DAC7 vs DAC8

[Ricjor1]

My Rega Apollo finally died and I sent it to be repaired. I decided to connect the DAC7 to my computer until the Apollo is returned. I loved the convenience, but the sound sucks. The music sounds compressed, loss of detail and naturalness. I was listening to CDs that I burned via itunes and it was awful. Is it possible to receive equivalent sound out of a DAC/computer as the DAC7/Apollo? I liked the convenience so much that I would sell my DAC7 and get the DAC8 if when connected to a computer it matched the sound quality of my DAC7/Apollo. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Ritmo]

I have a DAC8 and I'm extremely happy with it. The difference between the Oppo83se analog outs and the DAC8 is significant. With the DAC8, the soundstage, image and bottom end is more impressive. Also, the highs are very clear and yet delicate - not fatiguing at all. Can't comment on the difference between the 7 and 8. My dealer, who I trust very much, told me the difference was quite significant.

My 2 cents. Hope that helps!

Mike

[markmck79]

Originally Posted by Ricjor1

My Rega Apollo finally died and I sent it to be repaired. I decided to connect the DAC7 to my computer until the Apollo is returned. I loved the convenience, but the sound sucks. The music sounds compressed, loss of detail and naturalness. I was listening to CDs that I burned via itunes and it was awful. Is it possible to receive equivalent sound out of a DAC/computer as the DAC7/Apollo? I liked the convenience so much that I would sell my DAC7 and get the DAC8 if when connected to a computer it matched the sound quality of my DAC7/Apollo. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear about your CD player. It is definitely possible to get as good, if not better, sound with a computer to DAC7 setup. iTunes, while great for its organization capability and user interface, is generally considered a poor ripper (especially if using the default settings). Are you using Mac or PC? Desktop or laptop? What kind of USB cable are you using?

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, yet...

[Ricjor1]

markmck79

I had a long conversation with my dealer prior to purchasing the DAC7. I didn't compare the DAC7 to the DAC8; however I understood that the DAC8 was an upgrade...especially when using computer as a source. I own over 500 CDs and decided the most economical approach was to purchase the DAC7 and improve my Rega Apollo.
The DAC7 more than met that objective.

I decided to experiment with my HP Pavilion laptop as a source after I sent my Apollo out for repair. I purchased the only USB cable that I could find (Audioquest Forest). The sound was compressed, missing entire frequencies, and plain horrible. I love the convenience, but can't live with the sound.

I planned to purchase a MAC Mini and burn all of my CDs. I'm all ears if someone can tell me how to get equivalent or better sound when using a computer as the source?

[markmck79]

The default settings in iTunes will compress the CD file and does not use any form of error correction. In a Windows domain the places I would start are Exact Audio Copy or dBPowerAmp. Ideally you want to rip to a lossless compression file type (ALAC for iTunes or FLAC) or even better, AIFF or WAV. You also want make sure that your ripping software is using error correction. Also, make sure that no other devices are connected to USB other than your DAC. If you have multiple USB ports try them all (sound may vary). This is a start and is somewhat simplified and basic...

If I had it to do over and still had my DAC7 I might look into the Auraliti PK-100 or the Bryston BDP-1 before I ran headlong into the DAC8 and a fully optimized MacBook Pro system. In fact, I'm trying to arrange an audition of the BDP-1 or Auraliti L1000 right now.

If all of this sounds foreign or too complex send me a private message and I will give you my phone number and we can setup a time to talk.

Mark

[cmalak]

Ricjor1...Mark is correct that iTunes is not the best program to use but in fairness also, the DAC 7's USB implementation was not great. What you should do (and it is a much cheaper option than upgrading to the DAC 8), is get a USB-to-SPDIF converter. There are many economical yet excellent options, the Musical Fidelity having a nice option in the $200 range I believe which got a good review in both TAS and Stereophile. It will at least match the sound you were getting from the Appollo/DAC 7 combo. Also, go through this primer on PC audio from dCS's website and avoid iTunes as your player. If you want to go iTunes, then maybe use Amarra or a similar software that bypasses iTunes software and just maintains its GUI. Here is the link the dCS primer on PC audio: http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/page/assets/...uter_Audio.pdf

[Ricjor1]

Mark and Cyril

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately I just bought the DAC7 and can't afford to keep spending money. The DAC7 does do I what I initially wanted it to do...improve the sound of the Apollo.

I'll take the advice and see what I come up with.

[cmalak]

Ricjor1...that's why I think the $200 Musical Fidelity USB-SPDIF converter is just the ticket: Musical Fidelity V-LPS Phono Stage and I believe it goes for $199. Here is the review from The Absolute Sounds of both the M1DAC and the V-Link USB-SPDIF converter: Musical Fidelity M1 DAC and V-Link USB Adapter (TAS 213) | AVguide. I know John Atkinson reviewed it as well and liked it very much but the review is not yet up on their web site.

By connecting your PC via USB to the V-Link and the V-Link to your DAC 7 via either single-ended (RCA) or balanced (AES/EBU) interconnect, you will be using the input on the DAC 7 that will give you the superior performance. Follow also the software configuration set-up guidelines in the dCS primer for whichever music management software program you are using and for the appropriate OS on your PC and you will be in business. Good luck

[Ricardo Nonato]

Hello,

I have a DAC7, and I'm very happy with my DAC. I'm use a DAC7 with the M2TECH HIFACE (USB x SPDIF), the result is very great.

Sds,
Ricardo Nonato.'.