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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: Kush on January 04, 2009, 09:45:33 PM
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Looking to upgrade my playback system in 2009 and need some options to look at.
I will be keeping my B&W DM601's for speakers (100 watt max), an Oppo DVD DV980H as a DVD player, and an AMC CD9 as a CD player. [I'm sure from time to time I will also be using the Oppo for CD listening.]
I'm looking for a: (1.) D/A converter that will lock on a 16 bit or 24 bit; 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz signal non-upsampled with balanced XLR outs ($2K max) ; and an (2.) Integrated Amp with balanced XLR in's (80-100 watt max, $3k max).
My playback will be limited to 16 bit, 44.1 kHz CD's I've recorded, traded for, own, etc.; 16 bit, 48 kHz live music DVD's I own; and 24 bit, 48 kHz DVD-A's I've recorded live.
Thanks in advance for the prospect advice, I will be purchasing new and need some opinions on gear to audition.
Kush
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I picked up a Benchmark DAC1-USB about a year ago and have been very pleased with it. I use it mainly for editing and mastering my recordings, but also interfaces nicely with my existing stereo. It offers several input/output options, including balance XLR's.
Happy hunting!
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Here's some recent DAC discussion: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,113276.0.html
My vote for for your D/A conversion is the Mytek Stereo96. It locks to your input but will also upsample in "Superlock" mode. It's well within your budget, even new.
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If you go w/ the benchmark DAC1 or the mytec stereo96 dac you don't really need an integrated amp.
If you are set on an integrated the ps audio Gcc-100 is a good starting point.
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With that kind of budget your options are almost limitless. There are so many companies out there cranking out great products its hard to choose. So I'll just suggest what I have. For an amp go with a Mcintosh MA6300. You can find them for far less than MSRP on the web. I've had mine for a little over a year now and I love it. I use it for TV and movies and everyday music listening.
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If you go w/ the benchmark DAC1 or the mytec stereo96 dac you don't really need an integrated amp.
Not true, you will need an integrated (or power amp) to drive the speakers.
Check out audiogon, lots of integrateds (and power amps too) to peep. I'm not sure what models have XLR inputs, but there are definitely a lot of choices for nice integrateds in your price range. Some brands that come to mind are Krell, Pass Labs, Bryston, NAD, Rotel, Vincent, Outlaw Audio, BAT, Conrad Johnson, Parasound, just to name a few.
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If you go w/ the benchmark DAC1 or the mytec stereo96 dac you don't really need an integrated amp.
Not true, you will need an integrated (or power amp) to drive the speakers.
Check out audiogon, lots of integrateds (and power amps too) to peep. I'm not sure what models have XLR inputs, but there are definitely a lot of choices for nice integrateds in your price range. Some brands that come to mind are Krell, Pass Labs, Bryston, NAD, Rotel, Vincent, Outlaw Audio, BAT, Conrad Johnson, Parasound, just to name a few.
some amp is necessary, yes, no real need for an integrated amp. He could probably get something better that is just a stereo amp if the DAC is changing the sources.
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If you go w/ the benchmark DAC1 or the mytec stereo96 dac you don't really need an integrated amp.
If you are set on an integrated the ps audio Gcc-100 is a good starting point.
That's pretty much 2/3 of my rig: Mytek Stereo 96 DAC > PS Audio GCA-100 > PSB Platinum T6 - I love it.
I just found out that Grace is now offering the m902 with balanced analog outputs (TRS, but it's just a cable to convert to XLR). That might be an option, as they have USB, but it only supports 16/48 max.
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Anyone have any experience with the Ayre AX-7e integrated amp?
Also been looking at the PS Audio GCC 100 as a contender.
Any thoughts between the two?
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a single purchase of a Music Hall Mambo, and you're done.
not a straight DAC in that it upsamples...but its sweet.
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I picked up a Music Hall Maven on ebay for under 500. I was searching for a Mambo but could'nt find one. The Maven is "Stereophile Class C" while the Mambo is class A. The Maven is a great integrated with tons of features, including a built in DAC: http://www.musichallaudio.com/mmf_products.asp?show=true&prolook=maven.
I'm curious about your OPPO. Does it insert gaps on your DVDA playback? Mine does. I use Discwelder Bronze to create them. My Denon 2910 plays them back gapless :hmmm:
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After Nick's Picks suggestion, I checked out the Music Hall website. The name (Music Hall) is very familiar, I see it in Stereophile all the time, regarded as good sounding gear. I had been wondering though about the build quality, made in China Hi-Fi. Isn't that an oxymoron? (not meant as a low blow on the country as a whole) I saw the Maven and checked it out and had been wondering about it. It was reviewed in Stereophile but the review has been taken offline for some reason.
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the build quality will *blow you away*
its nearly a 70lb chunk of aluminum. Its the V2 of integrateds.
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ive been eyeing up Outlaw Audio's stuff. FYI
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After Nick's Picks suggestion, I checked out the Music Hall website. The name (Music Hall) is very familiar, I see it in Stereophile all the time, regarded as good sounding gear. I had been wondering though about the build quality, made in China Hi-Fi. Isn't that an oxymoron? (not meant as a low blow on the country as a whole) I saw the Maven and checked it out and had been wondering about it. It was reviewed in Stereophile but the review has been taken offline for some reason.
pm raoulduke, he may have the mambo and maven reviews saved. he's also a BIG music hall fan.
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pm raoulduke, he may have the mambo and maven reviews saved. he's also a BIG music hall fan.
I sent a PM to Tim about a week ago, no response though. Anyone want to point him to this thread for me?