[rajacat]

Since the Panny is a digital amp is a DAC necessary or desirable when used with the SB3.

 Configuration 1-- SB3>digital out> XR55
Configuration 2--SB3>digital out>NOS DAC (MHDT LAB-Constantine)>analog in> XR55.

Will the analog in on the Panny bypass its' internal DAC or is there something else in the amplification stage that does another digital to analog conversion thereby rendering the external NOS DAC superfluous?

[RoadTripper]

Hi,

I am using the SB3 digital out solution directly into my Panny XR45 digital input. So, the answer to your question is that you won't need your external NOS DAC. However, if you want to use it with your Panny you can. I would be very surprised (and correctable if I am wrong) if the Panny's internals didn't bypass its own DAC circuitry entirely in its analog mode. So, you should be able to use your NOS DAC and not have the Panny mess with the benefits of NOS that you currently desire.

[rajacat]

Hi,

I am using the SB3 digital out solution directly into my Panny XR45 digital input. So, the answer to your question is that you won't need your external NOS DAC. However, if you want to use it with your Panny you can. I would be very surprised (and correctable if I am wrong) if the Panny's internals didn't bypass its own DAC circuitry entirely in its analog mode. So, you should be able to use your NOS DAC and not have the Panny mess with the benefits of NOS that you currently desire.

I have been using the SB3 with the analog outputs to the Panny until today (I just recently bought the Panny) when I tried the digital output in a quick A/B test and found that I preferred the digital connection. The music was somewhat more detailed and forward with marginally better separation. My DAC will arrive in a few days so some more A/B tests will be in the works. This idea that an external DAC might be detrimental or just not needed was brought to my attention on another forum so I'm casting about for opinions before I break the seal on my new DAC.

Thanks for the reply,

Raja

[RoadTripper]

Right. It is fairly well documented that using the all digital path in these Pannys is preferable to the analog route. If you are not dearly attached to the NOS DAC, then I would think it unnecessary in the Panny application.

[bhobba]

I have been using the SB3 with the analog outputs to the Panny until today (I just recently bought the Panny) when I tried the digital output in a quick A/B test and found that I preferred the digital connection. The music was somewhat more detailed and forward with marginally better separation.

That is to be expected.  The XR55 does no DAC conversion - it amplifies it digitally and relies on an output filter to convert it to analogue.  In fact analogue inputs are first converted to digital.  One of the big plusses with the XR55 is it gets rid of DAC conversion - you have a cleaner signal path.  Reviews put the amp up there with the best - although not the best - not far from it.
http://www.newformresearch.com/alles.htm

IMHO your best bet for better sound is to get your SB3 modded by Bolder.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=26629

Thanks
Bill

[Andrew JC]

Great thread I’m in the exact situation in owning the Panasonic SA-XR55, SB3, and contemplating buying a NOS DAC.  I love the sound of the SB3 but of course I was looking to make it better. If the DAC does not help than I could try the Elpac PS from Allied.  Rajacat let me know if the DAC pans out for you.

[StevenACNJ]

I have a Panny SA-XR70 (fully modded by Wayne @ Bolder) and a Red Wine USB Select all tricked out by Vinney.

The USB Select only has Digital Coax out as that is the best solution to feed the Panny (as recommended by Wayne)

I am very pleased with the sound quality.

[rajacat]

Great thread I’m in the exact situation in owning the Panasonic SA-XR55, SB3, and contemplating buying a NOS DAC.  I love the sound of the SB3 but of course I was looking to make it better. If the DAC does not help than I could try the Elpac PS from Allied.  Rajacat let me know if the DAC pans out for you.

I'm not sure if I will even unpack the DAC after what I have read here and on the Slim Device forum. There was a substantial increase in SQ by running the digital out of the SB3 directly into the Panny. Maybe I'll put the DAC on the market as an unopened and pristine device. I will post here what I decide to do.

Raja

[rajacat]

I have a Panny SA-XR70 (fully modded by Wayne @ Bolder) and a Red Wine USB Select all tricked out by Vinney.

The USB Select only has Digital Coax out as that is the best solution to feed the Panny (as recommended by Wayne)

I am very pleased with the sound quality.

Hummmm, you have now peaked my interest in another electronic gizmo. Maybe I could sell the SB3 and the MHDT NOS Constintine DAC and use that money to buy the USB Select. Alternatively, keep the DAC to use with the USB select altough that would require one more connection. I could then operate my system with a wireless laptop from my easy chair. How long of a run will the USB cable tolerate? BTW how do you like Wayne's mod of your SA-XR70? Was if worth the $900?

Raja

[bhobba]

Hummmm, you have now peaked my interest in another electronic gizmo. Maybe I could sell the SB3 and the MHDT NOS Constintine DAC and use that money to buy the USB Select. Alternatively, keep the DAC to use with the USB select altough that would require one more connection. I could then operate my system with a wireless laptop from my easy chair. How long of a run will the USB cable tolerate? BTW how do you like Wayne's mod of your SA-XR70? Was if worth the $900?

If that is what you are looking for then the best option is an Empirical audio freeway:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=14625

It will cost $550.0 - less than a modded SB2/3 with power supply.

Feed that into a XR55 and I think the sound will be fantastic.

Thanks
Bill