[d55124]

As I approach my late ‘70’s, I feel an overwhelming need to simplify things.  From my T10 RB pre/NP1 amp/DAC Mk5/Audiolab transport and occasional Sony Blue Ray player five box system, I set a goal towards a two box only system.  Research suggested several of the newer $400-$600 cd players were pretty good and, of course, AVA integrated (Control) amp a must.

I settled on a SET 120 Control amp which I long had in my sites fueled by the newly released Onkyo CD-30 player selected mainly cause of the AKM chip (albeit a lesser chip than the 4490 in the DAC Mk5).  Long owned speakers by Harbeth (P3ESR SEs).

I figured the weakest link in this proposal would be the DAC so set up a challenge to see what I could live with (the DAC mk5 is really, really good).  Decided to give the latest internet craze (SMSL SU-1 which houses the latest AKM 4490 series chip) a try.  About the size of a deck of poker cards. All for about $85.  Amazon delivered in a few days.

The first shootout - this wonder DAC vs. the Mk5.  Music provided by Diana Krall and other intimate female vocalists, Janis Ian from the ‘60’s, many Jazz pianists and combo groups, along with a few jazz guitar giants.  Nothing too “orchestra-like”.  The SU-1 is indeed a wonder (wonder how so many could fall in love with it!).  It had all the frequency extensions of a modern DAC, but was somewhat harsh and flat - could not listen too long as the Mk5 put it too shame too often ($1200 vs $80 so be it). Back to Amazon it goes.  Had to try though.

Next up the Onyko vs the Mk5.  A much, much closer scenario.  The Mk5 still a little smoother and more relaxed, but by a very slim margin.  I was impressed.

Search over!  Two boxes it is!

[jmc207]

Congrats on your new combo! I'm trying to point myself in that direction as well.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Not surprising that the smsl dac sounded like it did.  I bought an ASR recommend E50.  It sounds good with a receiver and sub $1k speakers in my bedroom. But when my son and I put it in both our reference systems, it sounded muddy and harsh.

So many people think that all dacs sound the same or there is little difference. They may also not have the gear to expose it.

[jedgar]

FWIW I added a Topping E 50 and found it enhanced SQ in comparison with the built-in DACs of the old Arcam and Oppo cd players I have available.  I expect your results will vary according to your starting point. 

As I am unlikely to go beyond my AVA amp, AVA preamp and Tannoys,  getting into expensive other items make little sense as long as everything remains operable. 

Though a friend is going to lend a stand alone phono preamp and it will be interested to hear how it compares with the AVA built-in.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

FWIW I added a Topping E 50 and found it enhanced SQ in comparison with the built-in DACs of the old Arcam and Oppo cd players I have available.  I expect your results will vary according to your starting point. 

As I am unlikely to go beyond my AVA amp, AVA preamp and Tannoys,  getting into expensive other items make little sense as long as everything remains operable. 

Though a friend is going to lend a stand alone phono preamp and it will be interested to hear how it compares with the AVA built-in.

You should give the AVA dac a listen.  The E50 will sound like an old transistor radio in comparison.  Dacs do sound different and higher end dacs give you bigger sound stages with more depth and good spacing around instruments.  They do not sound congested when the music gets complex like cheaper dacs. The top end will have more air and detail without any harshness.