External DACs?

[Sehnzeleid]

I was just curious if anyone has experimented with external digital-to-analog converters?

I'm not particularly "up" on the deal with them, but I ran across this one and it piqued my interest a bit...

Postive Feedback: FireStone Spitfire DAC

Specifications - Spitfire 24 Bit DAC

Digital to Analog: Texas Instruments PCM1793: 24-Bit 192kHz Sampling Advanced Segment Audio Stereo DAC

Audio Data Receiver: Cirrus Logic CS8414 96kHz Receiver (Spitfire max sampling rate is 96 KHz.)

OP Amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604 (Exchangeable)

Frequency Response: 10Hz~25Khz ,-1dB at 600 ohms loading, low noise -102dB(A)

Inputs: 1 X digital coax, 1 X Toslink optical

Output: 1 X RCA

Size: Size: 11cm/4.3in(L) x 8cm/3.2in(W) x 5cm/2.0in(H)

Weight: 300g / 10.6oz

[chlngr1970]

I think you will find the external DACs mostly on ultra high end equipment, like McKintosh. This is when you get into the relm of ultra performance squeezed out of every individual component. Will you notice any increase in quality? That is hard to say. I'd say, if you can afford it, make sure the retailer has a liberal return policy, and try it out. If you notice a difference, and can justify spending the money associated with it ( the cables as well as the DAC ) then keep it. If not, return it and invest in media to enjoy on your system.

j

[Ruined]

I've used the Beresford TC-7510 MK6 external DAC for some time and it sounds outstanding for a reasonable price. It has both fixed output and also a variable output you control with a volume knob on the front - great for studio monitors when you don't have a mixer.

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/main/main.html

I wouldn't get too excited about bit resolution/sampling rate specs. Most 24-bit DACs can't resolve anything past 20bit, and frequencies over 48khz have proved inaudible - not to mention your source is likely going to be 48khz anyway.

[StayOnBoard]

Originally Posted by Sehnzeleid

I was just curious if anyone has experimented with external digital-to-analog converters?

I'm not particularly "up" on the deal with them, but I ran across this one and it piqued my interest a bit...

Postive Feedback: FireStone Spitfire DAC

Well, I cannot say much for the Spitfire because I haven't heard one in person but I bought a Fubar III from Miniature Audio and I absolutely love it!

I find the sound is so smooth, and I ended up buying the III because it has a built in headphone amp as well, which honestly haven't left my ears in the week I've owned it.

I will definitely be buying a "Supplier" power supply as my next purchase. A good friend of mine has a Fubar III, Big Joe and Supplier all joined together and the sound is absolutely amazing. I just heard it for the first time this weekend and wow! I want to get in on some of that action

Best of luck on whatever product you decide! As chlngr1970 mentioned, look for a good return policy incase you are not happy with the product. That's what got me to choose this product and website. The only thing I needed to pay was 10$ shipping to send it back if I wasn't happy... which obviously isn't the case so nothing to worry about