Age old DAC-V1 question (perhaps) asked once again

Posted by: Mortalcoil on 21 October 2015

Gentlemen / Ladies,

 

As the title suggests I have a question regarding the DAC V1.

 

I am aware that it may have been answered here at some point but for the life of me cant locate it, apologies if so.

 

So here goes.

 

Currently I have my Mac hooked up to my V1 (via USB) and then from the V1 (RCA) to a Bryston headphone amp / pre amp.

 

I do not use speakers as I am strictly a headphone guy (Speakers one day lol).  So my question is, and in your opinion should I be running the V1 pre amp in "fixed" mode or otherwise?

 

Please keep in mind that I am only interested in utilizing the DAC portion of the V1 as I have no need for the pre amp section yet .....or do I?

 

I believe that I read somewhere that some believe running the Vi in fixed mode may offer some advantages.

 

Look forward to your input, thoughts, and of course valued opinions.

 

Cheers  

Posted on: 21 October 2015 by SongStream

In your current configuration fixed output is the only option that would make sense to me.  As I understand it, the signal path does not alter between fixed and variable output modes, nothing is bypassed, so apart from having two volume controls, which you don't need, I can see no advantage in running it any other way.  To decide whether you need anything else, try plugging the headphones directly into the V1, it seems more likely that you don't need a second headphone amp.

Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Mortalcoil
Originally Posted by SongStream:

In your current configuration fixed output is the only option that would make sense to me.  As I understand it, the signal path does not alter between fixed and variable output modes, nothing is bypassed, so apart from having two volume controls, which you don't need, I can see no advantage in running it any other way.  To decide whether you need anything else, try plugging the headphones directly into the V1, it seems more likely that you don't need a second headphone amp.

Thanks for the reply SongStream, much appreciated.

 

The Bryston amp seems to have a better overall "synergy" with headphones like the HD-800 etc thus why I consider it a better choice vs the V1.

 

My main focus is on overall DAC output quality and I am still pondering if running between the two modes (fixed output vs variable) would make any type of audible difference.

 

I take it then SongStream based on your reply that you are of the opinion that either mode will work equally as well?  Purely as a DAC that is.

Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Jude2012
In the V1's fixed output mode, it's volume control IS by passed.  So, either the software player on the Mac and/or Bryston will control the volume
Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Mortalcoil

Thanks Jude.  I am aware that the volume control is bypassed. 

 

I was really wondering though if you have noticed any difference in sound quality, strictly in regards to the DAC?

 

In other words .......any audible difference between fixed output vs variable?

Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Jude2012
I have not tried the headphone amp output.  Difficult to say in absolute terms as my fixed output goes to a 282 and is fantastic.

I am certain that using the Brystons volume control would be better than the software player's.

I would check with Naim Tech support for a definitive answer (Phil Harris or Steve Hopkins) on your other query about the output quality of the V1 in fixed vs. variable mode. Feedback if you do.
Posted on: 21 October 2015 by Mortalcoil

Appreciate the input Jude. 

 

I will def offer some feedback if I learn of anything,

Posted on: 22 October 2015 by phosphocreatine

I had a DAC-V1 (before buying a NDX) and I appreciated very much its DAC capabilities (attached through the USB socket at a music PC server). I also tried the V1 as headphone preamp (I have a Grado GS1000i) but I was not impressed by the sound.

So to cut a long story short: IMHO use the V1 just as a DAC.

 

 

Posted on: 22 October 2015 by SongStream
Originally Posted by Mortalcoil:
Originally Posted by SongStream:

In your current configuration fixed output is the only option that would make sense to me.  As I understand it, the signal path does not alter between fixed and variable output modes, nothing is bypassed, so apart from having two volume controls, which you don't need, I can see no advantage in running it any other way.  To decide whether you need anything else, try plugging the headphones directly into the V1, it seems more likely that you don't need a second headphone amp.

Thanks for the reply SongStream, much appreciated.

 

The Bryston amp seems to have a better overall "synergy" with headphones like the HD-800 etc thus why I consider it a better choice vs the V1.

 

My main focus is on overall DAC output quality and I am still pondering if running between the two modes (fixed output vs variable) would make any type of audible difference.

 

I take it then SongStream based on your reply that you are of the opinion that either mode will work equally as well?  Purely as a DAC that is.

I think the key point about using fixed output mode is that the voltage is fixed at 2.1v, I think, and matches the output of other Naim sources.  However, I believe other manufacturers use higher voltages than Naim, Chord being one, and there are threads that have talked at length about where the optimal volume position is for using with Naim kit.  Based on that, and if the Bryston is optimised for a higher voltage, then maybe there is a case for using the variable output to try and match it.  Not sure if that comes with the risk of over-doing things and potentially damaging components though; it's just a thought.  For the record I've also only ever used my DAC-V1 on fixed output purely as a DAC, into both Cyrus and Naim integrated amps, and it is fabulous, particularly in to the Naim amp, but as you say, that is largely down to striking a synergy across the whole system.

 

Posted on: 22 October 2015 by Mortalcoil
Originally Posted by phosphocreatine:

I had a DAC-V1 (before buying a NDX) and I appreciated very much its DAC capabilities (attached through the USB socket at a music PC server). I also tried the V1 as headphone preamp (I have a Grado GS1000i) but I was not impressed by the sound.

So to cut a long story short: IMHO use the V1 just as a DAC.

 

 

 

Originally Posted by SongStream

I think the key point about using fixed output mode is that the voltage is fixed at 2.1v, I think, and matches the output of other Naim sources.  However, I believe other manufacturers use higher voltages than Naim, Chord being one, and there are threads that have talked at length about where the optimal volume position is for using with Naim kit.  Based on that, and if the Bryston is optimised for a higher voltage, then maybe there is a case for using the variable output to try and match it.  Not sure if that comes with the risk of over-doing things and potentially damaging components though; it's just a thought.  For the record I've also only ever used my DAC-V1 on fixed output purely as a DAC, into both Cyrus and Naim integrated amps, and it is fabulous, particularly in to the Naim amp, but as you say, that is largely down to striking a synergy across the whole system.

 

 

Very valid and well thought out responses.  Thanks for sharing Gents.