DACs

[nm2285]

I was originally considering a separate CD player to go along with my DVD player in my stereo system. However, now I'm curious as to whether or not an external DAC would be a smarter buy.
In general, would buying a DAC and using it on a DVD achieve a significantly better sound?

My DVD player is a Harman/Kardon DVD 101 which contains 192kHz/24-Bit Wolfson Audio Output DACs (as I understand, well respected).
Would an external DAC do anything for my specific situation?

Thanks all for the help

[Az B]

Most moderately priced DVD players do an excellent job playing back CDs. To get any real benefit from upgrading to a seperate CD player, you will need to spend big bucks.

Same with the external DACs. The DAC in your DVD player is quite good. You will need to spend a significant amount of money on an external DAC to make a huge difference.

You don't mention your pre/pro or receiver. What DACs does it use? Are you using analog connections between your players and your reciever?

[nm2285]

I'm using an Adcom GTP-500 pre and a NAD C370 as the amp. No digital connections so all the DAC'ing is done in the HK.

I'm certainly happy with the sound of the HK on CDs, so if it'll take big $ to upgrade, I'll wait a while.

[WmAx]

The only reason I would recommend an external DAC is if you require specific resampling, reclocking or format conversions for utility purposes -- usually only needed for professional sound production.

If your current DVD player is not audibly transparent, then it's just a poor design or a defective sample. I don't know of any parameter related to audbility that would cause any problems on modern DACs, even in 'mass market' equipment unless it was just a poor design attempt that had anti alias filter leakage, etc. BTW, some exotic hi-end units purposely have such problems at high levels in order to sound 'different'. These are simply garbage, to be frank.

If you want to get real changes in sound, get a high quality digital equalizer such as the Behringer DEQ2496, which has fine quality AKM DACs btw.... :-)

-Chris

I was originally considering a separate CD player to go along with my DVD player in my stereo system. However, now I'm curious as to whether or not an external DAC would be a smarter buy.
In general, would buying a DAC and using it on a DVD achieve a significantly better sound?

My DVD player is a Harman/Kardon DVD 101 which contains 192kHz/24-Bit Wolfson Audio Output DACs (as I understand, well respected).
Would an external DAC do anything for my specific situation?

Thanks all for the help

[Az B]

If you want to get real changes in sound, get a high quality digital equalizer such as the Behringer DEQ2496, which has fine quality AKM DACs btw.... :-)

-Chris

I use one of those for 2 channel playback, digitally linked to the Behringer DCX. Works like a charm!

[WmAx]

I use one of those for 2 channel playback, digitally linked to the Behringer DCX. Works like a charm!

I was considering using a DEQ with the DCX, but it would be redundant and less convenient in my application. The DCX interfaced using a serial cable and the DCX software with a PC allows for very convenient and precise adjustement with a mouse from the listening position. :-)

-Chris