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Lece, Thank you for writing so extensively on your findings. For $999, it sounds like the Oppo is a killer deal. I heard the transport is suppose to be a lot quieter too. ~Mike

Wes, Are you saying that for us two channel guys, just run a pair of balanced cables into the preamp? One other question, how does Oppo95 sound compare to your ARC DAC8? Thanks, ~Mike

Wes, I enjoyed reading your impressions between the ARC DAC8 and the Ayre QB-9. Very nicely articulated.

Vade, I am really happy to hear you are doing a review of the ARC DAC8. Please let us know how it compares with the other DACs you have recently reviewed. ~Mike

How much better is the sound of the ARC DAC8 compared to the Bryston BDA-1. I have only read the comments of others and haven’t had an opportunity to listen to either. I had my sights on the ARC DAC8 but for a little less I could get both the Bryston BDA-1 and the new BDP-1. Thanks for any input you would like to give.

For the burn in process, can one just leave the DAC8 on 24/7 or do you actually need music playing though it to complete the break in process? I'm getting really close to buying one. Thanks ~Mike

Luis, Thanks for posting your comments on your success converting HDMI out of the Oppo to the DAC8. If you have any other impressions concerning the DAC8 and the music you are lisening to, I would love the hear them. It keeps me fired up while saving for this piece of gear. By the way, that is one killer system you have put together. ~Mike PS, does any other DAC8 owners have anything new to report on the quality of sound from your DAC8? Still no full review on the internet yet.

Wow, I am taken back by your findings. How long did you have the DAC in your system? Over at another forum, one person said the DAC 7 didn’t dial in until after about a month. The fact that you put your Alpha DAC back in your system and was immediately transported into audio bliss makes one wonder. Again I really do appreciate your reviewing style “call em as you see and hear em”!. <br /> <br /> ~Mike

Hi Chris, I just finished your J River Media 15 review and noticed you mentioned you have the DAC7. I was excited to see that. One thing I like about your reviewing style is if there is something wrong with a piece of equipment or software, you tell us. Case in point, Mtech 2. With some reviewers it seems that everything sounds great. Anyway back to your comment about the need to listen to these DACs before one buys. Yes at this price level I would certainly agree. My dealer who is about an hour and a half away carries the ARC and Esoteric lines but currently has neither DACs. I think times are tough due to the economy especially in Michigan. So I am going to the experts, that would be you. That being said, I won’t probably be able to take one home to test it. I thought at this level of DAC, I should be happy with either one. Maybe that is faulty reasoning. I guess I would favor one over the other. But I’ll be waiting for your review and maybe could you compare it a bit with the DAC8. My dealer does like ARC. Thanks, ~Mike

I was wondering if anyone has had opportunity to compare the ARC DAC8 to the Esoteric DAC7? Thanks, ~Mike

Thank you Rick and barrows for your cable comments. More food for thought. I was hoping Sonos would update their interface so I could use that as the transport from the music server to the DAC8 ~ Mike

Rick, Jamal and Dave, thanks for lighting up the DAC8 thread. I know Rick also has another thread here somewhere compairing two other DACs with the DAC8. If one was going to achive the best sound from a music server(PC)to the DAC8, what would be the best means. Coax, toslink or USB? Or with some tweaking all are viable? ~ Mike

I would be interested as you have had a lot more DACs than probably a good number of us. I know there are so many variables. Chris might want you to start another thread. Maybe not since your are comparing them to the DAC8. One question I would like to ask every one. With the DAC8 or maybe any DAC, what is the best way to connect it to get the best possible sound? I have been reading other threads on computeraudiophile which advice using cable runs as short as possible and coax is better than toslink which is better than USB. I would like to zero in on the best configuration right off the bat if that is possible. You are probably thinking yes but experimenting is half the fun. I guess I'm thinking about the cost while doing the trial and error method. :>(

rom661, Did you get a opportunity to compare the DAC8 with the Weiss DAC? Please also list any snags you may have hit setting these units up. Thanks, ~Mike

Man, I'm lovin it. Thanks for clearing up that HS USB thing Chris. Musiclover that is one high end audio system you have got there. I'll being biting my nails waiting for your review. I hope the DAC8 will play nice with my McIntosh gear. Some have advised me to buy the MCD500 and use its DAC but MCD500 has no USB option. The DAC8 seems to have the greatest flexibility but I am wondering how much effort it will take to get everything dialed in so the music files off the server sound as good as a high end CDP. Starting to get off topic I know. ~Mike