New dvd?

[Scumfrog]

I am looking to upgrade my source component but I am not sure how to go about it. I have an entry level Samsung 3d blu-ray player. It's fine-not great-just fine. I listen to a lot of cd's and will be getting into computer based audio in the near future. My specific question is do I get a higher quality dvd player, a high quality cd player or do I get a an outboard dac? I am open to various price points so...waht do you think?
Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[96cobra10101]

I went with a higher end CD player, via TLSguy, (he is pretty knowledgeable about these things) and never looked back. Placebo effect or not, I swear my cd's sound better on the Revox than my other transports which include CD, DVD, and Bluray players. My understanding is that the on board DACS on inexpensive transports are part of the reason there are inexpensive. One solution is this; XDA-1, plus it will work with your other sources.

 

[jonnythan]

The DAC in your receiver is just as good as anything else out there. Use a digital connection (HDMI, optical) from the BD to the receiver and forget about it. Spend extra money on speakers.

 

[96cobra10101]

The DAC in your receiver is just as good as anything else out there. Use a digital connection (HDMI, optical) from the BD to the receiver and forget about it. Spend extra money on speakers.

Not trying to start a debate about this, I'm not an expert, but I'm under the impression that receiver DAC's are geared toward home theater more than 2 channel audio, which I think the OP was looking for. Where as external DAC's are geared toward 2 channel (or 2.1) audio.

 

[jonnythan]

Not trying to start a debate about this, I'm not an expert, but I'm under the impression that receiver DAC's are geared toward home theater more than 2 channel audio, which I think the OP was looking for. Where as external DAC's are geared toward 2 channel (or 2.1) audio.

What does that even mean?

 

[96cobra10101]

What does that even mean?

What part?

 

[Grador]

What part?

How would you "gear" a DAC to be for multi channel vs 2 channel? That statement doesn't really make sense.

 

[96cobra10101]

How would you "gear" a DAC to be for multi channel vs 2 channel? That statement doesn't really make sense.

Is a DAC that's built to be used as 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 and 7.1 going to be of the same quality as on specifically built as a 2.1 DAC?

 

[Grador]

There's no reason why it couldn't be. I now see what you're getting at, but to say that it's "geared" a certain way made no sense, just say you don't think the quality is up to par.

As for where you should go Mike, if you're using an analog interconnect for playing your CDs, try using digital. While using a digital interconnect there will most likely be no difference between your current player and a high end unit. Beyond that I'd probably go with speakers, but if you are absolutely convinced the issue is with electronics an external DAC would be the way to go.

 

[96cobra10101]

but to say that it's "geared" a certain way made no sense,

And some people say cucumbers taste better pickled.

"geared" = built, designed.

I just saw that there is a heated argument about it in another thread already.

 

[Grador]

I understand what the word geared means, but I disagree with your statement completely. Designing for multichannel does not mean lower quality, and being designed for 2 channel does not mean higher. I could easily give you examples for 2 channel DACs that are lower quality than the worst AVR's DAC.

I think we understand eachother, I'm mostly responding for the benefit of the Mike as this is relevant to his original question still.

 

[Scumfrog]

First and formost thank-you. Digital is a little over my head...for now. I will learn especially from this forum. My dvd is hooked up via hdmi1.4 One to the receiver (NADT748) and another goes to my tv. Which dac am I using-the players or the receivers?
Thanks again!
Mike

 

[jonnythan]

First and formost thank-you. Digital is a little over my head...for now. I will learn especially from this forum. My dvd is hooked up via hdmi1.4 One to the receiver (NADT748) and another goes to my tv. Which dac am I using-the players or the receivers?
Thanks again!
Mike

The receiver. The BD player is transmitting the digital audio stream from the CD directly to the receiver. The receiver then manipulates this digital stream according to its internal EQ settings, tone control, and DSP, then converts it to analog and amplifies it before sending it to the speakers.

You could spend $1000 on an Oppo BDP-95 and use its stereo or multichannel analog audio output to keep all the D/A conversion in a high-end 'audiophile' unit but in reality the only differences you'll hear are minor processing differences.

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you want better sound, spend the money on speakers, a sub, or a receiver that has better processing.

What do you have now for speakers, sub, and receiver?

Edit: I see you have a NAD T748. NAD is known for high quality audio components and strong amps, so there is definitely no point 'upgrading' to a better DAC. What seems to be missing entirely, however, is a good speaker calibration system. You might want to consider switching to a receiver that has Audyssey MultEQ XT. Don't discount how much of a difference quality speaker calibration can make.

 

[Scumfrog]

Thanks for your response and brief tutorial. I am running Thiel 2.0 fronts, and Kirksaeter center and tower surrounds. The Thiels are powered by a Crown Macro Reference amp and the NAD powers the center and surrounds. A mirage fills the bottom. When listenibg to stereo, I just run the mains w/o the sub. I may get a Thiel center-found 2 used ones. Might get another amp-3 channel like Emotiva for more oomph for the center and surrounds. A better, faster sub would be nice too. I'm just taking my time because the sound is great to me. Nothing is really glaringly-if that's a word- wrong. I love listening to music hence my quest for better sound. Maybe a tube pre for music will do the trick. I did hook up the Thiels to a small tube integrated and loved that combo. Wife didn't like the looks of the speaks in the summer home but loves them in our family room in the Chicago burbs.
Thanks guys!
Mike

 

[Scumfrog]

Thanks guys. It turns out that i need new windows not a new source. So...het my systen does sound nice so I will put this on the back burner.
Thanks again,
Mike