I set up a desktop system with a Roon library via USB to Topping D50 (OG: Sinad 106, had that sitting around) to Woo WA6SE headphone amp with upgraded tubes (WE422) to Dan Clark Ether 2 cans. Is it worth upgrading to a better DAC (say D50III Sinad 123). Is the difference even audible? Nothing wrong with current set-up, just wonder whether I am missing out. Gut feeling suggests the OG D50 is just fine. Thanks for any input.
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Upgrade from Topping D50 with tube headphone amp/Ether 2?
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DVDdoug
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Most DACs are audibly transparent. At 106 SINAD, I assume you're not hearing any background noise (hum, hiss, or whine)? If you are hearing noise, make sure it's coming from the DAC, not the amp, before replacing the DAC.
I'd be more worried about the amp with 1950's technology.
You can get good sound from tubes but it's more difficult and more expensive. And if there are imperfections that require upgrading the tubes that's a bad sign! (And a bad design.)
I'd be more worried about the amp with 1950's technology.
You can get good sound from tubes but it's more difficult and more expensive. And if there are imperfections that require upgrading the tubes that's a bad sign! (And a bad design.)
AnalogSteph
Major Contributor
Deservedly so. At the very least, it's an IEC Class I device and inviting a ground loop in a setup like this (it has an output but no input transformer / galvanic isolation by the looks of it). At an idle power consumption in the mid-high 40s of W it might also be drawing as much as the rest of the playback setup...I'd be more worried about the amp with 1950's technology.
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@DVDdoug @AnalogSteph Thanks to both of you for confirmation of my gut feeling. Though I would not bash older technology too much. Copper wires and cone speakers are even older. I don't get any noise on the cans with the Topping. I did get some horrible noise when going through a Dragonfly dongle DAC. So much for new technology being better. LOL!
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