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March 27, 2013 - 11:57am
#1
Just getting into hi-fi, inherited an NAD stack
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you are using lossy music files like an mp3. This is sure sound degradation from the start. I'd begin acquiring lossless music for storage and serving on your laptop feeding a decent DAC. While the Galaxy Note II uses a Wolfson WM1811 HD Audio Hub, it is not as good an implementation as what would be found in a good standalone DAC.
Edit: I am new to this forum. After rereading, I realize your reply starts with the bold text in the header of the reply. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
I don't mean to sound rude, but where did you get off assuming I was using only lossy music files like mp3? The majority of my digital collection is 24/96 flac. Albeit, I do have V0 mp3s or similar of tracks unavailable at 24/96.
And thank you for the comment on the Note II's DAC. I realize DAC's in devices not designed solely for the purpose result in design limitations and the likes (interference with other components, etc). Is it however worth 150-250 USD just to get a standalone DAC? Or would I benefit better from say a new pre or power amp.
because one is required to put something in the Subject box, and we all usually know what the subject is already.
Regarding your equipment, if you still like the sound of the NAD stuff you should keep it, but it is probably a good idea you took the power amp into the shop, leaky capacitors are usually the main concern. It could be a concern a for the preamp as well, but usually just cleaning the pots on those is enough.
Most of what a good DAC provides has more to do with the complementary circuitry surrounding the DAC chip than the DAC chip itself. I would think you would hear a big difference with perhaps an Audioquest Dragonfly DAC. SalesAvo has them right now for $204. So it fits your DAC budget of $150-250.
If you were to upgrade your preamp or power amp what would your budget be for that?
I suggest that you consider a Music Hall MMF-2.2 turntable.
It runs $450 complete, and the other turntables you can get for under $700 simply do not perform as well. It is a very nice unit.
The phono stage in your NAD is surely worth trying, but few built-in ones are all that good.
The Musical Fidelity V-LPS is under $200, and you probably cannot find a better one for under $500.