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LInn Genki and Sonos - Adding a DAC

I have both components above and I am considering adding a DAC to my system if it will enhance the performance.

I am not interested in changing the Linn or Sonos components, just making an improvement in the sound at a reasonable price ($750 or less).

I would like to spend less than $750 used or new for the DAC. It needs to have 2 inputs so I can hook both components to it.

I would appreciate recommendations for audition. The Linn requires a 75 ohm coax connecton. The Sonos can use that or an optical connection.

Thanks for any purchase or audition recommendations. If you think it will not matter or have a significant improvement, I would also appreciate your thoughts.
jperry
davide256's avatar
davide256
362 posts
 
I have the Genki... it was literally gathering dust while I used the PS Audio Dlink III DAC as the 2 were not very synergistic, emphasized each others faults and the DAC that was part of the Genki was even more dated. Now that I have the Metrum Octave, I am enjoy the Genki again as a transport and I find it more detailed than the Oppo BDP-103 for CD/HDCD. Thats $1100 well spent.
It is also true that the digital cable matters... however you don't have to spend $500. Parts connexion sells DIY material to make a respectable digital cable for about $120 if you aren't tool challenged.

Furutech FX-Alpha-Ag (1 meter silver stranded cable)
Furutech FP-106(R)(rhodium plated, filament center pin RCA plug)
Furutech FP-3-117(R)single( BNC end required for Genki digital out)
jperry OP
1,408 posts
 
Thank you Gavide256 and Audioengr for your comments. I was looking at a Cambridge Azur Magicdac at a local shop because of the dual inputs as well as toslink, coax and usb inputs. Any thoughts on this?

Davide256, would I need to solder to make the cable or just crimp?

Audioengr, what is a Synchro-Mesh reclocker?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Jperry - Synchro-Mesh installs between the source and DAC. It is digital in and digital out. Reclocks and reduces jitter. The input and cable does not matter. the output cable should be a good one. It can be further improved by upgrading the wall-wart to a Hynes linear supply.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
jperry OP
1,408 posts
 
Audioengr, Thanks for the info on the Synchro-Mesh. I will look it up on-line.
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