[pslate]

Hello,

This is noobie question to be sure. I have a:

MacBook2,1 > optical mini out to HK AVR-254 as a pre > TA 2022 Tripath Amp

and am looking to improve the audio quality of lossy files. The Musical Fidelity V-Dac is temting in its upsampling capabilities, but then I noticed the Monarchy Audio upsampler. So my question is this which approach makes the most sense? Should I use the DAC in my HK receiver? Or should I consider and altogether different approach? I listen to mostly 2 channel music, but enjoy surround sound for sports and movies. My mains are Selah Audio Aura Jr.'s with Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE's doing duty on center and rear channels (which used to be across the front). Any input you may have is greatly appreciated

[cody69]

I'm not familiar with your specific HK equipment, but I purchased as MF V-Dac this summer that I have connected to a mac mini and have been very pleased with it. I'm using apple lossless files exclusively for listening in my 2-channel tube system. Maybe someone can comment on what you can expect using lossy files.

[srb]

I personally thought that upsampling actually made lossy MP3s and AACs sound worse.  I think a tube DAC might help to smooth over the lossy tizzy artifacts, such as the Maverick Audio Tube Magic D1 ($200), the Music Hall dac25.3/25.2 ($600) or the Eastern Electric Tube DAC ($750).
 
Steve
 
 

[Crimson]

I personally thought that upsampling actually made lossy MP3s and AACs sound worse.

FWIW, I agree.

[jtwrace]

FWIW, I agree.

+1

[pslate]

Thanks for the input  Tube rolling may be in my future!