How bad is this 1989 Musical Fidelity DAC? (with measurements)

[streamophile]

I'm trying to convince a relative that his 1989 Musical Fidelity Digilog DAC is probably bad, and should sell it (because it is apparently a semi-collectors vintage item) and get a modern competent DAC from the usual suspects (SMSL, Topping, etc).

I have found that Stereophile made a review with measurements of this DAC when it came out: https://www.stereophile.com/content/musical-fidelity-digilog-da-processor-measurements

However, I am very bad at understanding these measurement charts. Compared to a modern DAC, how can I express - using the charts - that the Digiloc DAC is bad/not worth it?

 

[Nopiano]

It would be better for the environment if they continued to enjoy it!

What source do they use that you believe would benefit from a mass produced, imported DAC?

 

[Sokel]

Nothing alarming at the measurements.
Considering it's a 30 years old design, it's more than ok.

 

[streamophile]

It would be better for the environment if they continued to enjoy it!

What source do they use that you believe would benefit from a mass produced, imported DAC?

The source is the issue - he'd use a laptop but the Digilog does not have input for USB so that would require a USB to optical converter (was considering the Sky Song and Douk U2 for this task). I was just expecting that given that the converters are already ~50€ plus shipping, for a bit more it would make sense to get a modern DAC *if* it measured really badly, which was what I was expecting.

 

[streamophile]

Nothing alarming at the measurements.
Considering it's a 30 years old design, it's more than ok.

Pleasantly surprised! So my assumption that something new would be an improvement was quite wrong

 

[Sokel]

Pleasantly surprised! So my assumption that something new would be an improvement was quite wrong

Chances are they will be no difference.
It's an old piece of gear of course, it may have problems of its own. But if no noise or distortion is apparent at normal listening I wouldn't worry at all.

 

[audio_tony]

It's limited to 48kHz which means no 'HiRes' tracks can be played. If this is not an issue then there's no point in replacing it.

A good USB to SPDIF bridge is this device:

Fasizi CM6631A Digital interface 32 / 24Bit 192K Sound Card USB to I2S / SPDIF Coaxial Output Support Connect Decoder Upgrade DAC: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Fasizi CM6631A Digital interface 32 / 24Bit 192K Sound Card USB to I2S / SPDIF Coaxial Output Support Connect Decoder Upgrade DAC at Amazon UK.

www.amazon.co.uk

However if the aim is to listen to 'HiRes' material, then it may well be worth seeking out a modern DAC.

 

[streamophile]

I guess CD quality is the main target, but he does have some HiRes stuff locally that he'd like to play. Also he was considering a separate DAC for some headphones he was eyeing so maybe both combined is a decent for a change? Buying the USB to SPDIF bridge seems like adding a weak link to the audio chain and a bit of a waste too.

 

[Mart68]

Pleasantly surprised! So my assumption that something new would be an improvement was quite wrong

I use a Sony DAC from 1989 but also have modern DACs that are close to state of the art (Topping, Soncoz) and have had friends bring round their multi-thousand pound 'wonder DACs' for comparison.

My conclusion - the DAC is the least important component and not worthy of any concern until it goes bad.

 

[streamophile]

I use a Sony DAC from 1989 but also have modern DACs that are close to state of the art (Topping, Soncoz) and have had friends bring round their multi-thousand pound 'wonder DACs' for comparison.

My conclusion - the DAC is the least important component and not worthy of any concern until it goes bad.

I agree, but also functionality/inputs is relevant, no? Considering the 48 kHz limitation and the lack of USB input, is it worth it to get something else instead?

 

[Mart68]

I agree, but also functionality/inputs is relevant, no? Considering the 48 kHz limitation and the lack of USB input, is it worth it to get something else instead?

If he wants to play so called 'Hi res' masterings and use his laptop via USB then obviously there's a practical reason to change. No argument there.

 

[JeremyFife]

Looks like that 'old' DAC is still perfectly fine.

As you say (OP), any choice is about features and functionality. No need to change DAC for sound quality - and that includes Hi-Res since we can't actually hear the difference, at least I can't .

Sort out what you need (and want) in terms of features, buy something new if you need it. Know that it won't improve the sound