Dac magic plus or Dx3 pro

[michman66]

Hello, I sold a V90 2 weeks ago. I've been carrying on a conversation with a few members on dacs, pre amps etc. I think I got it down to buying a DAC preamp and selling my SAGA pre amp. I'd like opinions and comments to help me decide between a Cambridge DAC MAGIC plus or the Topping DE pro?

2nd idea is getting the D50 and still sell the Saga until I can replace it. Reason is it's a unity Gain device...and is not able to drive my Linn amp to full rated power. I can use a passive pre in in the mean time while I decide on what to do 3rd option is selling the Linn too...then I get an intergrated amp and forget either the Cambridge or Dx3 and buy d50.

Through the woods I go. Thank you!

 

[graz_lag]

Have you tested the CA DAC Magic + into your setup ? I am saying so 'cause CA' devices are a bit difficult to integrate in terms of matching them properly.

The M-DAC from Audiolab would be a great option for a budget of $/€350/400 secondhand, IMHO.

(I'm mentioning Audiolab seeing you sold a Musical Fidelity and now looking for a CA unit so it seems you're focused on the British' brands ...)

 

[michman66]

Hi, I am not married to British brands so to speak. I checked the Audiolab looks like a great product. One thing is the USB is max to 96khz, moving forward that is going to restrict high resolution files to 192. It is a very good suggestion though! There is a dealer here in town. I will borrow one and try it out first. I'd be running it into a Linn LK 140 amp. pre-amp/DAC or I will buy the Topping DX3 Pro which has a remote and Bluetooth.

 

[andreasmaaan]

One thing is the USB is max to 96khz, moving forward that is going to restrict high resolution files to 192. It is a very good suggestion though!

I know nothing about the Audiolab, but as a general comment, there is absolutely no reason to play back at a sample rate higher than 96KHz (or even 44.1 or 48, arguably) - humans just don't hear that high. So don't let that factor affect your decision.

 

[andreasmaaan]

BTW @michman66, why did you get rid of your V90? It's in the same league as all the options you're now looking at.

 

[michman66]

I know nothing about the Audiolab, but as a general comment, there is absolutely no reason to play back at a sample rate higher than 96KHz (or even 44.1 or 48, arguably) - humans just don't hear that high. So don't let that factor affect your decision.

Thank you, I'm dizzy from reading so much...upsampling for one. I see a used one..still pretty expensive. I'll keep looking. thank you very much

 

[michman66]

BTW @michman66, why did you get rid of your V90? It's in the same league as all the options you're now looking at.

I wanted to try something else. It's a strong piece no doubt. Eh,. Buy, sell. I saw on the site how much better the D50 was looking...I thought I would try it.

 

[graz_lag]

I know nothing about the Audiolab, but as a general comment, there is absolutely no reason to play back at a sample rate higher than 96KHz (or even 44.1 or 48, arguably) - humans just don't hear that high. So don't let that factor affect your decision.

Very wise comment, thank you.

 

[andreasmaaan]

I wanted to try something else. It's a strong piece no doubt. Eh,. Buy, sell. I saw on the site how much better the D50 was looking...I thought I would try it.

Fair enough. My view is that there shouldn't be much if any audible difference between any of the units being discussed - all are probably "good enough" for human hearing - so don't expect any crazy improvements whichever way you go

 

[tired_guru]

I know nothing about the Audiolab, but as a general comment, there is absolutely no reason to play back at a sample rate higher than 96KHz (or even 44.1 or 48, arguably) - humans just don't hear that high. So don't let that factor affect your decision.

Most of the times "it sounds better" not because this is hi-rez file but because of completely different mastering/mixing, added 2nd harmonic distortion to make sound more robust, warm, smooth, "audiophile" grade. For me if the DAC can't play 44.1k good it is worth nothing and I don't care about dsd or hi-rez beacuse this is minority.

 

[onslash]

Have you tested the CA DAC Magic + into your setup ? I am saying so 'cause CA' devices are a bit difficult to integrate in terms of matching them properly.

The M-DAC from Audiolab would be a great option for a budget of $/€350/400 secondhand, IMHO.

(I'm mentioning Audiolab seeing you sold a Musical Fidelity and now looking for a CA unit so it seems you're focused on the British' brands ...)

just wondering , whats difficult to integrate and matching them properly?