DAC/Pre for two channel setup?

rhubarbe · 17-04-2007, 2:35 PM

This is for my kitchen/sunlounge where I want to listen to 2 channel music.

My source (and only source) is flac from a Sonos ZP80, but the DAC in the ZP80 isn't all it might be, so I am looking for something better. Originally, I had intended to use a Rotel RSP-1068 that I have lying around, but it's going on top of the kitchen wall unit and the Rotel is a tad tall - my wife will be able to see it. I am using a Rotel RB-1092 that I already have as a power amp.

I started to think maybe I could use another TAG AV32R bp192, like I have in the lounge HT setup, but I do wonder if this isn't overkill, certainly in terms of the number of channels I'd be "wasting".

Then I found out about DAC/Pre's, like the Cyrus DAC XP, which looks like just what I want, only I can pick up a second hand TAG AV32r bp192 for much less than a second hand Cyrus DAC XP.

So, all things being equal, and needing a remote, do I go for a DAC/Pre (as long as I can find one with a remote), another TAG AV32r, or do I use the RSP-1068 that I already have?

In terms of quality I'd assume:

1 DAC/Pre (if it's the Cyrus)
2 TAG AV32r
3 RSP-1068

But, is there likely to be that much difference?

Of course, if anybody has any better ideas, please fire away.

rhubarbe · 17-04-2007, 4:22 PM

Oh, seems like it's too late and I have just bought myself another TAG.

Helicon · 21-04-2007, 11:09 PM

I was going to say that the Tag does a hell of a lot more than you need it to, whereas the Cyrus is designed purely for a 2 channel system.

rhubarbe · 21-04-2007, 11:14 PM

Sure, but when the TAG is so much cheaper to buy than the Cyrus, why buy the Cyrus?

Helicon · 21-04-2007, 11:25 PM

Because it's a 2 channel system! I've found very little AV product which can match top notch hi-fi. Unfortunately

rhubarbe · 22-04-2007, 10:35 AM

OK, what about a Wadia 25, then? Is that going to be as good with 24bit 96kHz DACs and the TAG with 24bit 192kHz DACs?

Helicon · 22-04-2007, 11:03 AM

Could be, the Wadia's are very good. It's a case of giving it a try.

rhubarbe · 22-04-2007, 11:08 AM

It's a dear do though, just to give it a try.

You play no limits poker?

Helicon · 22-04-2007, 11:14 AM

Naah

It's easier to gamble with other people's money!!

If you can't get to try it, it's not worth the gamble. As you say, a little costly to take chances.

rhubarbe · 22-04-2007, 11:26 AM

If I can't test something I usually take the view that as long as I don't pay too much I can generally get back nearly all that I paid for it.

This has a good reputation; I'll watch it's progress.