Seeking advice about adding internal DAC to my 077 ....

[joeinid]

I have an opportunity to get one installed. It would be convenient, but would that investment be better served (pardon the pun) on an upgraded music server or DCS gear? I have even entertained the idea of a Burmester CD player to go with the amp and preamp (nothing concrete on that yet, just a thought). I do like my LIO-8 and Aqvox dacs and I am leaning against the upgrade. Thanks in advance.

[jdandy]

Joe.......What does the DAC card cost? If you have your sights on a Burmester CD, take a look at the 089 listed on Agon by Jim (Talk2me).


photo by Talk2me

[joeinid]

Hi Dan,

c. $4500 + install. I was too late for Jim's 089. That actually would have been a nice addition. I've been reading your thread/review of the MCD1100 with enthusiasm. I'm glad your happy with it and even thought about one for myself. It's a nice player and I know everyone is trying to wean you off of shiny discs. Sometimes I think I'll buy "one last player" and be done with it. But it is nice sometimes to pop in a cd and push play and not worry about computer settings, interface, setup, etc.

As far as I know, all the dacs in the Burmester, weather in preamp or in cd player only accept up to 24/96 but resample up to 24/192. I am trying to get confirmation on this. Not a huge deal breaker but any higher-rez files I have, or plan on getting will not play natively. Yes, most of my stuff is ripped from cd anyway but there is that limitation.

Joe

[cmalak]

Joe...as Dan said, it all depends on what the DAC install costs and what are it's capabilities. I know the 089 has digital inputs so that is another option as you can have CD playback + access to its onboard DAC via digital inputs.

ps: you beat me to the post with the cost. do you know which DAC this is comparable to in terms of DACs used in their various CD players?

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Joe
ps: you beat me to the post with the cost. do you know which DAC this is comparable to in terms of DACs used in their various CD players?

Hi Cyril,

Honestly, it's still a little difficult getting straight answers on exact specs, hardware, or various options. I found through some digging on a German website that even on the 069, I can only feed it up to 24/96. Still waiting for confirmation. When they say it doesn't feel right, just say no.

If I had the cd player, I'd have the same input capability, probably better dacs and the Burmester cd player sound

[TommyC]

Hi Joe, maybe it's just me, but I don't like the idea of putting digital processor in a perfectly well analog preamp. I'm thinking the "digital" parts will emit some kind of bad EMI to interfere with the analog section regardless of how well the shielding is.

Can you wait and snatch a used 089 or 069 later? I've seen them appear on the 'gon on several occasion. This way, you can keep digital well away from analog and will never have the upgrade bug again... for a long time.

[joeinid]

Hi TommyC,

Thanks. I am in agreement with you. I can't get a definitive answer, but have to believe that Burmester will do it better than anyone else. I have heard that from several sources, keep the digital out of the preamp. If you give a hoot, don't pollute (to borrow a phrase) .

Joe

Originally Posted by TommyC

Hi Joe, maybe it's just me, but I don't like the idea of putting digital processor in a perfectly well analog preamp. I'm thinking the "digital" parts will emit some kind of bad EMI to interfere with the analog section regardless of how well the shielding is.

Can you wait and snatch a used 089 or 069 later? I've seen them appear on the 'gon on several occasion. This way, you can keep digital well away from analog and will never have the upgrade bug again... for a long time.

[Talk2me]

From what I have read, I would have to agree, keep digital out of analog. And if you try a DAC with volume control, you loose bits. Maybe best would be preamp and separate CDP w/DAC, as mentioned.

[joeinid]

That seems to be where I'm headed. Too bad Burmester does not do SACD

[jdandy]

Joe.......You would be thrilled with the new McIntosh MCD1100.