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Post by robbiegong on Dec 3, 2020 22:45:24 GMT
After going the vintage cdp route I've decided I've had enough of reliability concerns and issues, which goes with that territory so it's time for a different approach.
Been reading about stand alone transports coupled with a DAC.
I dont know anything about DACs in particular, or transports for that matter, but have been reading up and know like all things hifi, they dont all sound the same.
That said i've a good idea of the two pieces I'd like to couple together.
My question then is, what connects do I use / can you recommend to 1. connect the transport to the DAC and 2. to connect the transport to the amp ?
Cable recommendations and links would be much appreciated ( Please let me know if reccy is for amp-transport, DAC-transport or both ?
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Post by MartinT on Dec 4, 2020 3:47:36 GMT
The first thing you have to establish, before selecting the cables, is:
1. What connections are available between transport and DAC. Choose AES, Co-ax (BNC or phono) or optical in that order
2. What connections are available between DAC and amplifier. Choose XLR or phono in that order
You don't connect the transport to the amp.
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Post by robbiegong on Dec 4, 2020 13:50:16 GMT
Thanks Martin, very helpful.
I know a bit more now than I did before, thankfully.
I will use the good rca's I already have, to connect DAC to amp.
I'm likely to go digital coaxial for the Transport to DAC connection, although someone said I need coax to coax for that - what plug configuration does that mean ? (Future shop plug configuration options show BNC or RCA....)
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Post by MartinT on Dec 4, 2020 14:22:01 GMT
You need to look at the transport and DAC. Select whichever they need and choose BNC if you have a choice for that end.
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Post by robbiegong on Dec 4, 2020 14:40:51 GMT
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Post by MartinT on Dec 4, 2020 14:54:23 GMT
Well, that's easy then. You need a co-ax digital S/PDIF cable with phono plugs both ends.
Future Shop give very good service, by the way.
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Post by robbiegong on Dec 4, 2020 15:23:36 GMT
Well, that's easy then. You need a co-ax digital S/PDIF cable with phono plugs both ends. Future Shop give very good service, by the way. Nice one and agreed Martin, have had great dealings with them in the past and recently, hence will be going back. Thanks again |
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Post by robbiegong on Dec 5, 2020 15:53:13 GMT
I'm almost ready to go / purchase Transport-DAC. One thing I need to ask is has anybody had a cdp go from sounding fab one moment and then without warning just sound rubbish / broken ? This happened to me with a lovely vintage Pioneer PD-91 - sublime to cr&p sound without any hint of prior warning. I've had two other 91's in my system since and they too haven't sounded particularly good / anywhere like when my first one was on song. I've tried a different Line input/output on the amp and no change so I'm assuming it is definitely the cdp's not being optimum, these cdp's are 30 years old no matter how gorgeous they look. At the same time, could it be something the else, the amp even ? (which i don't think it is) Just putting the question out there before I move another 91 on, buy the Transport and DAC only to find that something still isn't right. It's odd that the two 91's I've had in since the first one suddenly went bad sounding', both haven't sounded great at all to my ears, hence me deciding it's time to move away from these vintage cdp's and try another approach. *I also think it would be a good idea if I was to hear my current PD-91 in another system. Should have done this a bit back, I was hoping to get the 91 up on eBay this weekend to fund things and take advantage of the £1 final sellers fee, before it expires  |
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Post by MartinT on Dec 5, 2020 17:34:57 GMT
I remember my PD-91 with great fondness. Superb battleship build and looked amazing. That was a while ago now, though, and I dare say it wouldn't sound great compared with what I'm used to now.
The odds are that they would all need a replacement laser by now.
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Post by robbiegong on Dec 5, 2020 18:17:26 GMT
I think you're right Martin. I think I was fortunate to hear my first one sounding as it should, which was lovely, albeit for only weeks.
The two I've had after that, were literally in the last few months so again, that's a lot of hours/yrs on the clock, 30 year old lasers etc. Analogue sections and powers supplies can play up too, after that time.
I guess, I'm probably experiencing these players, whilst aesthetically lookers, they are likely no longer operating sonically optimum, hence the poor replay I'm hearing with them - they are probably tired.
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Post by robbiegong on Jan 14, 2021 17:03:44 GMT
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Post by MartinT on Jan 14, 2021 17:39:39 GMT
You connect the CD transport to the DAC. It doesn't connect to anything else.
You then connect the DAC to your amp.
Use the audio out fixed if you will control volume from your amp.
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 14, 2021 17:49:34 GMT
If your Sansui can act as a standalone power amp it would be worth trying the volume control on the DAC and connecting your RCA cables to amp using the variable output. See which route sounds best.
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Post by robbiegong on Jan 14, 2021 20:27:13 GMT
Thank you very muchly Martin and Jules, much a appreciated gents  |
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Post by robbiegong on Jan 16, 2021 11:09:02 GMT
Just bought an Audiolab 6000 CDT, waiting for it to be delivered.
DAC and coax' will be next..
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 16, 2021 16:36:50 GMT
Nice one Rob.
Do let us know how the Audiolab works out for you. Have you got the Marantz DAC yet?
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Post by robbiegong on Jan 16, 2021 17:24:56 GMT
Nice one Rob. Do let us know how the Audiolab works out for you. Have you got the Marantz DAC yet? Will do J, not got the Marantz yet but that's next as well as the coax' then I'll connect, listen and report back - defo. |
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Post by karatestu on Jan 17, 2021 7:32:06 GMT
I have heard good things about the Audiolab. Better than a Cambridge Audio by all accounts. Hope it all goes well.
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Post by robbiegong on Jan 17, 2021 11:56:59 GMT
I have heard good things about the Audiolab. Better than a Cambridge Audio by all accounts. Hope it all goes well. Cheers Karatestu |
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