DACs for MACs?

[damacman]

Originally Posted by nalthien

I do! I can't wait for it to get here; but, we just learned that VPI is a bit backed up on the supply side so I'll be waiting a few weeks.

I'm in the same boat. When I want to try new music, I go digital (hooray for subscription services). When I want to engage with my favorites, I go with vinyl.

If I buy a new record that I’ve not yet heard and it comes with a free download (like on Amazon), I won’t listen to the download until after I’ve heard the record! I want the first listen to be the best impression.

[nalthien]

Originally Posted by damacman

If I buy a new record that I’ve not yet heard and it comes with a free download (like on Amazon), I won’t listen to the download until after I’ve heard the record! I want the first listen to be the best impression.

Yeah, that makes sense to me! I like the freedom and flexibility that come with a subscription service to try lots of music before I commit to a physical purchase. But, if I'd already plunked down the cash, I'd probably do the same as you!

[xv21]

Originally Posted by nalthien

The D150, C52, and D1100 all use the same DAC chip (ESS9018). Any differences *should* come from the analog chain post conversion.

Running through the comparison on the McIntosh site is interesting.

• Slightly better SNR (111 vs 110)
• D1100 has a dual-mono power supply
• D1100 has 1 extra digital coax and 1 extra digital optical input
• D1100 has one additional Balanced and one additional unbalanced output

I think this is why I find it overpriced; the actual Digital-to-analog conversion is done by the same chip in both units. The specs for THD, frequency response, and output are all the same. One unit has an MSRP of $3,000 and one has an MSRP of $7,000. That's more than double the price and I can't find any particular justification.

I have compared McIntosh C52 DAC and D1100 DAC with MCT450. D1100 DAC sounds better than C52 DAC. I heard the difference between C52 DAC and D1100 DAC. I can not say if this difference is enough big for double price. You have to listen and make your own decision.

[JBT]

Originally Posted by nalthien

Thanks everyone for your thoughts--especially on the D1100! I'm not sure where I'm going to end up; but, it's been hugely helpful to read impressions.



The D150, C52, and D1100 all use the same DAC chip (ESS9018). Any differences *should* come from the analog chain post conversion.

Running through the comparison on the McIntosh site is interesting.

• Slightly better SNR (111 vs 110)
• D1100 has a dual-mono power supply
• D1100 has 1 extra digital coax and 1 extra digital optical input
• D1100 has one additional Balanced and one additional unbalanced output

I think this is why I find it overpriced; the actual Digital-to-analog conversion is done by the same chip in both units. The specs for THD, frequency response, and output are all the same. One unit has an MSRP of $3,000 and one has an MSRP of $7,000. That's more than double the price and I can't find any particular justification.

DAC chips are the most overrated part of the equation. For example. My OPPO 205 has a much newer Saber DAC chip than my D1100. But playing a CD via my MCT450 and then the OPPO there's no comparison. D1100 blows it away. Really good DAC chips produced 10+ years ago are still in play today because the engineers know how to make them sound really good!

DAC chip chasers remind me of the kids at Best Buy when the newest gaming laptop comes out. They've just got to have it because it has the latest Intel chip in it. That said what makes the D1100 so great IMO is how good lower resolution sounds. 48hKz. I do at least 50 percent of my listening from internet radio stations. Also opened up my eyes to what a scam some of the newer SACDs are.

[PeterMusic]

I've loved my Yggy for years--I don't think you will find a better DAC for less than $10K (actually, I'm not quite sure how high you'd have to go above that to beat it). it's worth the 8 weeks' wait.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

I've loved my Yggy for years--I don't think you will find a better DAC for less than $10K (actually, I'm not quite sure how high you'd have to go above that to beat it). it's worth the 8 weeks' wait.

And the updated version of the Yggy is significantly better than the original. One of the greatest values in audio if you don't need DSD capability.

John

[jdandy]

Brian.......In the Follow-Up section of September 2018 edition of Stereophile, Herb Reichert reports on his experience with the latest Analog 2 version of the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC. It's worth reading before you make any final decisions on your next DAC purchase.

Here is my Yggdrasil making sweet music in my living room system.

[nalthien]

That thing is definitely beautiful and a worth addition to a system.

For the moment, I'm waiting until my new stuff arrives. I have the C1100 up and running; but, I want to get the new speakers here and dialed in before I make any more changes. In the meantime, I'll go find that article!

[Timobi]

Originally Posted by JBT

The DMS-500 has gotten some good reviews. I have a Cary SLP-05 Pre-amp and it's one of the finest I've ever owned. Not to mention it's so cool to look at. Makes beautiful music. 12-15 years ago I owned two Cary CD spinners and wasn't all that pleased with either. They wern't bad, but both were tube based. Sounded good playing classical music. But hard rock like Led Zeppelin they didn't have the kick.

I"ve read Cary is moving most of its production back to North Carolina from China which is good to hear. If I had a Cary dealer close by I'd go give the DMS-500 a listen. I'm always on the loockout for great digital products.

Hey JBT; yes the SLP-05 is a tremedous Preamp. Glad to see CA moving to NC!. Really think you will be pleased with the DMS-500. I compared vs a 3 times more expensive DAC and I will tell you the CA held its own.

[Dr Tone]

If you plan to run USB, you need to be aware of McIntosh's subpar USB implementation.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/show...ighlight=D1100