Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?

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Folsom

If I output to a DAC (say I build one :) can it loop back into it?

That or what is a decent extremely cheap transport, or SqueezeBox on sale ha....

Vinnie R.

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Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #1 on: 16 Nov 2006, 07:17 pm »
If I output to a DAC (say I build one :) can it loop back into it?

That or what is a decent extremely cheap transport, or SqueezeBox on sale ha....

YES, you can use the digital out from the Sharp to an external dac, and feed the output of the external dac into the AUX input of the Sharp  8)

fiveoclockfriday

Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #2 on: 16 Nov 2006, 07:31 pm »
I've been wondering this for awhile too. Can anyone comment to there being a noticeable improvement in sound with this method, or does the quality of the AUX input effectively negate the benefits? I would test this, but I don't have a DAC right now. I'd be interested in getting one of the affordable non-os DACs if the consensus is that it improves CD sound from the Sharp.

Vinnie R.

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Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #3 on: 16 Nov 2006, 07:38 pm »
I've been wondering this for awhile too. Can anyone comment to there being a noticeable improvement in sound with this method, or does the quality of the AUX input effectively negate the benefits? I would test this, but I don't have a DAC right now. I'd be interested in getting one of the affordable non-os DACs if the consensus is that it improves CD sound from the Sharp.

The output signal of the built-in CD section passes through the same components as the AUX input, so the effect of an external dac will not be negated IMO... 

Folsom

Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #4 on: 17 Nov 2006, 05:39 pm »
How do the settings work with this? AUX setting for input, but you need the CD to be playing as well? I guess there is some kind of a tweak? Not sure....

Also is it possible to switch to a coaxial digital out by just connecting one before the optical box?

fiveoclockfriday

Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #5 on: 20 Nov 2006, 12:35 am »
Destroyer, you bring up a fine point I hadn't thought about. I don't see any concievable way to both play a CD and use the AUX input at the same time. I guess outboard DAC is out for now :(   
I did find that there seems to be a similar 'step up' unit out there if you love the functionality and simplicity of the Sharp, but yearn for even higher end sound. It's the Arcam Solo...there's a fairly recent Stereophile review, and a few other individual reviews that praise it. I saw one used on audiogon awhile back for ~ $975, which seemed like a steal.

Vinnie R.

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Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #6 on: 20 Nov 2006, 12:45 am »
How do the settings work with this? AUX setting for input, but you need the CD to be playing as well? I guess there is some kind of a tweak? Not sure....

Also is it possible to switch to a coaxial digital out by just connecting one before the optical box?

Doh!  :duh:

I forgot that CD must be enabled to play the CD for digital output.

Quote
Also is it possible to switch to a coaxial digital out by just connecting one before the optical box?

It might work, but you really should design it so the output impedance is 75-ohms.  Buffering might also be a good idea...


Jampot

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Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #7 on: 20 Nov 2006, 06:24 am »
Just a thought -

Does the Sharp feature a tape loop with monitoring?

If so, play cd, feed dac to tape in and 'monitor' the track being laid down on the non-existant tape.

Jim

Folsom

Re: Sharp SD-EX111, can it loop into itself with external DAC?
« Reply #8 on: 20 Nov 2006, 07:45 am »
No tape...

Wow I wish I had a CLUE what I am up to now :duh: