... what would you recommend?
My previous "decent" 2.0 channel system included the Rotel RDD/RDP-980 DAC and transport combination, so I'm a believer in DACs. 15 years later that system's long gone, and I've just finished building a (5.1) home theater system which will also be used for 2.0 channel stereo.
I don't want to ignite the discussion of having two separate systems - space & budget make this impossible so it's not an option.
System:
Main Floor: Computer with CDs ripped to FLAC (lossless) files -> wireless router ->
Basement: Trendnet TEW-640MB wireless bridge (hard-wired via Ethernet to both Onkyo & Oppo) ->
Oppo BDP 93 -> Panasonic AE7000 Projector
Onkyo TX-NR708 Receiver -> Rotel RB990BX Power Amplifier (200W/8ohm) -> (bi-wired) ASW Genius 300 (fronts), ...
Streaming with Foobar2000 / upnp, and using ORemote on an iPad2 to play music through the Onkyo (ORemote is an app that provides a remote UI, which enables song browsing & playback without the projector fired up). I've not experienced any network issues, sound quality is good but can be improved. I plan to perform some comparative tests between the computer source and the original CD.
In this context a DAC is an enhancement and not a fundamental component, so I'm reaching out in order to reduce my time & money wasted on recycling gear for no added benefit. Your suggestions and own experiences are therefore greatly appreciated. In your responses please state where a DAC would fit, as I'm assuming the obvious "location" is between the Trendnet & Onkyo.
My thoughts/comments thus far:
- DAC must have Ethernet input to connect to the Trendnet.
- I know of the Logitech Squeezebox Touch but on paper its DAC is equivalent to the Onkyo or Oppo, so I'm doubtful it will deliver improvements. Comments...?
- The Audioengine D2 is appealing, but I don't want to introduce another wireless transmitter/receiver.
- PS Audio Perfect wave Media DAC Mk II seems compelling, but at $4K+ it's too expensive relative to the rest of my gear and will it make THAT much of an improvement?
- Upgrade to the Oppo BDP95 and use it's higher-end DAC?
Cheers,
Wayne
... what would you recommend? My previous "decent" 2.0 channel system included the Rotel RDD/RDP-980 DAC and transport combination, so I'm a believer in DACs. 15 years later that system's long gone, and I've just finished building a (5.1) home theater system which will also be used for 2.0 channel stereo. I don't want to ignite the discussion of having two separate systems - space & budget make this impossible so it's not an option. System: Main Floor: Computer with CDs ripped to FLAC (lossless) files -> wireless router -> Basement: Trendnet TEW-640MB wireless bridge (hard-wired via Ethernet to both Onkyo & Oppo) -> Oppo BDP 93 -> Panasonic AE7000 Projector Onkyo TX-NR708 Receiver -> Rotel RB990BX Power Amplifier (200W/8ohm) -> (bi-wired) ASW Genius 300 (fronts), ... Streaming with Foobar2000 / upnp, and using ORemote on an iPad2 to play music through the Onkyo (ORemote is an app that provides a remote UI, which enables song browsing & playback without the projector fired up). I've not experienced any network issues, sound quality is good but can be improved. I plan to perform some comparative tests between the computer source and the original CD. In this context a DAC is an enhancement and not a fundamental component, so I'm reaching out in order to reduce my time & money wasted on recycling gear for no added benefit. Your suggestions and own experiences are therefore greatly appreciated. In your responses please state where a DAC would fit, as I'm assuming the obvious "location" is between the Trendnet & Onkyo. My thoughts/comments thus far: - DAC must have Ethernet input to connect to the Trendnet. - I know of the Logitech Squeezebox Touch but on paper its DAC is equivalent to the Onkyo or Oppo, so I'm doubtful it will deliver improvements. Comments...? - The Audioengine D2 is appealing, but I don't want to introduce another wireless transmitter/receiver. - PS Audio Perfect wave Media DAC Mk II seems compelling, but at $4K+ it's too expensive relative to the rest of my gear and will it make THAT much of an improvement? - Upgrade to the Oppo BDP95 and use it's higher-end DAC? Cheers, Wayne