DAC... Why do I need it?

[parambir]

I have read about DACs and their utility. What I don't understand is that if I already own a receiver why will I need DAC? Can someone throw some light on use cases where one needs to employ DAC and Receiver will not work?

Thanks

 

[tuff]

Let the riots begin. Hehehe!

Sent from my HUAWEI P7-L10 using Tapatalk

 

[MaSh]

I have read about DACs and their utility. What I don't understand is that if I already own a receiver why will I need DAC? Can someone throw some light on use cases where one needs to employ DAC and Receiver will not work?

Thanks

Well all may not like the built in DAC. For a receiver manufacturer, a DAC is just a small part of the system, unlike for a company whose business is selling DACs. A receiver selling company may not invest the same amount into the R&D of a DAC compared to a DAC company.

In the end, all a DAC is supposed to do is transparently convert digital bits to analog which can be fed to an amplifier. Its the end user's tastes that finally decide which DAC they use. If one is happy with the built in dac in a receiver, great, else a dedicated dac is added to the chain.

Let the riots begin. Hehehe!

hyeah: fingers crossed.

 

[vakharia]

I have read about DACs and their utility. What I don't understand is that if I already own a receiver why will I need DAC? Can someone throw some light on use cases where one needs to employ DAC and Receiver will not work?

Thanks

I am not answering your question, but in my setup, since I have only a stereo amplifier which does not accept anything other than RCA, and a TV which has only SPDIF out, I had no choice but to go for a DAC. I bought the FiiO D3 DAC and it does a very fine job.

For an average joe like me, if I had a good quality receiver, I might be OK. For others, well, the sky is also not the limit.

 

[asliarun]

I have read about DACs and their utility. What I don't understand is that if I already own a receiver why will I need DAC? Can someone throw some light on use cases where one needs to employ DAC and Receiver will not work?

Thanks

If you have a receiver that has an inbuilt DAC (can convert digital HDMI or optical audio into analog audio (which can drive your speaker) - you do not need an external DAC. That is, if you are happy with your receiver's sound.

Most people who buy a separate DAC are those who buy individual components to assemble their audio system - player, DAC, amp (sometimes preamp and poweramp separate). Or are those who "want more" from their sound system and will try an external DAC to see if it changes the sound to their liking.

 

[parambir]

Thank you guys for making me wiser. However I do understand that if I use discreet components such as stereo amp and pre amp etc to build my audio system I would want to invest in a decent DAC. But why would someone with a decent receiver want a DAC? I might not own a top of the line receiver but I still feel Yamaha v681 is a decent piece and "would" have a good DAC in it.

 

[vakharia]

^ unless you get to audition the new DAC in your home with your sound files, chances are you may not be able to compare with your receiver.
Things sound different in a sound treated demo room.

 

[music4mhell]

Even Mobiles has DAC inside, so as TV, Receivers, Integrated Amps.
A dedicated DAC will vastly improve the sound, if you have a decent Speakers or headphone.

 

[asliarun]

Thank you guys for making me wiser. However I do understand that if I use discreet components such as stereo amp and pre amp etc to build my audio system I would want to invest in a decent DAC. But why would someone with a decent receiver want a DAC? I might not own a top of the line receiver but I still feel Yamaha v681 is a decent piece and "would" have a good DAC in it.

Truth be told, for a multi channel setup, upgrading to a better quality EQ like the latest and greatest version of Audussey or Dirac Live would give you the most improvement.

 

[shreeux]

Truth be told, for a multi channel setup, upgrading to a better quality EQ like the latest and greatest version of Audussey or Dirac Live would give you the most improvement.

Any other software for better improvement in PC to Active Speakers.?

 

[manoj.p]

Any other software for better improvement in PC to Active Speakers.?

First proper speaker placement, then room treatment. Last bit is the electronics. starting with room Correction.

In your case, Dirac Live is available for PC.

Or you can go other way round and start investing in Electronics like many audiophiles.

 

[shreeux]

First proper speaker placement, then room treatment. Last bit is the electronics. starting with room Correction.

In your case, Dirac Live is available for PC.

Or you can go other way round and start investing in Electronics like many audiophiles.

I mean not room correction software...Need to enhance audio quality instead of DAC.

 

[amedius]

Any other software for better improvement in PC to Active Speakers.?

download DFX AUDIO ENHANCER......(its a paid software).....It has made a world of difference when playing any music, be it from mp3 files on pc to Youtube. Hundreds of tweaks to change your liking. Its the best available today. Just go for it.

 

[sound_cycle]

I mean not room correction software...Need to enhance audio quality instead of DAC.

a) the room is part of your sound system. sometimes (umm most times) is the huge and ugly beast that ruins your listening

b) digital room correction is not actually correcting your room it is making corrections on your audio for the colorations made by your room

A DAC is neutral, it is not supposed to be "enhancing/bright/warm "). One rather enjoyable alternate enhancer I know and sometimes use is delivered with smoky notes in fluid form. But maybe I misunderstood, what do you seek to enhance in your audio quality ?

ciao
gr

 

[shreeux]

a) the room is part of your sound system. sometimes (umm most times) is the huge and ugly beast that ruins your listening

Ok, But I can't change anything in my room as per status.

b) digital room correction is not actually correcting your room it is making corrections on your audio for the colorations made by your room

A DAC is neutral, it is not supposed to be "enhancing/bright/warm "). One rather enjoyable alternate enhancer I know and sometimes use is delivered with smoky notes in fluid form. But maybe I misunderstood, what do you seek to enhance in your audio quality ?

ciao
gr

Now my setup is PC>>>SwanM200KII. Instead of in-between DAC to enhance the audio quality for better crispy and more clear with software inbuilt equalizers.

 

[sound_cycle]

Ok, But I can't change anything in my room as per status.

Many/ most of us cannot. rented acco, fear of spousal wrath and suchlike life issues.

Placement is inexpensive and entertaining (for the spouse and kids at any rate). search for the audiobeat method and LEDR (in threads on hfv)

WAF can be low for treatment but DRC is invisible. DRC is not meant to wing it solo so to speak and is intended to work with placement and treatment. Below ~400 Hz it is to my mind the only practical solution in a small-ish room.

The human ear is excellent at doing a "solpa adjust maadi" number and it adapts and compensates for a bad room. Listen to your room after treatment and likely as not what you currently think as good sound will show up for what it is, colored and maybe without proper imaging

Now my setup is PC>>>SwanM200KII. Instead of in-between DAC to enhance the audio quality for better crispy and more clear with software inbuilt equalizers.

The DAC takes in the digital input and converts it to analog for your amps and speakers. I don't see how you can do without one in a digital rig.

If you meant an external one, they offer many advantages but they are the subtle ones, better timbre, voices, imaging, shimmerier airier highs and such like. The stuff that matters.

The ugly beast of a room can and will snuff out all that stuff that matters.

DRC s/w runs on your PC or in dedicated hardware. You play test tones and it figures out what your room is doing to your sound by analysing input from calibrated mics. The s/w allows you to shape the sound to your taste by using a target curve. The better solutions will correct for your room while preserving phase (which preserves imaging).

If you are looking for clear uncolored sound with good imaging manoj.p up thread has already said it, I reiterate, placement and positioning, room treatment, DRC.

ciao
gr

 

[MaSh]

Now my setup is PC>>>SwanM200KII. Instead of in-between DAC to enhance the audio quality for better crispy and more clear with software inbuilt equalizers.

How are you connecting your PC to the speakers? USB? You mentioned receiver in your opening post.

What exactly are you seeking here, do you have upgrade plans in mind? Sorry, I am slightly confused.

MaSh


Sent from my Redmi Note 3

 

[tuff]

How are you connecting your PC to the speakers? USB? You mentioned receiver in your opening post.

What exactly are you seeking here, do you have upgrade plans in mind? Sorry, I am slightly confused.

MaSh


Sent from my Redmi Note 3

The OP is a different guy. parambir.

 

[MaSh]

The OP is a different guy. parambir.

Ahhh damn. No wonder got confused.

Sent from my Redmi Note 3

 

[asliarun]

Any other software for better improvement in PC to Active Speakers.?

That is a great question. Unfortunately, i do not know enough to be able to answer it.