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March 20, 2009 - 9:09pm
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Best DAC Section. Grace m902 or CA 840C
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Thanks for the reply, and I realize it is hard to get a really good answer to such a question. But a lateral move is what I'm trying to avoid, as you probably realize.
I forgot to mention that I listened to a CA 840C a couple of weeks ago. I went over to a guys house to hear his new speakers. The problem is that in addition to the 840C, I was also hearing his Mcintosh MA6900 amp, and his Magnepan MG 1.6 speakers as well as his optimized listening room. (I think listening to the Maggies was a mistake because it's hard to be satisfied with the size of the sound stage from my box speakers now) His system sounded fantastic, but I do not know how much the 840C contributed to the over all sound.
I may have to spend considerably more than the price of an 840C to get a definite improvement. My system sounds pretty good for what it is. It's just that the upgrade game is fun to play.
denydog,
Easiest thing might be to take your Grace over to his place for a head-to-head, that's one of the advantages of the very portable form factor. As a Grace owner who has heard the Cambridge but never had a chance to compare directly I also strongly suspect this would be a sideways move. The only DACs I have heard that make a clear improvement over the Grace are considerably more expensive (Weiss, mbl, dCS, Nagra etc.).
I upgraded to a new headphone amp recently, but I kept the Grace and set up a new system in the bedroom based on it. I just couldn't bear to part with it, it is just such a great piece of kit!
I have a simple answer to your problem. If your friend with the MacIntosh gear is attracted to your wife, swap wives and gear in one go and let him cope with your ex 'who must be obeyed'.
Seriously , even though I have no experience of the Grace DAC I suspect its the gear upstream from it that should be up-graded first and that you are in great risk of becoming a MacIntosh addict, a very expensive habit.
My friend brought his 840 over to my place so I could hear it. I currently have the 640 v2.
We compared it to my MMF-7 turntable w/ AT150MLX cart, running both thru my Carver C-19 pre & Rotel RB-1090.
I used the album 'Digital Duke', which I have on both CD and vinyl. The 840 sounded nearly identical in all areas. The only place where we noticed significant differences was in the very upper end, were the TT was slightly smoother, less sibilant and more natural, to our ears. The bottom end on 840 was nothing less than spectacular.
It is the one of the best CD players I have ever heard. The price makes that statement sound rediculas.
Sorry, but I have never heard the Grace.
Some helpful, and entertaining replies.
Actually. that's not a bad idea, except my friend's small apartment is dominated by Hi-Fi. As an example, what was meant as a dining room, contains four large pairs of Infinity's in various stages of total reconstruction. He knows how good he has it, being king of his castle, so I doubt he'd want to swap for my situation.
I tend to agree now that the Cambridge 840C player will probably not transform my system to a whole new level. I may still end up getting one, but I think I'll keep my expectations in check. Who knows, there may be other exciting products on the near horizon.
You may want to consider the Cambridge Audio "DacMagic" - it may save you come money as you already have a transport. Just a thought as it appears it uses the same guts as the 840C.
You may want to take over your Grace DAC to his place, and see how well it plays there before you plunk down your hard earned cash.
And before you spring for the Cambridge Audio, you should consider some other ones, too. You will likely live with whatever you pick for awhile.
Thanks, I will take another look at the DacMagic, I didn't realize it may have the same DAC design as the 840C.
Your other comment is so true. I am trying to look at all the possibilities. I find that trying to find a budget version of the audio holy grail is a lot of fun. The search for the best upgrade path is almost as fun for me as actually listening to music. No, not really!
I hope you guys don't mind me using you as a sounding board, it helps to clarify my thoughts, as well as providing new ideas.
I am glad Bromo-phile broought up the CA DAC, as I forgot to mention it. Real flexible, that little box.