Aylwin Wrote: > do you disagree that an external DAC (like the one's I've mentioned > above) is a must for the SB2 to be in a *hi-end* audiophile system? > Okay, if "must" is a bit strong, how about we say that an external DAC > provides a considerable noticeable improvement? Yes, a dedicated, external DAC -can- be superior to the SB2's internal DAC. However, this isn't a given: I've already observed that the Scott Nixon Chibi Saru is inferior to the lone SB2, until you add a good power supply. Then it does surpass it by a bit, but not a lot. IMO, the SB2 is *that* good!
I started down this road before the SB2 was released. My original, tentative plan was to use the SB1 with the Scott Nixon DAC in my main system, and then to decide what to do in my secondary system. Then the SB2 was released and I received the Scott Nixon DAC, and I realised it wasn't significantly better than the SB2 (although it certainly surpassed the SB1). So I went out and bought a Benchmark DAC1, which is really, really good. I want the extra buffer of the SB2 (and a few of the other features) in my listening room, working with the Benchmark DAC1. That leaves the SB1 and Scott Nixon DAC in my office. If, however, I had a spare SB2, I would happily use it without an external DAC in my office. IOW, my high expectations are nominally satisfied with the internal DAC of the SB2 (although I certainly appreciate the marginally superior performance that I get from the Scott Nixon DAC). I should interject something here. You claim to be able to hear differences between transports, while I can’t honestly admit that I can do the same. Perhaps they seem different to me, and perhaps I just want them to. (I certainly hear the difference between DACs!) If you really -can- discern the differences between transports, then perhaps your ears are more golden than mine, and the money that I’ve spent on my fancy-dancy “audiophile systems” is all for naught, when I could be completely happy with a P.O.S. Bose system. <sigh> I think we understand each other quite well at this point, and we’re merely arguing the concepts of -“want”- vs. -“need”-, and -“optional”- vs. -“a must”-. -=> Mike Hanson <=- -The Sarcastic Bastard- -- Mike Hanson _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
