On Mon, 08 Dec 2003 15:34:29 GMT, Wally wrote:

Jim H wrote:

Exactly. Providing it isn't broken, a cheap CD player should sound
just as good going into a good quality DAC as an expensive player
with the same DAC, otherwise it wouldn't pass the redbook standard
and coldn't display the CD logo.

I suppose when I said this I should have mentioned jitter, however it's
very unlikely to be a problem with a half decent DAC, we're talking very
low data rates here.

People who spend tens of thousands on 'high-end' stuff like to buy
equipment that makes jitter audiable, so that their expensive CD player
sounds different than a cheap one and they can feel superior. A well
designed DAC should not do this.

This is good to hear. Would I be right in thinking that an optical input
makes a given DAC more expensive? Are there sonic reasons to choose one
connection type over the other?

Not really. Go for whatever is most convenient, most likely coax.
Cable worshipers may disagree, but round here interconnects are a way of
getting signal from A to B, there are those who claim different metals or
optical fibers in digital interconnects change the sound
:-D

A lot of people here are sort-of against outboard DACs, but I
disagree, at least on economic terms. With 4 digital sources in my
hifi, I would have preffered if none of them came with DACs so I
could put the saving into one really.

Btw, I ment to type "really good DAC"

I was quite surprised at the range on eBay going for what looked liked
very
sensible money (looked at the completed items to get an idea of final
prices).

Indeed. Get a few reviews, avoid the idiot high end and you'll be fine.

--
Jim H jh
@333
.org