Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat A cheap n cheerful DAC - for now!

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advise please.

Because I was so delighted with a 502 that I recently purchased I went ahead and bought a 598 DVD player to go with it. The problem is the version of 598 is the DP which has no analogue outputs.

Eventually, when my funds are replenished again I will be in the market for a 563 or 566, but until such time I have seen a couple of cheap n cheerful DAC's on eBay.
Please could you advise me on which would do until I could afford a proper Meridian.

HI-FI Mini DAC TDA1543 DIR9001 NOS DAC with Power MKII
and
MUSE 24Bit/192Khz Digital Optical Coaxial to RCA Converter DAC Black/Silver

Many thanks.

Kind Regards,
Roy.

I haven't used either but if you plan to add a 'proper' Meridian unit later then the cheaper of the two presents the least risk option. It's also UK supplied and quicker to receive.

Just ensure you have MHR turned off on the 598 as the non-M DAC will not be able to decrypt it.

The max digital output of the 598 is 96k so will work fine. Use AUX or D1 output.

Do report back how it goes as may be useful for others with similar requirements.

I had one of the top ones quite recently. As far as I can tell all of the cheap eBay DACS are very similar; some standard DAC chip, an op-amp or two, SPDIF receiver and you're done.

My use was part of an overly complicated (and ultimately failed) attempt to integrate some headphones into my then AV setup for TV purposes. I wasn't overly bothered about the quality so I didn't do lots of evaluative testing. But I can tell you that sound came out and there was no obvious buzzing or similar.

Duncan

Hi all,

I Received my little DAC today (I ordered the cheaper second unit as suggested), and a very neat little unit it is too.

I plugged the DAC input to the D1 output of my 598 with a bog standard phono lead, and the DAC output into 'tape 1' of my 502.

I switched on and it worked first time. I don't know how to check MHR is turned off on the 598 as I only have a MSR v1. Also I don't know how to check if the digital output of the 598 is set to 96k.

All I can say for now is that I'm getting music which initially sounds pretty good, no noise crackles or buzzes. The output is a little low, normal listening level at around 70 on the 502.

�19:00 well spent I'd say.

Regards
Roy.

Hi Roy

Just to be sure here, are you calling the MSR a v1 because it is the black plastic version and not the newer silver metal one? If so, be aware that the two versions are MSR (the kind you have ) and the MSR+ (the newer silver one).

The black plastic and glass MSR which you have isn't likely to be a 1xx serial, as that dates back to 1993. If you look at the serial on the rear and it's 3xx, 4xx or 5xx, it is exactly the one you need to access the 598 functions which you describe above. If you don't have the 598 manual, you'll find it via the link at the top for Duncan's Meridian Info.

It's really straightforward to check those settings.

Cheers

George

Hi George,

Thanks for that. I'll check it out tomorrow as I'm at work right now.

Regards
Roy.

Hi,

I checked my MSR today and the serial number on the underside has been removed (not my doing). So I took out the four screws, removed the bottom cover and the large chip on the PCB has a label on it with 'MSR 1.0' printed on.

So it seems that the MSR I received with my 598 is a V1 and as I realise now to be incorrect. - Hmmmm!

Regards
Roy

Hi Roy

The serial stickers can fall off with handling, don't worry. Does the MSR have blue text and signs printed on it above some buttons? If so, it's exactly the one you need. Several M products have PCBs or chips which last the product lifetime and remain unchanged.

Have you read the manual yet to learn how to check your 598 settings?

Cheers

George

Hi, have a look over on Duncan's site, see link at the top of this page, look in the 500 Series section and then MSR. Here you will see photos that will help you to identify which version of the MSR you have.

However, more importantly is for you to get, read and understand the user guide for your 598.

Regards,
Carl