DAC Comparison

[gzubeck]

If a DAC sounds different from other DACs, it is either broken or very poorly designed.

Implementation...this is like saying that a ford fiesta and a Mercedes should be equal given that they get you from point a to point b. One gets you there with a more luxurious and smoother ride while the other you can feel every bump in the road. But, there is always the law of diminishing returns where at some point paying a penny more adds nothing.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Implementation...this is like saying that a ford fiesta and a Mercedes should be equal given that they get you from point a to point b. One gets you there with a more luxurious and smoother ride while the other you can feel every bump in the road. But, there is always the law of diminishing returns where at some point paying a penny more adds nothing.

No, what OP is asking is akin to difference between BMW 7 series and Merc S5xx. Both already are over the top performing and features. It doesn't matter which one is faster in 0-60.

 

[DubPlate]

Yes that helps. So at least we now can make 2 reasonable assumptions.

1. The Marantz AV7702MkII has the AK4458 or the TI 1795, more likely the AK4458 because that's in the SR7010 and the AV7702MkII was launched at around the same time.

2. The Onkyo 7030 has the WM8718 based on a review linked below as well as the published specs (SNR)
https://www.amazon.com/review/RZN7NUL44AUKX

Based on above assumptions, the AV7702MkII has a better DAC chip (better specs). That does not mean the 7702MkII will sound better, worse or same as there are many other factors.

Thanks for the drop on that very in depth article. I go the CD player today. Tried both analog and digital connects to the Marantz. I must say I like the sound via the optical connect much better. It has more depth and doesn't sound as processed. In that regard, sound effects and sound in general sound a little more accurate. I want to say it even sounds better than my PS3 via optical, but I could be off on that.

Thanks again