[Bigload]

Appreciate opinions on this-
Which would be the better choice strictly from a sound quality perspective...

1.  The AVA Vision DAC with a less expensive CD player like a Marantz SA 8004?  (about $2000)
or
2.  A more expensive reference series Marantz player like the SA-11S2 with no external DAC?  (about $3000)

Would be running with HT2TL speakers, AvaStar preamp and Insight + Double 260 amp.

Thanks.

[Charles Calkins]

Keep the vision DAC. Get an Oppo DVD/Cd player and use it as a transport.

                                           Cheers
                                         Charlie

[Brett Buck]

Appreciate opinions on this-
Which would be the better choice strictly from a sound quality perspective...

1.  The AVA Vision DAC with a less expensive CD player like a Marantz SA 8004?  (about $2000)
or

   This, clearly. The transport has *no* effect on the sound quality with a properly-designed DAC. All it needs to be is reliable and mechanically sound.

     Brett

[oneinthepipe]

   This, clearly. The transport has *no* effect on the sound quality with a properly-designed DAC. All it needs to be is reliable and mechanically sound.

     Brett

I know that is true in theory, but don't get something really cheap with a noisy power supply.  I nearly went crazy when I connected a cheap Philips DVP to my Insight DAC.  Thankfully, Frank diagnosed the problem as a noisy DVP.  I tossed the DVP and bought a Marantz CD5001 which preformed flawlessly as a transport.  I think that you will be much better served with an outboard DAC, regardless.  The technology appears to be constantly improving, and you won't be wed to a $3000.00 CDP. 

As an aside, I have been extraordinarily happy using Pure Music over iTunes then through John Kenny's modified HiFace into my Vision DAC.  There is also a tweak installing attenuators between the HiFace and the DAC, and I found that the attenuators also reduce noise when installed between the Marantz CDP and the DAC.  The computer/HiFace combination is much better than the CDP and is really close to the good things about vinyl.  (Hear that, Wayner?)

[Bigload]

OK.  Got it.  Thanks.

[mark funk]

It's funny the way things are. I first got a Marantz 5400 CDP for $100 as my transport. It took my some time to find out where the noise was coming from. I though it was a tube, it was the Marantz. So I got a Philips 3140 DVDP for $40 and it has been working fine for four years now?


                                                                                   

[martyo]

Hey Bigload,

First, I'm an AVA/SALK guy. Had the HT3's for 3 years and the AVA gear a little longer. I use a Sony CHANGER to my Ultra DAC. It is the 3rd Sony player I've used with this system. (A DVP, Blu-Ray, and a DVP changer) All 3 Sony players sound different. Not huge differences, but easily audible. While I did at one time believe transports are neutral, they are not. Much of the qaulity of Franks work has to do with his work on the various power supplies within the box. CDP's have power supplies... One day I hope to eliminate the player in my set. Not trying to start a debate.
 
Henry, "OINP", another SALK/AVA'er is not a ranting lush. He is a practical guy with an open mind. He heard and learned and improved his already outstanding system. I love my set, I still get blown away by it, I don't sit around listening to it and think about what I am missing. AND I'm using a changer!

If you're into Hi-Rez, Sacd's, or DVD-A's, you might want to check out Franks Oppo with the HDMI de-imbedder he used at RMAF.

BTW, my brother has the HT2TL's, mighty fine speaks.

That's a very nice set you already have and will only improve with the addition of the Vision DAC and Marantz.

Happy Listening

[mathgeek97]

Bigload,

If you've got multiple sources, get the EC version of the Vision DAC.  I've have an OPPO BDP-83, an Apple Airport Express, and the optical out of my TV all connected (yes, I now have the best sounding stereo TV ever).
I'm very happy with the OPPO as a transport.  If it was my setup, I'd wait for the new OPO BDP-93 to be released - if you're going to have it connected to a TV, that is.  If you're audio only, wait for the BDP-93 to be released, then buy a used BDP-83.

[Bigload]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I actually have a host of different stuff around the house in different rooms to mix and match with.  On CD players... I have a Marantz SA-8003 (bedroom), an Oppo BDP 83SE (family room), and an Oppo BDP 83 SE NuForce (HT-main listening room).  In the family room, I have the Insight+ Pre/Vision DAC combo with an Oppo SE playing through the AVA DAC, along with an Insight 240+ and a set of SongTowers, and it sounds great.  I also listen to Apple lossless via my Wadia 170i digital output to the Vision DAC and it sounds very, very good for a little iPod.  I do need more inputs for the DAC and have an Inday 4 input switch ordered for that.

In my main listening room, I have my HT2TL's, An AvaStar Hybrid coming as soon as Frank gets it made and an Insight+ Double 260 amp.  Currently using the NuForce player there.  This is the room where I want to assemble the best of what I can possibly put together.  That was where my original question came from.... whether to spring for a more expensive Marantz reference player, or use one of my current players and get the AVA DAC.  Right now my plan is to stay with the current NuForce or Marantz I already have and get a new Vision DAC from Frank..... hopefully before the sale is over! 

Thanks again.  I always get great advise here. 

[Minn Mark]

I've got an Insight DAC. Currently I'm using it with a circa 1990 Magnavox CD player via the digital input. Works great.

Cheers,

Mark

[Bigload]

I have the AVA DAC ordered.  Question on SACD playback though.  Is it normally better to play the CD layer of a SACD and go via the digital coax to the DAC, or play the stereo SACD and play directly to the preamp?  I guess I could wait until it got here and find out myself through trial and error.  But thought I would ask for opinions.  Thanks.

[oneinthepipe]

You could determine which performs better with the Oppo and the Vision DAC/preamp.   The DAC in the Oppo is supposed to be pretty good.  Whichever you use, there be an improvement using the AvaStar preamp rather than the Insight preamp.