Am I the only one that enjoys using an obsolete DAT player as their DAC :)

[Snarfie]

Have you tried running it as a DAC before?

Ok did a (fast) level matched comparison between the Topping D10 an the ancient Tascam DA-30 DAC only. Enclosed video for what it's worth. Did had 60 seconds to shoot it so it is a rough impression. I did later a more thorough comparison, serieus i could not hear the difference. Both where using DSP room correction. Good to know i can use the Tascam as a spare or alternative DAC.

https://imgur.com/sVPHu5l

Even the damm (shielded) silverwire interlink cable on the Topping could not make any difference

 

[svtcontour]

Don't think so the recording i did went over the rca spdif so i heard the Topping dac. I did compared with the Philips CD630 with 1541A dac i barly could hear a difference between them. However will try to use it as a dac out of Curiosity

I'd be curious what you end up thinking of the test once you do it. I mean its possible all of what I'm hearing as "this is better than that" is in my head. I've never had anyone help me with any kind of blind testing and as object as I'm trying to be, I'm still flawed LOL

 

[Snarfie]

I'd be curious what you end up thinking of the test once you do it. I mean its possible all of what I'm hearing as "this is better than that" is in my head. I've never had anyone help me with any kind of blind testing and as object as I'm trying to be, I'm still flawed LOL

Conclusion is here above video gives a rough comparisson. So the topping spdif out went in spdif Tascam in an rca Tascam out went in NAD amp (input Disc) than i switch between first Tascam than the Topping (input CD).

Did listen my self farfield as close monitor for around 20 minutes switching with my NAD remote between both. Conclusion i hardly could keep them apart sometimes i had the impression that the Topping had a more punchy bass but that could be whisful thinking. Blind tested you could fool me for sure.
I was surprised that both sounded comparable good. As far as i know the Topping spdif output was positive tested (don't know if that had something to do with the sound quality of the Tascam). Will keep both (for fun) in operation it is easy to do level match comparisons on different types of music.
Anyway Thanx for the suggestion.
.

 

[Robin L]

The last functioning DAT recorder I owned was the Tascam DA-30.

 

[Snarfie]

The last functioning DAT recorder I owned was the Tascam DA-30.

Like the Tascam level knobs combined as one remarkable. Did me thinking about the Mark Levinson Cello Audio Palette knobs i guess they don't feel the same.

Tascam DA30 (Sound On Sound, Sep 1990)

DAT Recorder

www.muzines.co.uk

 

[svtcontour]

Conclusion is here above video gives a rough comparisson. So the topping spdif out went in spdif Tascam in an rca Tascam out went in NAD amp (input Disc) than i switch between first Tascam than the Topping (input CD).

Did listen my self farfield as close monitor for around 20 minutes switching with my NAD remote between both. Conclusion i hardly could keep them apart sometimes i had the impression that the Topping had a more punchy bass but that could be whisful thinking. Blind tested you could fool me for sure.
I was surprised that both sounded comparable good. As far as i know the Topping spdif output was positive tested (don't know if that had something to do with the sound quality of the Tascam). Will keep both (for fun) in operation it is easy to do level match comparisons on different types of music.
Anyway Thanx for the suggestion.
.

Awesome! I checked it out. Ya its pretty amazing for something of that age to be competitive. I guess proper design is proper design even if from many years back.

 

[Snarfie]

Awesome! I checked it out. Ya its pretty amazing for something of that age to be competitive. I guess proper design is proper design even if from many years back.

Possible explanation why they sound comparable.

Conclusions
The Topping D10 makes a nice little USB to S/PDIF and Toslink converter for legacy DACs. And for improving DACs with poor USB implementations. Then again in the latter case, you might as well use the DAC inside the Topping D10 as it is likely to perform even better!.

Review and Measurements of Topping D10 as USB to S/PDIF Converter

In my review of Topping D10 DAC, I was asked how well the D10 does as a USB to S/PDIF (and Toslink) converter since it has those outputs. I thought I make this review and measurement its own topic. The Topping D10 is nice and tiny and no bigger than many USB to S/PDIF converters. What's more...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Multicore]

So over the years where I work, we've gotten rid of DAT players that have wonky tape sections that have failed to be repaired correctly, and I've always picked them out of the recycle pile. I enjoy the retro look and the VU meters. I've got a Panasonic, a Sony and a Fostex. Subjectively they are very similar but if I had to choose one as my favorite in the stack right now, its the Fostex. I also used to have a Denafrips Ares II DAC but for some reason I always felt I liked the music a tad more through these DAT players. I might be crazy but it seems like it was more dynamic and lively. Anyway sold the Ares II. I'm if these DAT players were judged on measurements they'd flop hard but just for enjoyment and music listening, they do the trick just fine!

I'm feeding the DATs via a USB to digital converter (based on some XMOS chipset) and the source is a silent PC running JRiver. Of course i'm limited to a max of 16/48 but I'm totally find with that. My hears cant resolve any higher

Anyone else mess around with these as a DAC?

View attachment 425378

Afaik, yes. I mean, afaik you're the only one.