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Dac and Phono Stage

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Audioelevations

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Dac and Phono Stage
« on: 10 Nov 2015, 12:13 pm »
Hi,
Looking to get info on Dac's 16 Bit vs 24 Bit.   Also looking for Phono Stage that will not break the Bank.
Thanks for any info,
Dave
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FullRangeMan

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    • Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a straycat or dog. On the street they live only two years average.
Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #1 on: 10 Nov 2015, 12:18 pm »
Welcome ValleyPlastic :thumb:
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ACHiPo

Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #2 on: 10 Nov 2015, 12:29 pm »
Quote from: valleyplastic on 10 Nov 2015, 12:13 pm
Hi,
Looking to get info on Dac's 16 Bit vs 24 Bit.   Also looking for Phono Stage that will not break the Bank.
Thanks for any info,
Dave
Welcome!  I'm not the best person to ask about DACs as I'm just getting into digital, but I use my Oppo 105 CD/DVD player as a DAC and I'm quite happy.  It decodes up to 24/192, but does not handle ISO or DSFs.  Lots of others have other ideas and you can find things in the digital circle.

As far as a phono stage, I can recommend the Lehman BlackCube which can be found for around $400 used.  I've seen other recommendations for the Bellari tube phono stage for about the same price, but have not heard it.
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JLM

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Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #3 on: 10 Nov 2015, 01:32 pm »
For 16 vs 24 bit look at the BiFrost and Gungnir DACs on the Schiit website (only applies to PCM formats).  Hi-res and DSD get all talk but very, very few recordings are available and fewer that use more than 16 bits.  Native DSD recordings barely exist because it can't be manipulated, so virtually all are converted from PCM, so what's the point?  Same with hi-res PCM, most are converted from 16/44 (CD or "Redbook") quality, so again what's the point?  Quality of 16/44 is still being found on newer/better machines, so the smart money is still focusing there (where 99% of music has been recorded).

I never could stand vinyl surface noise, so gave up on it 30+ years ago.
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dpatters

Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #4 on: 10 Nov 2015, 01:42 pm »
I'm with JLM on DSD and Hi Res stuff.  I'm a redbook guy. I think the bifrost w/ the multi bit upgrade would be a good choice or a used Metrum Octave.

+1 on the Lehman Black Cube.

Welcome to AC!!

Don P.
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GentleBender

Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #5 on: 10 Nov 2015, 01:54 pm »
Quote from: JLM on 10 Nov 2015, 01:32 pm
I never could stand vinyl surface noise, so gave up on it 30+ years ago.
People have many different experiences with the abundant supply of gear available. My system rarely exhibits any surface noise and when it does is from VERY old records out of garage sales that have never been cleaned (my next hurdle). I have actually been shocked by this since it was one of my original beliefs. Quality gear and careful handling take care of most of this problem.

What is the budget you want to stay within? :scratch:
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rodge827

Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #6 on: 10 Nov 2015, 02:46 pm »
While looking for a dac always consider multi-bit and NOS (non over sampling) over a delta-sigma chip. There are also some high rez dac that do 16:44 very well such as the iFi Micro iDac2 and iFi Micro iDSD, both in the under $500 club.
As for a phono amp the Lehman is good (beware of cheep knock offs on eBay) and the iFi iPhono is very good. You can add tube sound to any of these with the iTube, new $300 used approx $175.00.  I like the iFi products since they are reasonably priced and punch way above their weight class.
Do a search on any of  the products mentioned in the thread, read the personal and not the pro reviews for the best way too make a choice.

Welcome to AC, glad to have ya!  :)

Chris
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Audioelevations

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Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #7 on: 10 Nov 2015, 03:47 pm »
Chris,
Thank you. I wanted to add that the Dac is for my CD player only. I don't get into computer music as I really don't understand that at all. Prefer old school right now.
Thanks,
Dave
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rodge827

Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #8 on: 10 Nov 2015, 04:18 pm »
Hi Dave the iDSD does have an SPDIF input so it can be used with a CD players digital out:

Specifications:

Intelligent SPDIF® Coaxial    3 Way combo SPDIF port (Coaxial In/Out; Optical In); Up to 192kHz PCM
SPDIF Optical

All of the necessary cables and adapters are provided. Also the Dac is run on an internal battery and is dead quiet.

What is your budget?
        


   


          
          
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mick wolfe

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Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #9 on: 10 Nov 2015, 04:19 pm »
Aside from the great suggestions that have already been mentioned, I'll add two vacuum tube choices. For phono ....the Yaqin MS-23B( $200 + or - Amazon) and the Grant Fidelity TubeDac 11 ( open box demos at the Grant Fidelity site for $289......newer version at Amazon for $389 ) I own 2 GF TubeDac 11's and my friend has had experience with the earlier Yaqin 22B. He said that it held its own against his EAR phono stage.
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Audioelevations

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Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #10 on: 10 Nov 2015, 06:48 pm »
Prefer to stay 1000.00 hopefully less
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bacobits1

Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #11 on: 10 Nov 2015, 07:11 pm »
Go for a Schiit Bifrost MB and a Vista Audio Phono. Will be right at your $1k mark I don't think you will go wrong.
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Audioelevations

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Re: Dac and Phono Stage
« Reply #12 on: 11 Nov 2015, 12:52 pm »
Want to thank all for your input, very much appreciated. Now just have to decide.
Dave
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