which dac is right for me?
which dac is right for me?
Submitted by dwydock on Wed, 2009-12-23 16:00My primary use would be with a Arcam av9 pre, Arcam alpha mcd, Sonos music system, and a PS3 as my blu-ray player. Which dac would be the best fit for my system? What does "State-of-the-art LM4562 high-current op-amps" add to the usb dac? Even though I don't think I need the usb function, does it sound better?
Thanks for the time.
Hello Dwydock, The LM4562
Hello Dwydock,
The LM4562 op-amps enable the DAC1 USB/PRE/HDR to drive more difficult loads without affecting the performance of the system. Depending on the input capacitance and impedance of the load (perhaps the Arcam AV9, in your case), the performance may or may not benefit from the LM4562's.
You will also need to consider the number of digital inputs you will require. The Arcam Alpha MCD has 75-ohm coaxial digital output. The Sonos has 75-ohm and optical digital outputs. The PS3 has an optical output. The only models that can accommodate all of these without an adaptor are the DAC1 PRE and DAC1 HDR. But, with a 75-ohm-to-110-ohm transformer, you can use any of the models.
There are several other features that distinguish the models also. If you would like me to explain them to you, let me know.
All the best,
Elias
dac1
Thanks for the reply Elias! If I were to look at what part of my system, I think, would gain the most from a dac is in connection with the sonos. Playing music using the av9 and the mcd puts out pretty good sound. But to play the same music on the sonos loses definite quality. I have tried a few other dacs that have shown big improvement, but not quite close to using the mcd. I was going to settle for one when I heard about the Benchmark. Everything I have heard or read says they are a big step up. Pretty much Best In Class. Now to the question of wich one. I would love to here the other distinguishing features you refered to. I am also not familiar with the adapters you spoke of. Thanks again for the help.
Look forward to hearing your advice.
Dave
Hey Dave, The transformer
Hey Dave,
The transformer (adaptor) I referred to is here:
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=51
It takes a 75-ohm coaxial input and delivers a 110-ohm XLR output. This enables you to connect a coaxial digital input into the XLR digital input of the DAC1 and DAC1 USB.
Regarding the differences between the different DAC1 models, here is a comparison chart that lists all the differences between the units:
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/system1/digital-analog-converter/dac1-comparison
If there are any items on this list that you would like me to explain, please feel free to ask.
All the best,
Elias