Conference hips::uk_audioo

472.0. "Looking for a DAC" by ZUR01::CAMILLERI (I'm not going to eat any broccoli) Mon Mar 14 1994 10:48

Hi there,

I'm looking for an outboard DAC for my Sony DAR 1000 DSR (digital satellite
radio).

For those not familiar with DSR: It's using 16 bit resolution like CD, but
sampling frequency is 32 kHz. 16 stations are bundled into one TV channel and
transmitted via satellite. With a 38 cm square flat antenna I can capture the
German satellite program from the satellite TV-Sat. This is extremely
interesting if you like classical music (as I do), since 9 out of the 16
stations are broadcasting classical music, mostly live performances.

The Sony DAR 1000 is my main source beside my Klein & Hummel FM 2002 tuner.
I've done a direct comparison between the FM and the DSR tuners, tuning to
a station which I can capture both with via 'normal' and satellite antenna.
I found listening to FM much more enjoyable and musically rewarding. I
found the FM tuner sounding much more lively, dynamic, energetic and having
a deeper soundstage. The drawbacks beside a higher background noise level
(which doesn't disturb me) are image width and stability (the instruments
are dancing around) and distortions. The Sony has more precision, detail, a
wide, stable, precise soundstage and no distortions, but it sounds dull in
comparison. Even when I reduced the volume while listening to the FM
tuner, I had the subjective feeling it was playing louder than the DSR
tuner.

What I want is a outboard DAC which adds to the precision, soundstage and
freedom from distortions of the Sony the musicality, live and dynamics of
the Klein & Hummel.

I haven't listened to any yet. There are so many on the market I don't know
where to start. My contenders so far are:

   Item                  Chip                Price (SFrancs/Dollars/Pounds)
   Audio Alchemy DDE 1.0 ?                   ?
   Audio Alchemy DDE 2.0 ?                   ?
   EAR DSP 1000          ?                   1900  / 1300 / 800  *
   EAR DSP 7000          Burr Brown P63      4000  / 2800 / 1600
   Meridian 606          Philips DAC7        2000  / 1400 / 800  *
   Meridian 563          Crystal             2000  / 1400 / 800  *
   Parasound 1500        Burr Brown P63      2500  / 1700 / 1000
   Pink Triangle         Burr Brown          3000  / 2100 / 1400
   Orelle 180            Ultra Analog (?)    1200  / 800  / 500
   Wadia 12              ?                   3200  / 2200 / 1300
   Wadia 32              ?                   2800  / 1900 / 1100 *
   

The prices marked with * are special discounts. I'll try to stay below the
$3000 mark.

My associated components are:

   Gryphon Linestage preamp
   Gryphon DM 100 power amp
   Stax ELS-F81 electrostatic loudspeakers


I'll be very grateful for hints, comments and suggestions.

Cheers
 Patrick

(cross-posted to VAXWRK::AUDIO)