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rayschoepfer
47
Aug 25, 2017
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Fixer
80
Aug 25, 2017
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rayschoepferThere are people with more money than you think that shop here. If it's a good price for a product they want they'll spend it. But usually these higher end items don't beat the price on Amazon or elsewhere, so it's a big nope.
rayschoepfer
47
Aug 25, 2017
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FixerMy problem is not that it might be a little cheaper elsewhere. My problem is that it may not sound great in MY system. So, even if someone gave it to me, on the condiion that I HAVE to use it, I would not commit unless I knew that it works for me.
jrw1
26
Aug 25, 2017
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rayschoepferI purchased the NuForce DAC-80 here and was disappointed. I sold it. I think Massdrop should offer as many choices as possible. It all just depends on the resolving power of the rest of the components in your audio system. The DAC-80 turned out not be on par with the performance capabilities of my system. I have no doubt it is perfect for others' systems. I might need something on the level of this Chord product and am happy that I can get an opportunity to purchase at a discount because the Massdrop community makes that possible.
rayschoepfer
47
Aug 25, 2017
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jrw1All good points but I think you are missing my main point which is that items of a certain level will sound different in various systems, all of them about the same general level of performance. If you know that a particular product will sound good in your system, then by all means, get the best price and go for it.
The other complication is, what parts of the overall sound are most important to you. I have a friend that has the B&W 803Ds (very expensive). They do a great job of transporting the performer into the room. I have a pair of the original Quad Electrostats. They give a great window into the performace venue.
For jazz and small group recordings, the B&Ws are better, for full symphonic, the Quads are better (you can't fit 90 people into your sound room). Both are great products but do different things with the sound. You have to try it to make sure it is for you or you may be unhappy.
In the case of the DAC 80, it did not work for you but was likely easy to sell without much of a loss. So other than some lost time, it was relatively painless. I was lucky with the DAC 80. I'm still looking at getting a much better DAC ($2000 to $4000 range) but can happily live with my $300 DAC 80 for now until I get a chance to try something much better in my system.
Finally, digital has a really interesting problem in that it seems that every year, a specific sound quality level cost half of what it did a year ago. I have no answer to that other than make sure you buy your DAC at a fraction of what it cost new. I guess somewhere along the line, this will change (sure hope so).
The other complication is, what parts of the overall sound are most important to you. I have a friend that has the B&W 803Ds (very expensive). They do a great job of transporting the performer into the room. I have a pair of the original Quad Electrostats. They give a great window into the performace venue.
For jazz and small group recordings, the B&Ws are better, for full symphonic, the Quads are better (you can't fit 90 people into your sound room). Both are great products but do different things with the sound. You have to try it to make sure it is for you or you may be unhappy.
In the case of the DAC 80, it did not work for you but was likely easy to sell without much of a loss. So other than some lost time, it was relatively painless. I was lucky with the DAC 80. I'm still looking at getting a much better DAC ($2000 to $4000 range) but can happily live with my $300 DAC 80 for now until I get a chance to try something much better in my system.
Finally, digital has a really interesting problem in that it seems that every year, a specific sound quality level cost half of what it did a year ago. I have no answer to that other than make sure you buy your DAC at a fraction of what it cost new. I guess somewhere along the line, this will change (sure hope so).
Jackula
1743
Aug 26, 2017
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rayschoepferAgree with everything you've said :)
It also depends on what you're listening for, detail, tone, realism, everyone has their own preference sound. Most Massdrop users are headphoners, when I listen to my headphones I am concentrating more on the detail and soundstage, and less on the presentation and realism (vs my speakers).
When I listen to my headphones, even comparing my el cheapo FiiO against my $2k DAC, I am hard pressed to find any differences in detail retrieval, but the presentation is completely different. I've got a custom built DAC that is $5k in parts alone, it makes zero difference on my headphone setup, but worlds of difference when paired with my speakers.
It also depends on what you're listening for, detail, tone, realism, everyone has their own preference sound. Most Massdrop users are headphoners, when I listen to my headphones I am concentrating more on the detail and soundstage, and less on the presentation and realism (vs my speakers).
When I listen to my headphones, even comparing my el cheapo FiiO against my $2k DAC, I am hard pressed to find any differences in detail retrieval, but the presentation is completely different. I've got a custom built DAC that is $5k in parts alone, it makes zero difference on my headphone setup, but worlds of difference when paired with my speakers.
rayschoepfer
47
Aug 26, 2017
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JackulaGreat insight on a area I have not considered as I cannot listen to headphones for medical reasons. It's too bad for me as headphones take my biggest challenge out of the equation, the room.
I hope a lot of Mass Droppers read all this thoughtful discussion as it will better equip them with the knowledge to get the most out of hifi and music.
I hope a lot of Mass Droppers read all this thoughtful discussion as it will better equip them with the knowledge to get the most out of hifi and music.
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Like so much in real hgh end audio, it is all about the entire system working with all components and the ROOM (if you are listening to speakers). That is why there is so much good (and expensive) equipment out there. Virtually everything will likely sound fantastic in the right situation. The trick is creating the right situation.