Quote:
Originally Posted by doggiehowser
I’m still using an 8802A and the AK4490 DACs are one of my favorite off the shelf chips.
They do sound good with SACDs and can play them natively in DSD when pure audio mode is engaged. However when you apply room EQ or bass management, the Marantz will have to convert DSD from the Oppo to PCM internally - so it can handle the DSP needed.
I find that with BluRay concerts and multi channel SACD and DVDA, the Marantz does a fantastic job. It does it better IMHO than my older Denon 4810 and even older Onkyo 875 and Yamaha 2700.
But it doesn’t quite stack up against my 2 channel system when I play 2 channel SACD/DVDA/BluRay Pure Audio music on it (PS Audio DirectStream Memory Transport and DirectStream DAC)
I think if you can still source the Memory Transport, it can actually hook up to 3 of the matching DACs to get 5.1 sound. But that seems like a costly exercise
My older Playback Designs MPS5 could also cascade the PLink ST fibre connection to 2 more MPD5 DACs to do the same but you would need a 6 channel analog preamp to handle volume control. (DirectStream has a digital volume control)
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I was just curious about the AV8802. I don't have the AV8802. I use the Classe SSP 800 pre pro for watching bluray movies and listening to DVD-Audio discs fed by my Oppo 105 via HDMI. I don't listen to SACD or CD using this setup. I do have a dedicated separate 2 ch setup in a different listening room. I have the Cary CD 306 SACD player for CD/HDCD & SACD playbacks feeding into my Classe Omega Reference Mk iii linestage analog stereo preamp + Classe Omega Reference monoblock amps. But one time I tried playing SACD in my Oppo 105, which is connected via HDMI to my Classe SSP 800 pre pro, and the Classe's DAC does not support native DSD so I had to convert the DSD to PCM in the Oppo in order to get it work. Apparently it said in the SSP 800's user manual. I totally forgot since it's been a while since I read the user manual cause I've had the SSP 800 for 8 or 9 years now. lol.
For my dedicated 2 ch setup, I'm thinking to sell the Cary CD 306 SACD player and probably move on to using a streamer/DAC. Was thinking to get the PS Audio DirectStream DAC but there are so many other choices out there. I am also considering the EMM Labs but they are way way more expensive than the DirectStream DAC. I'm also considering the latest Linn Klimax DS/DSM with the latest Katayst DAC which is at similar price point as the newest EMM Labs.
I'm also tempted to get the Naim ND555 streamer/DAC paired with its matching external Naim 555 PS DR power supply unit. The Naim ND555 streamer/DAC does not have internal onboard power supply and is meant to be paired with an external Naim 555 PS DR PSU. But if I go this route I will have to go all the way Naim using Naim linestage preamp and power amp in order to take advantage of using its DIN analog connections, which is proprietary to Naim, to connect between Naim components in order to get best sound. They sounded quite a bit better than using regular RCA single-ended connection. All Naim gears, with the exception of their Naim Statement preamp & monoblock amps which I won't be able to afford, only have DIN analog and regular RCA single-ended analog connections (inputs & outputs). In the case of Naim ND555 streamer/DAC it only provides DIN analog & RCA single-ended analog audio outputs to connect to the analog linestage preamp or integrated amp. The DIN sounded way better and Naim highly recommended using its proprietary DIN. The problem is no other hifi audio manufacturers use DIN. Naim might be the only one using DIN connectivity.
My Classe Omega Reference Mk iii linestage analog preamp only has XLR balanced & RCA single-ended inputs.
So if I have to get the Naim ND555 streamer/DAC I will most likely have to end up selling all my Classe Omega Reference preamp & monoblock amps and get the Naim NAC 552 linestage preamp & Naim NAP 500 DR power amp in order to be able to use Naim's proprietary DIN analog connections in order to get best sound. I do love Naim sound very musical smooth laid back yet very rhythmic have very good pace timing speed without sounding forced or strain at all and still maintains its relaxed laid back quality and has plenty of musical drive. Overall sounding very natural and organic and overall music was presented with sense of ease and drive and full bodied. Music just blooms. Tonally Naim gears in general are toward warmth & punchy but without sacrificing musical details, nuances, resolution, attacks and speed.
I have listened to all Naim setups numerous times on many different speakers ranging from PMC, ProAc, ATC, B&W, Harbeth, Magico, Spendor, TAD, Sonus Faber, Vienna Acoustics, Raidho.
And all Naim 500 series components do not have internal onboard power supplies and each individual component is meant to be paired with an external Naim 555 PS DR PSU, at least one for each component. They are very expensive. Each Naim 555 PS DR PSU retails for USD $14k. You could use one of two of 555 PS DR for each individual Naim 500 series component. The Naim ND555 streamer/DAC alone without the PSU costs USD $22k plus a single 555 PS DR PSU ($14k) or two 555 PS DR PSU ($28k) for total of USD $36k with a single PSU or total of USD $50k with two PSUs. Using two 555 PS DR PSUs yielded better results better sonic fidelity. I've demoed them at a local Naim dealer here. But using a single 555 PS DR PSU sounded fabulous but using two of them yielded even better results.
This is just for the streamer/DAC. The Naim NAC 552 linestage preamp & the NAP 500 DR power amp are also USD $22k each without the PSU.
So this route will be very expensive but they sounded phenomenal. I'm sure they will sound great on my B&W 800 D3. Naim usually pair well with B&W.
What power amp(s) are you using right now? What speakers do you have?
Do you have your 2 ch and surrounds (HT) in the same hybrid setup in the same room?