Topic: loaner DAC ?

[Nick's Picks]

Hey all....

as i've mentioned in a few threads, i'm changing my playback gear around.
In this new setup, I have no good source. 
I'm definitely going the outboard DAC route so that I can get at my large HDD library of music.
I'll going to pick up a separate SACD deck (probably the highly regarded sleeper, Sony SCD-C2000ES).

as for DACs, i'm going to need to save up for this.  I want something really good.  Benchmark, at the minimum...but probably a BelCanto DAC 2.0, Grace 901/2, or something entirely different.

in the meantime...anyone have anything "extra" laying around that I can borrow?



new intended rig will be:
DAC/SACD source > Pathos Classic One MK3 > VSA VR-2100 towers.
should be good.  I already intend to replace the speakers as well...eventually.  I really want to give those ML Vantages a home in my living room.

[Nick's Picks]

or..
can anyone recommend a class A rated Universal that has a digital input?
I know they exist..but dont know where.

[noam]

I'll going to pick up a separate SACD deck (probably the highly regarded sleeper, Sony SCD-C2000ES).

as for DACs, i'm going to need to save up for this.  I want something really good.  Benchmark, at the minimum

The good folks at Benchmark told me IIRC that the SONY SACD's are copyright protected in the digi out and cannot work with an outboard DAC. They may have said that is the case for ALL SACD players (the chip is SONY's?) - I don't remember exactly. They also said that SOME DVD-A players are likewise copyright protected from digi out and they have checked 2 models in the past that can work with an outboard DAC, both no longer available. They do not have up-to-date info about every player, but better check with them first - I hope I am not confusing what they said, because I was also discussing with them the unrelated issue of which players are "bit transparent."

Noam

[Nick's Picks]

I wasn't planning on using anything other than the analog output on that Sony deck.  It sounds excellent on its own.  probably sucks as a transport, given its 5 disc tray.

[BC]

those VR 2100's get to ya yet?

[Nick's Picks]

no
probably later this week

[jdawg]

I'm looking to sell my bel canto DAC2. PM me if interested. I have this posted on A'gon as well. I'll make a better deal for you though. Let me know.

[Kyle]

I'll going to pick up a separate SACD deck (probably the highly regarded sleeper, Sony SCD-C2000ES).

as for DACs, i'm going to need to save up for this.  I want something really good.  Benchmark, at the minimum

The good folks at Benchmark told me IIRC that the SONY SACD's are copyright protected in the digi out and cannot work with an outboard DAC. They may have said that is the case for ALL SACD players (the chip is SONY's?) - I don't remember exactly. They also said that SOME DVD-A players are likewise copyright protected from digi out and they have checked 2 models in the past that can work with an outboard DAC, both no longer available. They do not have up-to-date info about every player, but better check with them first - I hope I am not confusing what they said, because I was also discussing with them the unrelated issue of which players are "bit transparent."

Noam

Sort of off topic so if it's a hijack my apologies...
Can anyone confirm that a DSD (SACD) signal can be sent down an ilink connection to a  Sony 9000es, for example. I have heard it works with the Pioneer Elite series (with ilink), but that is just what I have heard. Would be really sweet if it works. Anyone know for sure?

[Nick's Picks]

I only know that it will work w/the XA9000ES SACD deck, or new DVP91000ES SACD deck.
No idea about the other brands firewire.  The Denon Dlink...for example.

[carlbeck]

Nick you can borrow my DAC but it may ruin you for life 

[Nick's Picks]

well...it may ruin me until I have a spare grand to drop on one...should the desire be that strong.

[scb]

what dac is that, carl?

[carlbeck]

Electrocompaniet ecd-1, ALMOST like analog, seriously


http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1172952057

[scb]

never even heard of that before...when did you get it?   

[carlbeck]

Last year I think. I have my Onkyo DV-SP1000 universal player feeding it. The Onkyo sounds pretty bad ass on it's own but the ECD takes it up another notch. Very impressive front end, next to my turntable, the best I have ever owned. I can finally listen to digital again