Audio Research Reference DAC

[Priaptor]

Originally Posted by g997

The Ref DAC doesn't have enough digital inputs to be successful in an all digital system.
It needs:
2 Toslink
4 RCA
1 AES/EBU
2 USB

ARC didn't do its homework on this product..

I tried very hard to tell them BUT.........

Hence for the same money I went Meitner DAC2X. Through the REF 5SE a clear winner.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by Priaptor

I tried very hard to tell them BUT.........

Hence for the same money I went Meitner DAC2X. Through the REF 5SE a clear winner.

+1

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by enatai252

All good ideas....and what I wanted most was a DAC8 with tube output. I can't predict the Ref DAC's success in the market. What I can say is it sounds very very good.

That's what I meant when I said I wish it had the Ref5SE's analog output stage (i.e., it's tube output stage)

[Kingsrule]

Originally Posted by enatai252

Wow...how many digital sources do you have in your system....and why. . Its actually is not far off your request...and add Ethernet for UPnP streaming. What I do wish it had was direct input selection on the front...have to either use remote or scroll through inputs on the screen. I disagree that market research would have come up with quite as many inputs as you suggest but I agree that it is not a universal product for everyone.

Like all my posts today....I can't predict how it will sell...can say it sounds good. A little like my Vantage V12.... Not for everyone...but very fun to drive.

Apple TV toslink
DirecTV toslink
BluRay RCA
Sooloos RCA
Transport RCA/AESEBU

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by g997

Apple TV toslink
DirecTV toslink
BluRay RCA
Sooloos RCA
Transport RCA/AESEBU

Got it thanks

I agree that the Ref DAC is not a great choice if you need a set up like that....absent a HT processor...which I would think is a better choice given the first three sources will sometimes be better outputting other than PCM signals. I have the first three that you list plugged into my Classe SSP800....only transport for CD and network Server go into Ref DAC.

[Kingsrule]

Not into the whole theater thing so a HT processor will never be a consideration

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by g997

Not into the whole theater thing so a HT processor will never be a consideration

Ok...but I don't understand. The first three sources are HT applications...not 2 channel music. I hear you but not sure high end DACs would consider this as a normal customer application

The blue ray player can be a transport, I use the Ayre DX5 AES/EBU outputs for that into the Ref DAC...and HDMI output to HT processor

Not knocking your setup preference...just not agreeing that ARC missed something here.

[uwbadger]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Had ARC developed a DAC-8 with the analog output stage from the Ref 5SE, I think they would have had a bigger hit on their hands than with the REF DAC. I also think an updated CD-8 with digital inputs allowing it to b used as an outboard DAC also with the Ref 5SE analog output stage would have been a more successful evolution. Just my 2c.

Agree 1000%!

Cd-8 with USB dig input from music server and I am writing a check to AR. One less box , one less set of cables - no brainer.

Why not???

[uwbadger]

Originally Posted by Patrick Nash

I heard one recently and it sounded very good indeed. After much was made about it combining a Ref 5 with a reference DAC I asked if it had an analogue input as well as all the digital connectivity and the answer was no.
So you still need a preamp if you've got a vinyl rig, which is a bit of a shame.

Agee 100%

Why no analog input???

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by enatai252

(...) I use the Ayre DX5 (...)

What's your opinion on the DX5 both as a disc player and a USB dac?

Perhaps here so that we don't hijack this thread: http://www.audioaficionado.org/ayre/...udio-beat.html