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Should I Get a DAC ?

Currently I am using an ARC CD3 mk2 in my system connected to a Rogue tube preamp. The CD3 using an Audience Powerchord sounds terrific; very dynamic with excellent imaging, but it is SS and with that comes some harshness when playing certain CDs.
I listen to classical music exclusively and was wondering if adding an asynchronous TUBE DAC to the output of the CDP would provide a more analogue presentation.

I have a hearing issue that makes high frequencies intolerable and when I used a Jolida CDP previously, the tube output helped with my problem. Of course, the Jolida isn’t in the same league as the ARC.

My budget is about $500 not including cables and I’ve been looking at the Jolida Glass Tube DAC.

The ARC has an excellent master clock and from what I understand about digital, the external DAC would then reclock the stream. That is why I’m looking for advice from those who know digital. What are your thoughts?
lowrider57
arnettpartners
312 posts
 
Forgot to mention Steve's BNC cable with RCA adaptors between transport and pre pro also helped a lot ($250 plus ship). But have no other high end cable with which to compare.

I have Audioquest Diamondback between pre pro and amp and would like to eventually try Cardas but will probably get a reclocker first.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Thanks, Lynne. I have plenty of power, 600wpc into 4 ohms (Sunfire 300 amp, PSB Synch's) and in my 12'x16' room the bass is deep and tight.
Currently I have metal tweeters and I know that my next speaker upgrade I will try a soft dome tweeter even though I've been told that my speakers are not bright.

But as you know, your opinion is the only one that counts when building a system.
arnettpartners
312 posts
 
Cool! Wish I had your power. Yes, I'd try the soft dome tweeter, too.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 

I have been through this and have the exact same issue as the poster with upper mids and highs. If you measured it, you would find the upper mids are also a problem.

Wire will change things a little, and new CD player or dac may change or improve things a little. Do yourself a huge favor and call Steve at Empirical Audio. He has the solution to your issue that is pure sonic heaven for those of us with upper mids and highs sensitivity. I can't go to most live concerts anymore unless the venue has great sound.

I use his Offramp and Bnc cable on my dac/computer combo and they took my digital to a completely different level. I so enjoy all my music again. The problem is most likely jitter and the noise and glare associated with it.

You must try his product and see for yourself. They are not cheap, but they will transform your digital front end.

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
If the issue is hf irritation, then i suggest tube rolling in the op tube preamp.
Plus a power conditioner.
Parsec are great IF your top end is well under control.
Not supressed, but no grating either.
IMO the main factors in controlling hf tizziness are power supply control via powercords and power conditioners. And the tube preamp you already have. And as I wrote, what you need are mellow tubes, not more tubes in additional places.
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