Is internal DAC of V8P really that bad??
Feb 7, 2011 18:20:58 GMT
Post by jonp on Feb 7, 2011 18:20:58 GMT
I just thought I would post an update. I have tried the Musical Fidelity V-DAC, Cambridge DACMagic and the Devilsound 2.1 DAC. I did not like any of them.
Then I tried the new Project DAC Box USB. I very much like this DAC and it is significantly better than the internal DAC in the V8P. I agree entirely with the review published in HiFi News - the only real weaknesses being the slightly plumby upper bass and the slightly dry treble. But that said, I much prefer it to the internal DAC as well as the other three mentioned in the first paragraph.
The only real issue I have with it is that I can't help wondering if the switching wall wart it comes with holds it back or not. It is a pity the Little Pinkie SE does not come in a 9 volt DC version. I think it would make quite a difference to this Project DAC and would probably eliminate the weaknesses - which in my experience tend to occur when the power supply is not up to the task at hand.
Then again, one might argue that the real benefits of a power supply will only be significant with an actual amplifier, rather than a very low current-drawing box like this (which also has a very low output via the RCAs).
Then I tried the new Project DAC Box USB. I very much like this DAC and it is significantly better than the internal DAC in the V8P. I agree entirely with the review published in HiFi News - the only real weaknesses being the slightly plumby upper bass and the slightly dry treble. But that said, I much prefer it to the internal DAC as well as the other three mentioned in the first paragraph.
The only real issue I have with it is that I can't help wondering if the switching wall wart it comes with holds it back or not. It is a pity the Little Pinkie SE does not come in a 9 volt DC version. I think it would make quite a difference to this Project DAC and would probably eliminate the weaknesses - which in my experience tend to occur when the power supply is not up to the task at hand.
Then again, one might argue that the real benefits of a power supply will only be significant with an actual amplifier, rather than a very low current-drawing box like this (which also has a very low output via the RCAs).
Consumerism is good for the soul! 