EshDes Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Hi All Currently running a Cyrus One, with Rega RP1, with project stream box ds2, and project cd box. For whatever reason I'm still not impressed with the sound...I use Spotify and tidal through my tablet and sometime through the streamer which is better than the tablet. This is after using the equalizer settings in Spotify. I was thinking of buying a DAC...something inexpensive... was thinking of three options 1. Schitt Modo 3 2. Topping DX3 or 3. Project DAC box Se (Last option and would be pushing my spend) What's everyone's thoughts on DACs does it really improve the sound when it comes to digital files? Is it noticeable? And of the above 3 what's everyone's recommendations? Is there a better alternative? Thanks in Advance Eshan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 You answered it already. The dac in your streamer sounds better than the dac in your tablet 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 Hi Thanks...any recomendations in terms of the DACs suggested? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Budget? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 I was looking to spend $200 on a topping $300 - If I got a good price on a Project Pre Box SE might splurge more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill125812 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 (edited) Dacs can make an enormous difference in sound quality. In saying that, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a dac to get great improvement in sound. They’re are some great dacs out there at very good prices If you keep an eye out in the classified’s you may pick up one of Clay Gieseler’s bargain giant killing dacs. Even new Clays are amazing value I’ve owned many many dacs. And every one sounds different. Edited December 1, 2020 by Bill125812 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 Thanks Bill - Havent heard of Clay Giesler before - so will keep an eye out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill125812 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Just now, EshDes said: Thanks Bill - Havent heard of Clay Giesler before - so will keep an eye out. Clay makes amazing quality electronic components on the Gold Coast. He is a commercial member here. You can read all about his amazing products in his forum in the commercial sponsors forum 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill125812 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/forum/143-gieseler-audio/ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBurns84 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 39 minutes ago, Bill125812 said: I’ve owned many many dacs. And every one sounds different. SPot on! And here lies the conundrum. @EshDes Throw the topping E30 into the mix. Its a very capable dac for not much. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 Topping was at the top of my list - after watching a Dark Audio review. I wish there was a second hand one going - but haven't seen one recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 (edited) Tops out at 24/96 - but that’s more than enough for most. Cheap way to dip your toe in the water. Edited December 2, 2020 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 1 hour ago, MrBurns84 said: SPot on! And here lies the conundrum. @EshDes Throw the topping E30 into the mix. Its a very capable dac for not much. Some saying E30 is better than D50. More expensive doesn't always mean better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 Thanks - But looking for a fairly compact DAC as most of my hifi equipment is half width. So going for a topping at this stage - will be buying new unless it comes up soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irek Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 10 hours ago, EshDes said: What's everyone's thoughts on DACs does it really improve the sound when it comes to digital files? Is it noticeable? It's noticeable, but speakers, room acoustics and amplifiers are more important. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 5 minutes ago, EshDes said: Thanks - But looking for a fairly compact DAC as most of my hifi equipment is half width. So going for a topping at this stage - will be buying new unless it comes up soon It is half width (22cm). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luapnodyl Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 In my own personal experience I've found DACs have made a difference to my system. I started out using the internal DAC on a Bluesound Node 2. It was good and I liked the sound but was a bit lacking. Upgraded to an Arcam irDAC to go along with my (then) Arcam amp and it was a definite improvement. Finally finished up on a Gieseler Klein 2 DAC which has really lifted my system and also brought my upgrade charge to a crashing halt so I can now afford food. So yes, a DAC made a big difference to me and I can thoroughly second Bill's recommendation of Clay Gieseler's DACs. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 Thanks to Everyone for sharing their thoughts - Will take on board - I have decided to try the Topping at this stage - never before have i used anything but RCA cables - but going to enjoy trying to use Coaxial and USB cables for the first time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant Slack Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Hello Eshan, I think you will find that the dacs you are interested in have RCA-only outputs. Cheers, Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david j Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 (edited) Put a wanted to buy add in the classifieds Cant go wrong with a topping They always sell well if you need to move it on Edited December 2, 2020 by david j Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcathro Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 If you can find one, try a Music Fidelity V90 DAC. Chris Bryan reviewed it for HifiCritic and said it got close in performance to the very expensive MSB reference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecil B Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 E30 and D30 for sale on here now...... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecil B Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 D50 duh 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EshDes Posted December 7, 2020 Author Share Posted December 7, 2020 When I looked just after I got the notification from you - they had already sold. Safe to say that I am going to just get brand new from Addicted to Audio in Kew - Thanking you! Quick and the dead when it comes to bargains around here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cecil B Posted December 8, 2020 Share Posted December 8, 2020 Glad see you get one.......enjoy.......... patience is king....... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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