 D/A Converter
* CS8416 192 kHz Digital Audio Receiver
* Remote control (This is no plastic gadget. It's made of a substanial pieces
of CNC machined aluminum!)
* Volume control (motorized for remote; automatically turns down volume at
start-up)
* Auxillary RCA inputs (Selectable from front panel or remote control)
Specifications:
Digital coaxial input level 0.5vp-p
Input impedance 75Ω
Digital optical input level - 15 dBm
Digital encoder 24 bit / 192 KHz
D/A converter 24 bit / 192 KHz
Audio output 2.0v (1kHz, 0dB)
Xlr audio output 4.0v (1kHz, 0dB)
S/N 113dB
Dynamic range 116dB
THD 0019%
Frequency response
15Hz - 58kHz
Audio input 200mv (47kΩ)
Earphone impedance 32Ω - 600Ω
Power supply AC 220v(+/- 10%) 50/60Hz
Max power dissipation 60W
Dimension 9.8" x 11" x 2.4" (250mm x280mm x 62mm)
N.weight 10 lbs (4.5kg)
--------------------
--
cgull
cgull
SB3 > Melody SP7 > Onix Ref-1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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