Digital source for 2 ch listening

[Valentin Dumitrasc]

If this has been asked before, I apologize.

what are you using as a source for you 2ch listening? I am researching about this and there are so many options. For now I am stuck on the Marantz SACD 30n.

cheers,

 

Vali

[plkyduk]

I use a CD transport (Audiolab 6000) and external DAC (Theta DS Pro Basic) (archaic I know, I am researching upgrading DAC’s but I am very familiar with the Theta and I am impressed with the 1723 THX towers vs my previous speakers.)  I also use an analog source (turntable).

[arkmann]

Thanks for sharing what turntable are you using?

[plkyduk]

I built my main system 20 to 30 years ago, up until recently it was digital only.  I really hadn’t upgraded it until the last couple years, I’ve had more time and a renewed interest.  I picked up a Project 1Xpression Carbon Classic on closeout at a price I couldn’t resist. I had kept many old albums from my youth and it’s been fun listening to them again on vinyl.

I upgraded the Carbon Classic with a 2M Bronze cartridge and Acrylic platter. My 32 Y/O Thiel CS 3.5 speakers finally had a midrange driver fail. I could have replaced them with a similar spec driver but it wouldn’t be the same.  I took the opportunity to replace my faithful speakers with the higher sensitivity 1723 THX Towers.  I am still tweaking their placement and a few things in my system but I am very pleased with them.  I have a dedicated system for 2 channel listening only, driven with Cary 805B triode class a Monoblocks.

[arkmann]

Sounds good I haven’t gone back to vinyl but I still have a couple of boxes of rare discs I bought years ago so it may happen someday.  Thanks for sharing enjoy!

[Luis Vazquez]

Very nice @valentin.dumitrasc… glad to hear that you’re enjoying the SACD 30n!!  And yes, comparing it’s internal DAC to the Qutest would have been interesting.

Are you only listening to Spotify or have you spun any CDs or SACDs?  Curious as to your thoughts with physical media; however, I agree… streaming is much more convenient.

[Valentin Dumitrasc]

@Luiz.

I am re building my collection. It has an USB input for the DAC, so I tried the hires version of the Kind of blue album, from Miles Davis. It sounds glorious <3

so do the few CDs a have so far. I do want to buy more (SA)CDs. They sound better and the experience is different. I noticed that I am listening more women singers lately as the speakers plus the streamer and rhe Class A amplifier make them very sweet for my ears.

 

Sorry, still excited so I’m diverting. The point is that the CDs do sound very very good, if recorded properly..

 

Happy Weekend

[Valentin Dumitrasc]

@Luiz

 

Adele’s 30 album on CD made my hand hair rise.

 

I got emotional just from her voice on this system.

[Valentin Dumitrasc]

@plkyduk – if you can try the Chord Qutest. It’s quite good for money