Colin Dunn

Well, after days of waffling on the DAC (finalists were Schiit Audio Gungnir, Teac UD-501, and Jolida Glass FX Mk. 3), I ordered the TEAC. It looked like the best compromise between "techie" features (DSD128, DXD, selectable filters) and has a reputation for warm, musically involving sound quality. I was very tempted to try the Jolida, as it was $350 less than the Teac, but its computer interfaces aren't as up-to-date. If I don't like the Teac, I'll send it back and try the Jolida next. As for my existing system - I think the SQ issues aren't only about frequency response in-room. It's about analytical, overly "digital" sound. Some Integra 9.8 owners upgraded to the 80.3 to get better DACs, but they lost HD Radio (which I want to have). Sunfire recommends current source for planars. I don't really notice much of a difference between the two.

Thanks for the info, that explains a lot. Looks like PCM only until I get a DAC with USB input options. I thought there were Blu-ray player apps that could stream encrypted audio over HDMI, but I guess they never implemented DSD due to the lack of computer support for SACD playback.

The power amp part should be OK with the Sunfire Stereo II. I'm using the current source outputs. I've heard these speakers with a warmer/higher-quality front-end. Solid state DAC and power amp, tube pre (Cal Sigma, Sonic Frontiers Line-1, various power amps including the Sunfire). I know they are capable of more than I'm getting out of them today.

Seems I can't figure out how to get DSD bitstreaming over HDMI using JRiver either. It supports the DoP standard, but that outputs low-level noise as 176.4K PCM. So I wasn't able to compare DSD output to high-bit-rate PCM. However, I've overall preferred high-bit-rate PCM on the Integra.

An update... So I finally got around to installing JRiver and configuring upsampling. I tried both 88.2 and 176.4 for CD-quality (44.1/16) FLAC files. I perceived a small improvement going to 88.2. I didn't notice a difference going to 176.4. But I still think the Integra is likely the weak link. I found an Audio Research LS-7 stereo pre for sale and am awaiting shipment. Still need to pick out a DAC, but am leaning toward the TEAC UD-501. Hopefully, I can find a way to get warmer, more forgiving sound for CD and 44.1/16 sources.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Here are some of my thoughts and additional info. The placement of the speakers is limited by room dimensions and also a movie screen. I've put them as close together as possible, but they are 8' apart. I wish I could get them further from the back wall (currently about 2'6" clearance). I'm running Audyssey on the Integra. It made an improvement. I've thought about getting a pro kit to do a more detailed calibration. I'm also aware of the ADC/DAC process on the Integra. I've tried the Oppo to the multichannel input, which bypasses this process. Slightly better, but still not awe-inspiring. Guess I'll try upsampling next. As for my "voodoo" comment - what I meant is that I've seen reviews that claim advantages for omitting oversampling or sample-rate conversion. As for my DAC short list: Schiit Audio Gungnir + Nano DSD. Don't like the two-box solution though. Teac UD-501. Best feature set, but does it deliver truly audiophile sound? Musical Fidelity M1-A. Good reputation, but no DSD and may be dated compared to others. Rega DAC. Similar concerns as the Musical Fidelity, and in a higher price range. Any others to consider?

The Integra 9.8 has DSD decoding on-board. I haven't tried any transcoding or upsampling yet, but if I did it would be over HDMI. Seems digital sound quality has a voodoo aspect to it. Some prefer minimal processing; others upsample everything. When it comes to DACs, the Teac UD-501 and Rega are on my short list. The Teac checks all boxes for features, though I need the best sound I can get out of Redbook CDs and FLAC files.

Well, after years of denial, I've gotten to a point where I just think that my home theater-oriented setup just isn't quite musically satisfying enough. So begins the quest to put together an alternate stereo front-end for my existing setup, or build up a second system for high-end stereo listening. My current setup: Sources: Oppo BDP-103 and HTPC, both connected via HDMI Pre/pro: Integra DTC-9.8 Power amp: Sunfire Stereo II (Cinema Grand for center and surrounds) Speakers: Magnepan MG-3.3R (front), MGCC3 (center), MG1.6 (side surround), MMG (rear surround) What's wrong with this setup? It's too thin and bright sounding, especially for 44.1/16 CD. I'm happier with SACD and DVD-A performance. Those Maggies want a warm, high-quality source and amps; what I have today doesn't do CD audio justice. I will want lush, warm, almost tube-like sound, but would prefer solid state to avoid the headaches of tubes. So I need a high-end DAC and stereo preamp at the very least. So starting with a budget of ~$1,000 US (new or used), what DACs should I consider? I'd like to be future-proof and have both DSD and PCM capability. Source may be computer (Toslink / USB) or CD. My best digital files are 96/24 PCM, but I may wade into computer DSD someday.