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Hi,
I would like to share my experience of how my system evolved with the DAC64
Before I got onto the road to HIFI, I started out with a Marantz SR19 AV integrated amp, a pioneer dvd player (can't remember the model name), and set of Energy Conoisseur C-4 speakers.
The first thing I wanted to change was the speakers. I upgraded to the Totem Model one Sginature speaker. I won't go into details, but in short, one of the most amazing monitor speakers I have heard...very emotional and musical.
I then wanted to upgrade my cd player, but then I listened to a DAC64 in sa store where my uncle sells audio equipment. Oh my god... you have to listen to it. The dac was hooked to a rega planet, a jupiter and a arcam 9. Suprisingly, they had differences in the sound. All good, but different, depending of your preference.
I thought why buy another CD player when I can use my DVD player as a transport and hook it to the dac. The dac was hooked up to the same dvd player I had. I was not very satisfied with the sound. Although it sounded much better with the DAC, the dvd player fell short of the other CD players I listened to, even with the DAC. I found the music was not as fluid as the Rega players without the dac. I instead bought the Rega planet. You cannot go wrong for the price, probably the best performance/price CD player. It is just to show that the weakest link will hurt your system
I later upgraded the up to a integrated tube amp, the Conrad Johnson CAV-50. I don't want to start a debate tube/solid state, but tube is better 
It did not take me much time before I was itching for the Chord again, and I found a used one.
Here is what I have to say about the DAC64.
With the Rega Planet on its own, the music was very wet sounding. That is the only way I can describe. Everything flowed and was smooth. The soundstage was precise, and the detail was good.
After I added the DAC, oh my god.. .I didn't realized how much I was missing. Not only did it kept the sound quality of the Rega, it added a much wider soundstage, better instrument/voice placement, depth, more filling sound and amazing detail. The articulation of the instrument and voice ist just amazingly realistic. You get the "It feels like I was there" feeling. It was as if if the DAC created a canvas of music in front of me that I could almost touch.
Since then , I got rid of my Hometheater setup, and listen to movies (via a denon dvd player) through the DAc and the two speakers. You don't get the surround effect, but the soundstage is wide, and the sound is more realistic. It is such an improvement, you will want to put play every cd as it is a new experience everytime. Mind you, bad recording will sound better, the quality recording really shines.
If my DAC64 broke down, I would not hesitate to run to the store and get another one, even if I have to rob it
I learnt that the weakest part of your system will really take away from your experience.
Sincethen I upgraded the following components with increasingly enjoyment at every steps:
1) Custom power chord made by the store my uncle works for the CD player and the DAC 64 - improved soundstage and detail, more depth, better bass
2) Changed from optical to XLO coax digital. Much smoother sounding sound
3) Audiquest panther interconect - opened up the sound, better detail, tigher and better bass
4) and finally audioquest Volcano speaker cable - it really sounds like I changed up, more presence in the sound, better bass
In all, I would not change a thing today. I have had my system for two years, and still avidly listen to music.
If I did have to change something, I would probably get a Conrad Johnson pre-am/amp setup.
The DAC64 is a expensive proposition and is worth it. However, make sure you have components that can make the Dac64 shne. |
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Author: CJROSS
28-11-2019 00:54:33
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