SBT into Nait5i-2?

Posted by: Hal on 22 October 2013

Upfront apologies for my possible ignorance. But search engine did not provide a good answer.

 

I plan to use my idling SBT as an internet radio tuner into my Nait5i-2 via Musical Fidelity M1 DAC. I will try to get a proper RCA to DIN interconnect between the DAC and the integrated, using amp's tuner input (?)

 

But before doing that I have firstly wanted to ask if this would be OK as I am not sure of sensitivity of tuner input, hence the compatibility of such a set up. Also people mostly talk about undesirable hum/din that SBT introduces into system. If this has got something to do with below par earthing of digital player, I am a witness that M1 DAC has a pretty corrective attitude in that regard. Since I am not interested in streaming or comp audio at all, getting a UQ2 only for internet radio would be an expensive option that is simply purpose defeating.

 

I am looking forward to your suggestions.

 

Thanks for your time. 

Posted on: 23 October 2013 by pt109

If you already have it, just try it with regular interconnects. Don't worry about the input sensitivity.

Not your exact setup, but I used a straight SBT with a Nait XS for a while...

Posted on: 23 October 2013 by Bertie Norman

I've used my SBT into my Nait3 either through a dacmagic or direct with a chord phone to din - works great. Don't forget you can use the SBT volume control to reduce the input level if necessary.

 

I've never had problems with hum with the SBT even  in my 82/250/SBL system - either when used direct or via the nDAC

Posted on: 26 October 2013 by Brian Dodson

Would anyone care to comment on how much the DacMagic or Musical Fidelity DAC improves sound quality over the SBT analog output?  I'm particularly interested in how much a lower cost DAC (DacMagic) would be an improvement.

 

I currently use a SBT into Linn Unidisk-SC digital input.  I'm thinking of getting into a proper streaming solution and moving the SBT to the office.

 

Thanks and apologies if this is too far off-topic.

 

bmdduck

Posted on: 26 October 2013 by m0omo0

Brian,

 

I'm using a DacMagic (previous version, not the Plus) with my SBT and to my ears it is an enjoyable improvement over SBT analog out into a Nait 2 using a RCA-DIN Chord Cobra 3 cable. The latter was all blurred to my ears, where the former gives a lot more clarity and details while retaining the boogieying fun of the Nait 2.

 

This said, I'm using separate linear power supplies for the SBT and the DacMagic, a PowerLine on the shared power bar and the Toolbox 3.0 software tunings on the SBT. All are improvements to my ears. I'm also using the Steep filter on the DacMagic. It gives less details than the Linear setting, but to me it's more fun like this.

 

A lot of variables as you can see, but adding an external DAC gave the largest improvement of all. Plus, the SBT digital out is reputed to be very good.

 

HTH

Maurice

Posted on: 26 October 2013 by Brian Dodson
Originally Posted by m0omo0:

Brian,

 

I'm using a DacMagic (previous version, not the Plus) with my SBT and to my ears it is an enjoyable improvement over SBT analog out into a Nait 2 using a RCA-DIN Chord Cobra 3 cable. The latter was all blurred to my ears, where the former gives a lot more clarity and details while retaining the boogieying fun of the Nait 2.

 

This said, I'm using separate linear power supplies for the SBT and the DacMagic, a PowerLine on the shared power bar and the Toolbox 3.0 software tunings on the SBT. All are improvements to my ears. I'm also using the Steep filter on the DacMagic. It gives less details than the Linear setting, but to me it's more fun like this.

 

A lot of variables as you can see, but adding an external DAC gave the largest improvement of all. Plus, the SBT digital out is reputed to be very good.

 

HTH

Maurice

Maurice

 

Thanks for your observations.  If I move the SBT to the office then I will try adding a DAC like the DacMagic.  Sounds like a big improvement for the price. 

Posted on: 27 October 2013 by zincalloy62

Hi - I'd also recommend the Beresford Bushmaster DAC.  I had one for a while, driven by the SBT, and I thought it was incredible VFM.  There's a Mark II version out, which is meant to be even better, but I've not heard it.  Seem to recall that Stan Beresford offers the ability for you to return it, if you don't like it.  

Posted on: 27 October 2013 by Hal

Thanks to all who chimed in so far. I'll try this set up (SBT>M1 Dac>Nait5i-2) in the end of this week when I have a suitable interconnect.