So I've been bitten by the upgrade bug again. I want to know how I can improve my CD performance.
My current system is: Denon 3802, Sony CDP-XE570, Mission M72.
I was thinking about buying a DAC and an integrated amp to drive my speakers. I think my current CDP is an adequate performer, and will probably make a suitable transport for a DAC. I would also like to run my computer through the DAC to improve mp3 playback (obviously I'd have to use a digital passthrough function for DVD). This would mean that the DAC's analog output would be connected to the integrated amp. I now come to my second problem: is there a DAC that has 2 optical inputs? I've seen the Meridian 203 and cambridge dacmagic 2 on ebay for reasonable money, but these only have one optical input, and I need 2 (one for CD and one for computer). Should I also buy a separate soundcard for my nForce 2 shuttle adding yet more to my costs, or is there a suitable solution, bearing in mind that I also quite fancy a MD deck as I have quite a few MDs and I use them a lot for portable audio and recording from microphone, so the more inputs the better really.
I know you're meant to upgrade from the source first, but I can't help thinking that a new pair of front speakers would really help me, and that I should perhaps forget about the DAC (and possibly the integrated amp) until I can afford serious money. There are some serious bargains about now, the Mission 78 series seems to be going for silly money atm, and and I'm sure they're not the only ones.
I think I can probably get more out of my current speakers. In YOUR opinion, am I going to get more out of a DAC/integrated amp than new speakers?
Any input would be much appreciated, and I'm especially after recommendations on DACs new and old as well as integrated amps. I can go second hand, and I'm quite willing to. I don't have silly money to spend, and unfortunately I can't give an exact budget. I suppose for a ballpark figure £200 on each, but I'd obviously prefer to spend £200 on both DAC and amp. I might have to go and bug richer sounds tomorrow or wednesday and see if they've got any cambridge dacmagics about that I can borrow or at least try out.
Thanks very much for reading
Tom
My current system is: Denon 3802, Sony CDP-XE570, Mission M72.
I was thinking about buying a DAC and an integrated amp to drive my speakers. I think my current CDP is an adequate performer, and will probably make a suitable transport for a DAC. I would also like to run my computer through the DAC to improve mp3 playback (obviously I'd have to use a digital passthrough function for DVD). This would mean that the DAC's analog output would be connected to the integrated amp. I now come to my second problem: is there a DAC that has 2 optical inputs? I've seen the Meridian 203 and cambridge dacmagic 2 on ebay for reasonable money, but these only have one optical input, and I need 2 (one for CD and one for computer). Should I also buy a separate soundcard for my nForce 2 shuttle adding yet more to my costs, or is there a suitable solution, bearing in mind that I also quite fancy a MD deck as I have quite a few MDs and I use them a lot for portable audio and recording from microphone, so the more inputs the better really.
I know you're meant to upgrade from the source first, but I can't help thinking that a new pair of front speakers would really help me, and that I should perhaps forget about the DAC (and possibly the integrated amp) until I can afford serious money. There are some serious bargains about now, the Mission 78 series seems to be going for silly money atm, and and I'm sure they're not the only ones.
I think I can probably get more out of my current speakers. In YOUR opinion, am I going to get more out of a DAC/integrated amp than new speakers?
Any input would be much appreciated, and I'm especially after recommendations on DACs new and old as well as integrated amps. I can go second hand, and I'm quite willing to. I don't have silly money to spend, and unfortunately I can't give an exact budget. I suppose for a ballpark figure £200 on each, but I'd obviously prefer to spend £200 on both DAC and amp. I might have to go and bug richer sounds tomorrow or wednesday and see if they've got any cambridge dacmagics about that I can borrow or at least try out.
Thanks very much for reading
Tom