Digital to Audio Converter...

[toyftw]

Hi - I've just purchased a late 80's - early 90's(Sony cdp-c800) mfg 5 disc CD changer. It has an optical out as well as the std RCA stereo outs. My question is: Would I notice a discernible increase in audio quality by purchasing a DAC unit for this or is the difference if any not that noticeable?

 

[thee_prisoner]

Possible if your other components are mid to higher end other wise probably not.

 

[toyftw]

Possible if your other components are mid to higher end other wise probably not.

Hi - thx for reply - Sansui AU-D9 Int amp, JBL 830 spkers, Sansui TU-719 tuner, non functioning Nakamichi CD changer that I'm replacing with the Sony mentioned above.

 

[thee_prisoner]

Well, the Sansui is actually a decent int amp( If it is the one I'm thinking of from the early 80's) but it doesn't have any optical out.

IF you are going from the CD player to DAC then to Sansui, the DAC may help if it is better than the CD player's DAC but still will be plugged in using RCA stereo(analog). I would just hook up things without the DAC and if it sounds good then keep it that way. Or if you can try out a DAC that is returnable and listen to both configurations for a few days and see if you can hear a difference.

Even though JBL 830s are decent speakers, you may not be able to discern a sound difference. One thing you always want to do is spend IMHO half of your budget on speakers since they have the hardest job of turning electrical information into actual sound.

BTW, what model non functioning Nak CD player do you have?

If you have any other questions or concerns please post back on what you have decided.

Be seeing you...

 

[toyftw]

Well, the Sansui is actually a decent int amp( If it is the one I'm thinking of from the early 80's) but it doesn't have any optical out.

IF you are going from the CD player to DAC then to Sansui, the DAC may help if it is better than the CD player's DAC but still will be plugged in using RCA stereo(analog). I would just hook up things without the DAC and if it sounds good then keep it that way. Or if you can try out a DAC that is returnable and listen to both configurations for a few days and see if you can hear a difference.

Even though JBL 830s are decent speakers, you may not be able to discern a sound difference. One thing you always want to do is spend IMHO half of your budget on speakers since they have the hardest job of turning electrical information into actual sound.

BTW, what model non functioning Nak CD player do you have?

If you have any other questions or concerns please post back on what you have decided.

Be seeing you...

The Nak CD changer model # is CDC-200 (a made in China not made in Japan)

Correct, the Sansui AU-D9 IA is the one from the early 80's and does not have an optical out, i was inquiring
whether using a DAC between the optical out of the CD player (that I don't yet have, on the way) and connecting
from it to the Int amp.

The room the JBL 830's are in is too small for my Infinity overture/composition speakers which i prefer.

 

[thee_prisoner]

Like I said above running the Sony to the DAC might improve your sound but if you would notice the difference in sound is the point. Considering the equipment you're using, You may not notice the difference.

Also, once you get the Sony CD player judge for yourself and if you aren't happy, get the DAC and listen for a few days. Then decide if the DAC is worth it. You can get some decent DACs for a few hundred dollars(or less).

Ahh, too bad on the Nak, the old Naks made in Japan are good devices.

Be seeing you, the Prisoner...