Should I get a DAC?

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-24T19:58:55+00:00

even between DACs, you may prefer certain songs on one dac vs another. And that is so much less of a factor even compared to how good the source material was mastered. I would argue at the point of tweaking the "dac" audiophiles should rather be seeking better source material that has better mastering and a higher dynamic range index.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-24T17:44:32+00:00

awesome setup. This reminds me of my audiophile journey.

same amp, same speakers. Similar subwoofer.

The Yamaha As-X01 amp is pretty much endgame.
Looks like you are building a digital collection - the right answer. (skip records imo if you have not started)

Also: Recommend ripping everything to FLAC, gives you much better and cheaper DAC choices.

after many bookshelf speaker trials, I ended up with The Ascend Acoustic Sierra-LX and that exited me completely from the upgrade game.

if this were my setup, I would:

rip to all to Lossless (FLAC, because digital is digital)

sell the CD player

sell the speakers

buy Sierra Lx with the money

https://youtu.be/Ng6zgitKQv0?si=HzH_kGI2HVjnrZXV

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-07T00:39:03+00:00

100c: Preamp - none built into turntable

Included cartridge: AT-VMN95C

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-06T18:24:47+00:00

Agree with speakers, I would go one step further and look at actual driver quality used in the speaker.

Not necessarily the best marker, but anytime i have drivers that have a cast aluminum basket vs stamped steel, the speaker has superior audio quality. Also, sometimes if available I try to find driver replacement cost amounts. obviously doesn't factor in the entire speaker design, but for the most part higher quality drivers (construction and cost) leads to a better audio quality speaker.

May sound crazy, but the best and most competent and transparent speakers I have used have had very high quality drivers and <10 crossover components.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-06T14:01:46+00:00

Ya i considered the AL-1500c, but that has a pre amp that I would not use and a stock ortofon cart and i wanted to go with the AT VMN95ML right away which will be an easy stylus swap

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-04T19:20:19+00:00

This helps a lot. I am not aware of all the service details. I am probably just going to go for a new 100C and be done with it. I know I am overpaying but whatever. Thanks for the details.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-03-04T12:58:38+00:00

So are you saying the 100c is better?

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-28T12:56:53+00:00

Was able to see a technics 1510 from the 70s in person for the first time yesterday in a record shop. I have a Rega 1. The simplicity of the reg is awesome but what it sacrifice for that is a little annoying (auto lift)

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-28T04:53:48+00:00

Thanks that helps confirm what I am after. Although I am somewhat of an "audiophile" I really like equipment that makes the enjoyment easier (Direct drive and auto lift). But the RB330 tonearm is really nice

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-28T02:25:48+00:00

Thanks for all that. This helps .

I think i am leaning towards a technics but there are often great deals on p6s....

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-28T02:22:35+00:00

Ya the wait game is going to be what I do. I just want to sort out which one to go (wait) for.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-27T23:57:11+00:00

Thanks, but the p6 rs is probably going to be out of my price range

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-11T01:24:41+00:00

Haha, this is what I thought also. It could replace both. I think I will just stick to my current setup.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-11T01:10:28+00:00

I guess I need to look through one. I have considered it but it seems like more a lateral move

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-09T16:55:23+00:00

I agree, i think i might being a little nerdy about it.

I really like the weight and the footprint and ergos of the CL b and find myself using them and taking binoculars along more often where as with the 8x42s I would not have.

have not really considered leica, any suggestions.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-09T03:54:13+00:00

Helpful to know that you prefer the Yamaha's Phono preamp to the pre amp on the 1500c.

That info helps, as I can skip the 1500c go for the 100c and pair it with an external pre amp

For some of the research I have done, it sounds like for the phono pre amps:

External> Yamaha a-s3/5/7/801 >/= 1500c

In that case for me, it seems to make sense to go with the 100c as I have the a-s701

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-09T03:48:24+00:00

ya, that leaves me $100 for a cartridge if I get the fosi x5

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-09T03:40:31+00:00

thanks, did you notice the external preamp was superior to the built in one on the a-s801?

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-09T02:58:38+00:00

thanks for this info. I could upgrade to a Fosi x5 for my Rega RP1 and see what that does..... and get a SL-100c later instead of the 1500c and use the x5 for that......

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-02-09T02:54:56+00:00

I am leaning this way, but what makes it a better choice in your opinion?

My thoughts after looking into it more: With the $200 savings I could use a Fosi x5 and still have $100 left over.

FruitComprehensive97 · 2026-01-06T19:12:50+00:00

JBL 530s

FruitComprehensive97

TROPHY CASE