Budget DAC Apple AE

[Geegz]

I stumbled across this review of the updated Apple AE. I have used the original version now for 5-6 years now. I have always thought it did a good job but does anyone have opinion on the charts, graphs in this review? I know we have quite a few techs here that can interpret these much better than myself. The newer AE has a updated DAC chip, AKM- AK4430, than my original that has a PCM2705 Burr Brown unit.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/airport-express-audio-quality-2014.htm

i ask as I am thinking about updating to the new version while I'm in the midst of upgrading my system. I know, I know all the analog guys will pooh-pooh this and I get that, eventually I will get back to some vinyl (and get belts for my DOA cassette decks) but for now it's all digital for me.

 

[laatsch55]

Me too...and have been for awhile...although I have heard some EXCELLENT vinyl sources and vinyl......and it's expensive.

An interesting unit you linked. Don't know enough about testing digital to say but what I do understand about it is good....

 

[MarkWComer]

They compare it to a Sony unit- and it looks like it's pretty damned good.

(How hard would you laugh if I told you that sometimes I connect an iPod to my system...)

 

[Geegz]

Yeah Mark, he is comparing it to a Sony SCD-XA777ES SACD. Appears to perform very similar, also has a Toslink out to run digital to an outboard DAC for a later upgrade.

Lee,
is a 2 volt output ok for use on a WOPL700 or would that be an issue connection directly without a preamp? I believe 2 volt out is standard on some CD players.

 

[laatsch55]

Yep, a 700 requires 1.75 volts input for rated output. With 2 volts you should be good for 450 to 475 out...

 

[Geegz]

Thanks Lee, good info.

is there an upper end of volts rms the 700 WOPL to watch or be careful of?

 

[laatsch55]

I haven't put more than 3 volts to em....shit gets funky after that....