Quote:
Originally Posted by JoelG
Thank you!! I am aware of the new W20 Aurender, with a much greater capacity at a way higher price. I think I will get the DAC8 because even if it may not be the best DAC, it is an extremely good unit that one can get used in great condition for slightly under 3K and new for not all that much more. Then, with the Aurender, I can organize my CDs and download some additional music from HD tracks. Once my system is setup, I can get used to it, and gain experience listening to music with vinyl and digital. I can then get a feel as to how often I will be even using the digital. In addition, after I get used to the system, I can check out other more expensive DACs and ask to do A/B comparisons in my system with the understanding I will upgrade if and only if there is a favorable difference in sound. Since the DAC 8 is not a 10-15+K unit, I will not take the hit of selling a way more expensive DAC, should I sell the DAC 8 in the future to get one of the DACs you mentioned or some other unit that comes out as the latest and greatest.
Also, although one could say that since I am spending a lot on my amps/preamps/speakers etc, I should then perhaps get a very pricey DAC, the reality also is that having spent so much on that equipment takes away from having $ for other things at this time as I do not have unlimited funds... and the spending does not seem quite over as I am under the impression that I will not truly benefit from the sound of my ACR equipment and speakers if I do not have certain receptacles, power cords, isolation bases, room treatments etc. LOL.
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Sounds like a plan. I was able to sell my DAC8 for just under 3K, so if you are getting it for 3K you won't lose much if you choose to sell down the line.
You won't be able to do DSD, which is truly a great experience, but as you said, see how you like digital and take it from there. Having started the journey similar to you, I have discovered spectacular digital that I thought was not possible.
Here is one bit of advice before spending a tremendous amount on power cords, etc. Look into the Silver Circle isolation transformer. You may just find that for the price of all those power cords you will get better sonic benefits form the Silver Circle. They just released the uber-expensive Tchaik, which is 9K but I have seen their 5K 5.0 series being sold used on CableCo.com for 2.5K which is a great deal and fantastic upgrade to a system like you are putting together.