[DAC] dCS Paganini OR Debussy

waimac

New Member
Aug 7, 2016
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Hong kong
Hi,

I am a current owner of a dCS Paganini DAC with Network Bridge, I am thinking of should I go for the dCS Debussy or keep the Paganini DAC till I got the budget for either Rossini or even Vivaldi DAC (But it may be just a dream at this moment)? Any comment? Thanks.

My system is as follow:

Source: Macmini (Roon Core) + Synology NAS
DAC: dCS Paganini DAC + Network Bridge
Pre-AMP: Nagra Jazz
AMP: Nagra VPAs
Speaker: Magico S3

Thanks.
 
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jfrech

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Sep 3, 2012
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Hi,

I am a current owner of a dCS Paganini DAC with Network Bridge, I am thinking of should I go for the dCS Debussy or keep the Paganini DAC till I got the budget for either Rossini or even Vivaldi DAC (But it may be just a dream at this moment)? Any comment? Thanks.

My system is as follow:

Source: Macmini (Roon Core) + Synology NAS
DAC: dCS Paganini DAC + Network Bridge
Pre-AMP: Nagra Jazz
AMP: Nagra VPAs
Speaker: Magico S3

Thanks.

Hi, I don't think moving the the Debussy is a step ahead for you. A used Scarlatti DAC is a very very good buy - something to consider. Also you may find adding the Paganini upsampler and possibly a clock is another beneficial route. Good luck !
 

RubenV.

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Feb 23, 2015
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The Paganini (my previous dac) is better then the Debussy IMHO. I did a whole lot of comparison when I was looking for a dac upgrade(Scarlatti, EmmLabs dac2, total dac and even aries cerat), and finally settled with a lampizator golden gate.
 

Barry2013

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Oct 12, 2013
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I recently changed my Paganini dac for a Scarlatti dac and I endorse Jfrech's recommendation to go for that option to add your network bridge .
The Scarlatti dac is a big step up from a Pagannini and a far better buy than a Debussy or a Rossini.
 

waimac

New Member
Aug 7, 2016
22
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Hong kong
Thanks All. I am sure I will stay with my Paganini at this moment unless I find a decent Scarlatti or once got enough budget for the Rossini or even Vivaldi. Thanks.
 

Elberoth

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Dec 15, 2012
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Debussy, Paganini and Scarlatti DACs are identical inside. They use IDENTICAL boards.

- Paganini DAC adds a firewire interface (for the dCS transport) and a display, but looses USB.
- Scarlatti DAC adds a firewire interface (for the dCS transport), a display and a second transformer inside (which makes it sound slightly better). Also looses USB input for firewire.

Rossini and Vivaldi are completely different, new designs. Something to consider during spending your money upgrading.

(ex. Puccini and Scarlatti owner here)
 
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Elberoth

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Dec 15, 2012
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The Paganini (my previous dac) is better then the Debussy IMHO. I did a whole lot of comparison when I was looking for a dac upgrade(Scarlatti, EmmLabs dac2, total dac and even aries cerat), and finally settled with a lampizator golden gate.

Did the same. I have moved form Scarlatti via MSB and Trinity to finally settle on the Golden Gate. I'm a happy camper now.
 

debussy

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Aug 3, 2018
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Debussy is my favorite composer since I've red the book Clair de Lune by Pierre la Mure - a brilliant biography of Debussy, which I recommend to everyone. My favorite composition is Reverie, because it's the best proof, as if it was needed, that Claude Debussy was the master of creating dream-like atmospheres in his piano music. I think you cannot compare Debussy with any other composer.

 

Nascimento

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Aug 12, 2016
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After four years of delay, I still have a question!
An opportunity came up to buy a Paganini DAC set with DCS Bridge, the price is good, but is it still a good buy?
 

jfrech

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Sep 3, 2012
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After four years of delay, I still have a question!
An opportunity came up to buy a Paganini DAC set with DCS Bridge, the price is good, but is it still a good buy?

I think it depends on the price. What is the price being offered? I am wondering if a Bartok maybe better. The Paganini was excellent at the time ...the dCS bridge definitely modernizes it for file based playback...
 
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Barry2013

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Oct 12, 2013
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I think it depends on the price. What is the price being offered? I am wondering if a Bartok maybe better. The Paganini was excellent at the time ...the dCS bridge definitely modernizes it for file based playback...
I had a Paganini DAC before upgradng to the Scarlatti and it was good, though obviously the Scarlatti is a lot better, but more expensive.
Used Paganinis are not expensive and if you find a well looked after one at a good price I am sure it would be a good buy.
 

Nascimento

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Aug 12, 2016
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My idea is to abandon the CD player and just listen to Vinyl and streaming, my doubt is, is the Paganini DAC enough to play a DCS Bridge or is it already too outdated even for this function?
 

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