Who's DAC should I use? Sony 5ES vs. Rotel RCC-1055

james e m · 11-13-2003, 04:17 PM

I am getting a new cd player sometime soon and I'm not sure which will have a better DAC my Sony 5ES (which is used as a pre/pro and powered by a Sherbourn amp) or the Rotel RCC-1055. Any advice would be appreciated!
James

Jon_Welker · 11-13-2003, 07:41 PM

I would vote for the Rotel, as they have a reputation for being a more musical component manufacturer. I've read a lot of good stuff about the 1055, and wouldn't mind picking one up myself. Also, if you do hook it with a digital output and use the 5ES's DAC's, then you pretty much just defeated the purpose of buying that good of a CD changer. Typically, you buy a CD player/changer that is more expensive for the DAC's within the player. Just my thoughts.

11-13-2003, 10:04 PM

I'd guess the CD player will sound warmer and smoother where the Sony will sound more open and brighter...which is better depends on your taste and the room/speaker combo.

james e m · 11-15-2003, 09:12 AM

Thanks guys!
James

Mark C. · 11-15-2003, 01:03 PM

Don't you dare use a digital connection to the 1055! Analog connectors are the only way to go for a quality player like the 1055. I tried out a 1055 in my house for a week not too long ago. I plugged it into my two-channel system (Classe integrated amp, B&W Nautilus 804s). I did side-by-side comparisons with my three-year-old changer, a Marantz CC-67, using identical recordings and switching between inputs.
The 1055 did sound better, and for the first time I noticed an enhanced presentation by HDCD discs. But I couldn't justify the unit because of its price. It was better than the Marantz, but not $750 better. I'm sure you'll love the 1055.

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james e m · 11-16-2003, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the info Mark. I'm glad to hear you liked the player. I have a silly question though, do you remember if the player has a random button on the controler? The sales person told me it decodes mp3s, is this true?
James

Mark C. · 11-16-2003, 11:38 AM

I don't know about mp3s. I don't use them. It does have a random button on the remote.



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