[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: external DAC won't lock on SB3
tyler_durden;172737 Wrote: > I love it when people come to realize that the engineers who designed > the thing in the first place actually knew what they were doing. > Yeah, I love that too- but does it really apply here? The Monica is offered as a DIY kit, and transformers on the S/PDIF input is a fairly standard mod. I would be curious as to the real reason it didn't work.. -- Skunk Skunk's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2685 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31915 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: external DAC won't lock on SB3
I love it when people come to realize that the engineers who designed the thing in the first place actually knew what they were doing. Much silliness is perpetrated by audio maniacs in the pursuit of "better performance". Some do things like remove Zobel networks from amplifier outputs, remove coupling caps from amplifier inputs, etc., to "improve" their equipment, only to end up with blown speakers and toasted amplifiers. TD -- tyler_durden tyler_durden's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2701 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31915 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: external DAC won't lock on SB3
Thanks for the replies guys, however I did find the cause of the problem. A while ago I used a pulse trafo instead of 2 caps for the incoming spdif signal on the external DAC thinking this was the better solution. First thing I tried today was removing the trafo and restoring the old situation with the caps. And guess what, its working now. Guess it (pulse trafo) was not such a good solution at all :P -- tingtong5 tingtong5's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9671 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31915 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: external DAC won't lock on SB3
tingtong5;172535 Wrote: > Hi all, > > Since yesterday I got myself a SB 3 :-) > Basically it works fine. When I hook it up to my (TDA1541 based) DAC it > also works fine. > > However when I hook it up to my Monica2 DAC there is no spdif lock. > > Does anybody know why this might be? > > Best regards, > > Ronald You might want to check in the players audio settings from the web interface on slimserver, to disable digtial outputs on power off. After this try and turn the SB off and on and see if it locks. If your problem was similar to mine, it probably won't. I never resolved my similar issue with my EVS DAC -- which had absolutely no problem locking to DVD/CD Players I have tried. It just couldn't lock to the SB via Coax(it had no optical). I liked the SB so much I purchased another brand DAC which has no issues.I think the tollerances on certain DAC/SB Combinations must be just slightly too far out of acceptable range for a lock. I do not know the real issues and who is at fault here. -- jt25741 SB3->AR Masters Coax -> PS Audio DLIII -> Coincident CST IC XLR -> Sim Audio P5 -> Cardas Golden Reference XLR -> Sim Audio W5 -> PS Audio Xtreme Plus(Low) AQCV4(mid/hi)-> Magnepan 3.6R jt25741's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8645 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31915 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: external DAC won't lock on SB3
The first thing I'd do is try a different cable (even if it's the same one that works with the TDA DAC) Also, does the monica have any manual selection of sample rate? -- bludragon bludragon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1530 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31915 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC with jittercontrol and bit conversion with SB2
Thx all for the comprehensive info. All my questions were fully covered and answered.Thx again. -- bowmore17 bowmore17's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2389 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23612 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC with jittercontrol and bit conversion with SB2
As I said, I'm not familiar with this DAC. I use an MF X-DAC v3 which upsamples internally. The standalone UPCI plugs into the SPDIF socket of the DAC (no cable between them) and injects a new clock onto the SPDIF clock. My UPCI is a 44.1 Khz clock - You can get others speeds (eg 96Khz for use with DVD players or whatever) The JISCO unit scrambles the incoming jitter (allegedly) making it less "problematic". I'm a firm believer in upsampling techology having used it extensively in studios. As earlier posts state, it allows the filtering to be much more gentle and further away from the top of the audible spectrum. Upsampling doesn't add information that isn't there in the first place. I don't understand the love affair with old DAC's such as the TDA1541, as they've always sounded rough and harsh and "digital" to me - but each to their own I suppose... -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23612 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC with jittercontrol and bit conversion with SB2
bowmore17 Wrote: > Thx for the info all. > > Phill, so even with wav or flac from normal CD there is a beneficial > effect to have the signal upped to 192KHz? Yes, there can be, for a technical reason. Upsampling to 192 kHz (or any rate) does not add any musical information; however, when the signal is converted to analog, there is usually filtering that takes place in the digital and analog domains. To make a long story short (and much simpler than it really is), by upsampling, these filters can be made less harmful, or even avoided altogether. Some people claim this is why upsampling is a benefit. (Others disagree of course.) In effect, it's not the upsampling, per se, that improves the sound, but the effect on the rest of the D/A system. -- ezkcdude SB3->Derek Shek TDA1543/CS8412 NOS DAC->MIT Terminator 2 interconnects->Endler Audio 24-step Attenuators (RCA-direct)->Parasound Halo A23 125W/ch amplifier->Speltz anti-cables->DIY 2-ways + Dayton Titanic 10" subwoofer He's not hi-fi, he's my stereo. ezkcdude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2545 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23612 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC with jittercontrol and bit conversion with SB2
Thx for the info all. Phill, so even with wav or flac from normal CD there is a beneficial effect to have the signal upped to 192KHz? -- bowmore17 bowmore17's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2389 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23612 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC with jittercontrol and bit conversion with SB2
There's a review of this DAC here: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0506/zero_oversampling_dac.htm -- ezkcdude SB3->Derek Shek TDA1543/CS8412 NOS DAC->MIT Terminator 2 interconnects->Endler Audio 24-step Attenuators (RCA-direct)->Parasound Halo A23 125W/ch amplifier->Speltz anti-cables->DIY 2-ways + Dayton Titanic 10" subwoofer He's not hi-fi, he's my stereo. ezkcdude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2545 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23612 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC with jittercontrol and bit conversion with SB2
Hi, I don't have any experience of this DAC but I use the standalone UPCI and JISCO units between my TACT 2.2x DAC. This setup made a big difference to my SB2 (and now SB3) in terms of removing the last traces of "digititis" (digital glare?) from my system. It was a much bigger improvement than the SB linear supply, for example. There's no going back to analogue for me now - ever. Their combined effect is what works for me - either on their own is OK but not great. I suspect that you really need to try the DAC out as its impact. The UPCI/JISCO technology is transport/DAC dependant. Phil -- Phil Leigh Phil Leigh's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=85 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23612 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC is making me grin
I migrated to the Squeezebox from a CAL CL-2500DVD player. At one point, a friend brought over a CAL Sigma (sibling to the Alpha with 1 tube instead of 2). We listened to the Sigma driven by the CL-2500DVD, by a CAL DX-1, and to each player individually. We found the Sigma to sound about the same driven by either source. The Sigma sounded better than the DX-1 alone, and not quite as good as the CL-2500DVD alone. This was the original Sigma DAC, not the Sigma II or the 24/96 version. Later on, I had a SB2 and a MSB "Nelson" Link III DAC. The MSB in non-upsampling mode sounded a little better than either the SB2 or the CL-2500DVD alone. Upsampling was slightly better than non-upsampling. A friend brought over a Musical Fidelity A3.24 DAC to compare to the MSB. For high female vocals, the A3.24 was sweet and sounded more pleasing. For everything else, including better imaging and keeping sounds distinct, the MSB was better. -- John Stimson John Stimson's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=218 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20615 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC is making me grin
I also found a wayt to improve the sound quality of my SB3. I have a Adcom CD payer which will also accept a coaxial digital input from the SB3. The difference is wonderful. -- RalphO RalphO's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3619 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20615 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
kenyonbm Wrote: > > I really like listening to overseas classical feeds. A lot of them are > 128k. Most of the 320k/mp3 feeds I have found are Shoutcast, and go > dead when they change addresses on me. > > Ken Ken, I know this is a bit off subject, but I have difficulties playing most of the classical broadcsts listed on http://classicalwebcast.com/onepage.html I get error messages regarding the file format from the SB3. Could you list some of the best quality 128 kbps links that you have found to work with the SquuezeBox - or point me in the right direction. Thanks, cvj -- cvj cvj's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2979 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=15673 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Markhh2 Wrote: > w/ a Accoustic Zen MC2 digital cable. Sounds very nice. It would sound even better with an Acoustic Zen Silver Byte digital cable. :-) The MC2 is a 110ohm cable designed for an AES/EBU digital interface, whereas the Silver Byte is 75ohms designed for use with SPDIF, which is what the SB has. The better news is that the Silver Byte is less expensive... :-) (Note: I'm an Acoustic Zen dealer) -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com PhilNYC's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=837 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=15673 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
w/ a Accoustic Zen MC2 digital cable. Sounds very nice. -- Markhh2 Markhh2's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=15673 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
SB3 -> Tact 2.0 -> Odyssey MonoBlocks -> Axioms 80 highly recommended, throwing out my CD transport out now except for some HDCD listening (which does not sound significantly better than normal CDs unfortunately). SB3 with linear supply is more musical. I use also a good NAD tuner for radio, that comes across very nicely late @ nite when the ether is clean. Highly recommened, Tact is tad more expensive (the old 2.0 ones, 2.2 is still very expensive) than a good DAC but you're getting an oversampler, a DAC, a ADC and room correction in one package. next I'll go to 2.2X and probably some B&W monitors/subs setup -- prz prz's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2826 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=15673 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I just learned about the new DAC from Channel Islands, VDA-2, replacing the VDA-1. Has anyone tried this new DAC, yet? At $600, it seems like it may be a better value than the venerable Benchmark DAC-1, which I know so many people here love. -- ezkcdude ezkcdude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2545 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=15673 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
SB2 -> Apogee Big Ben -> TacT 2.2X -> Mark Levinson DAC 30.6 The Big Ben is used to reclock the output of the SB2 prior to going to the room correction system. The SB2 has replaced my Mark Levinson Reference CD 31.0 Mark -- Mark_H ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
SB2 -> Behringer DEQ 2496 -> MHDT Labs Digital Renaissance DAC -> JVC RX-D202 -> Meadowlark Audio Kestrel 2 The DEQ provides e.q. in the digital domain to correct some of my living room's faults, resuting in a flatter fequency response at my listening position. -Dan -- dwc ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
My SB1 ("SB-Graphics"?) is connected to a battery-powered Ack! dAck! 2.0
via the Ack digital cable that came with it. This DAC supposedly needs
a good, low-jitter transport to sound its best, and I hope to upgrade
to the SB2 for this reason, but it already sounds *great* to me.
The battery requires remembering to turn it off at the end of each
listening session, and you can't listen more than, say, 10 hours max
before recharging, but it's oh-so-listenable. If you haven't bought
your DAC yet, you owe it to yourself to research the Ack! dAck! 2.0.
Note that it's biased more towards long-term listening, such that you
sink into the music as with a good turntable, than to short-term,
super-detailed, WOW-type sound like the Benchmark that over time may be
slightly fatiguing to listen to for some people.
--
JohnnyLightOn
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Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Fri, 2005-10-14 at 17:29 -0700, kenyonbm wrote: > Thanks to you, Pfarrell, for your reply. You're welcome. > When you say that the problem with Interent Radio sound is on the > streaming side, do you mean at the source or our end. Well, I meant from where your line goes out of your house to all the pieces to the source. > I have 15mbps on a fiber optic line, and don't mind using it. > I really like listening to overseas classical feeds. A lot of them are > 128k. Most of the 320k/mp3 feeds I have found are Shoutcast, and go > dead when they change addresses on me. The first thing to do is to isolate and simplify. Seems like you might have enough downlink speed :-) Problem isolation means get it working solid without the SlimServer or SqueezeBox on a single PC. Once that is perfect, then add one piece at a time. Post a shoutcast that you like and I'll try it and see if I get the same results. > I checked out you website, but it seems a little advanced for me! I am > more of a punch card and sliderule type. Then do this link http://www.pfarrell.com/misc/sliderule.html -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Thanks to you, Pfarrell, for your reply. When you say that the problem with Interent Radio sound is on the streaming side, do you mean at the source or our end. I have 15mbps on a fiber optic line, and don't mind using it. I really like listening to overseas classical feeds. A lot of them are 128k. Most of the 320k/mp3 feeds I have found are Shoutcast, and go dead when they change addresses on me. I checked out you website, but it seems a little advanced for me! I am more of a punch card and sliderule type. Thanks again, Ken -- kenyonbm ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Fri, 2005-10-14 at 15:27 -0700, kenyonbm wrote: > Thank you for clearing that up, PhilNYC. > > Several of the file formats are listed as (built in), AIFF, FLAC, MP3, > WAV and Windows Media. I take it that those formats are transmitted by > SlimServer natively. In the FAQ on your slimserver it should say: Does Squeezebox2 support AIFF or WAV? Yes, Squeezebox2 support playback of AIFF and WAV files in their native digital PCM format. Does Squeezebox2 support FLAC? Yes, Squeezebox2 includes built-in support for FLAC audio in firmware. > I got the SqueeseBox2 to implement Internet Radio, which I have decided > is not quite HI-FI enough for my main system. I am now using it on a > second system via the analog out, and I find that a 128k MP3 > connection sounds at least as good as my (rather poor) FM reception. That is usually more of a problem on the streaming side. Unless you are a hardcore audiophile, and then external DACs are the way to happyness. > Is there a way to play a CD without first loading it to a hard drive? No. Some folks have setup their computers to automatically rip tunes and convert them when the CD is placed in the computer drive. But the step is essential. -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Thank you for clearing that up, PhilNYC. Several of the file formats are listed as (built in), AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV and Windows Media. I take it that those formats are transmitted by SlimServer natively. Do you know what happens when more than one "Stream Format Decoder" is checked for a given "File Type", as they are by default? I got the SqueeseBox2 to implement Internet Radio, which I have decided is not quite HI-FI enough for my main system. I am now using it on a second system via the analog out, and I find that a 128k MP3 connection sounds at least as good as my (rather poor) FM reception. Is there a way to play a CD without first loading it to a hard drive? Ken -- kenyonbm ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
kenyonbm Wrote: > > In the Help section of slimsever, under Remote Streaming it is stated > that "The SlimServer was designed to stream mp3 files to a Squeezebox > Network Music Player," and under Sever Settings / File Types that " > SlimServer can convert audio file formats on-the-fly for playback on > your player." > > Does Slimserver convert, say, a WAV file to a MP3, or does it send the > WAV file directly? > > Ken In that "File Types" section, you can select what kind of file type you want to send. I believe the options are WAV, FLAC, and MP3 (these are the file types that the SB can decode natively). If you don't want it to send it in MP3 format, unselect the WAV-->MP3 option. FWIW, I store my music using Apple Lossless and use File Types to convert it to FLAC when sending to the SB2. Have found this to be pretty much identical sonically to sending WAV files directly... -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I have my Squeezebox2 connected through a Mark Levinson 39 CDP, which has both RCA and Toslink aux. inputs and a variable analog output. I use no preamp. I tried both digital outputs and had no problem with either. Sorry if this is off topic, but could someone clear something up for me? In the Help section of slimsever, under Remote Streaming it is stated that "The SlimServer was designed to stream mp3 files to a Squeezebox Network Music Player," and under Sever Settings / File Types that " SlimServer can convert audio file formats on-the-fly for playback on your player." Does Slimserver convert, say, a WAV file to a MP3, or does it send the WAV file directly? Ken -- kenyonbm ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I have 4 SBs , 3 of which are used with external DACs:- SB2->Meridian 568.2 (Living Room) SB2->Meridian 566.20 (Office) SB1->Meridian D600 (Dining Room) SB1->No DAC (Kitchen) I'm a bit of a fan of Meridian DACs having tried a few others including a NOS DAC. Just about to play around with the PSU's on one of the SB2's to see if I can make it even better Mr Perceptive -- Mr Perceptive ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
dogberry Wrote: > I've paired my SB2 with a Channel Islands DAC and I think it sounds > amazing. The SB2 by itself sounded pretty fair, but with the external > DAC it's killer. > > Anyone else using an external DAC? I've got my Squeezebox connected via optical to a Wadia 301 with digital volumen control to a BAT VK60 tube amp and am sometimes amazed at the level of quality from some of the 128K streams. Bob www.hificlassifieds.com -- hifiresource ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
2005-10-04-22:57:26 Pat Farrell: > What about just adding a tube preamp stage out of the SB2? Yeah, if Sean doesn't manage to implement tube-ness in software :-), it'd be interesting to see what one of the modified post-DAC-opamp-removed SB2s feeding one of these http://www.musicalfidelity.com/mf/en/Products/SmallX/SX10V3 would sound like. Pretty swell, I betcha. Better? Who knows. ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
pfarrell Wrote: > > Would software make the proper glow? > More importantly, can you spend a ton of money on NOS software? :-) -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
... and put a bloody great transformer on the top. -- Patrick Dixon www.at-view.co.uk ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Tue, 2005-10-04 at 22:02 -0700, seanadams wrote: > pfarrell Wrote: > I talked to a company years ago that specializes in modeling tube sound > in software, letting you apply it during editing with a PC / sound card. > Unfortunately I can't remember who it was... I think a lot of work has > already been done on this, which we might be able to plug in to > slimserver. Well, if you remember, or stumble accross it, let us or at least me, know. Might be fun to hack some DSP code. Once we get it into a plugin for the server, then we need to figure out how to download a patched firmware when desired. Of course, we'll also have to change the green display to orange. -- Pat Farrell http://www.pfarrell.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
pfarrell Wrote: > > Would software make the proper glow? > the HACF instruction? > > > I know that there are models of tube amps. > > I talked to a company years ago that specializes in modeling tube sound in software, letting you apply it during editing with a PC / sound card. Unfortunately I can't remember who it was... I think a lot of work has already been done on this, which we might be able to plug in to slimserver. -- seanadams ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Tue, 2005-10-04 at 21:16 -0700, seanadams wrote: > pfarrell Wrote: > > What about just adding a tube preamp stage out of the SB2? > How about doing it in software? Would software make the proper glow? Of course, there is a lot of voodoo and wacko stuff about tubes and tube sound. Not only in audiophile stuff, but also in low-end recording gear. A fair number of companies have solid state mic preamps or EQs or compressors with a single 12AX7 in it, and claim "tube warmth" as a result. Many of these are phantom powered, which is DC @ 48V max, and I don't know how you can properly power tubes with that little power. Most real tube gear uses 400 or 500V supplies, because tubes are great voltage amplifiers, but not so hot at current. So you modulate the voltage and then use transformers to convert high voltage at low current to low voltage at high current driving. I know that there are models of tube amps. For example, I have a Line6 guitar preamp/modeler, and it does a pretty decent job of emulating the sound of a Marshall 50 watt system or an old Fender Bandmaster. But I have no idea what makes it sound that way. I expect they have a clipping model that adds second and fourth order harmonics. I'd love to know more. -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
pfarrell Wrote: > > > What about just adding a tube preamp stage out of the SB2? > > How about doing it in software? -- seanadams ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Tue, 2005-10-04 at 18:30 -0700, GreenMan wrote: > I took home a Sonic Frontiers SFD-1 MKII over the weekend and I swear I > couldn't hear any difference between it and the SB2's native dac. This > disappoints me. Either my ears aren't golden enough, there's a severe > weakness in my system, or a 1997 $2500 tube dac sounds the same as a > 2005 solid state one. Aaaargh! Other than the tubes, isn't that to be expected? All the DACs are just integrated circuits, so they are at least subject to Moore's law. The DAC in an SB2 is current and a solid design. You are talking about 8 years, which is at least 4 generations of chips, and perhaps as many as 5 & 1/3 (if you use the 18 month cycle for Moore's law). Four generations is 16 times faster or cheaper. 5 1/3 is 40 times. When you have 40 times, you can have 8 times cooler and 5 times cheaper. What about just adding a tube preamp stage out of the SB2? -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Mike Hanson Wrote: > I actually like Blue Circle quite a bit, and I would strongly consider > it, if I was in the market again. I've not heard the Bel Canto, so > I'll keep an eye out for it. > > -=> Mike Hanson <=- I took home a Sonic Frontiers SFD-1 MKII over the weekend and I swear I couldn't hear any difference between it and the SB2's native dac. This disappoints me. Either my ears aren't golden enough, there's a severe weakness in my system, or a 1997 $2500 tube dac sounds the same as a 2005 solid state one. Aaaargh! I'm leaning toward the Scott Nixon. My room is fairly 'live' already with wood floors, glass and wood coffee tables, leather furniture, and some large ceiling-to-floor windows. So I think a tube dac makes sense IF it can be counted on to warm up the sound a little. Again, I'm the Krell guy and the Krell and Thiels don't bother me in this environment, but a Benchmark Dac1 may be overdoing it a bit. -- GreenMan ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
PhilNYC Wrote: > I use Blue Circle hybrid gear driving Focus Audio speakers. Yes, not > quite as fast as your Naim setup (I've never thought Naim to be edgy), > and hardly a system that would be considered analytical. > > And yes, I have tried the Benchmark in my system. My reference DAC is > the Dodson DA-218, and I also have a Resolution Audio Opus 21 cd > player. Relative to both of these, the Benchmark left me cold (as did > the Scott Nixon for completely different reasons). I still feel that > the Bel Canto DAC2 is a better alternative in systems that might be > fast and analytical (eg. Krell/Thiel). > > FWIW, I have a friend who owns a Naim/Neat Acoustics system who felt > that the Bel Canto was a better match in his system than the Benchmark, > so yes, it is very much a personal taste thing... I actually like Blue Circle quite a bit, and I would strongly consider it, if I was in the market again. I've not heard the Bel Canto, so I'll keep an eye out for it. -=> Mike Hanson <=- -- Mike Hanson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
mac Wrote: > Now that's a novel idea. And who do I have to thank for the idea? hehe... -- joshk ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Mike Hanson Wrote: > There's a good chance that my system is faster than yours. It's > a Naim 52 with Super-Cap power supply, two NAP135 power amps, and Royd > RR3 speakers. About six years ago, during my massive speaker hunt, I > listened to every speaker that I could. The Thiels that I heard (which > I think included the CS2.0) weren't anywhere near as quick as Royd's > offerings. As for Krell, what can I say? Krell amps usually have lots > of power, yet tend to sound pretty cold and lifeless. > > [deleted] > > Ultimately, you'll never know for sure until you try it in your own > system. Everyone has different expectations, and system + stand + room > variations will cause everyone's setup to sound different. For example, > the coldness of your Krell may make the Benchmark unlistenable (to you). > Do your best to try each of the options, or you'll be second-guessing > yourself forever. > > -=> Mike Hanson <=- FWIW, my system is not the Krell/Thiel...that was from the original poster. I use Blue Circle hybrid gear driving Focus Audio speakers. Yes, not quite as fast as your Naim setup (I've never thought Naim to be edgy), and hardly a system that would be considered analytical. And yes, I have tried the Benchmark in my system. My reference DAC is the Dodson DA-218, and I also have a Resolution Audio Opus 21 cd player. Relative to both of these, the Benchmark left me cold (as did the Scott Nixon for completely different reasons). I still feel that the Bel Canto DAC2 is a better alternative in systems that might be fast and analytical (eg. Krell/Thiel). FWIW, I have a friend who owns a Naim/Neat Acoustics system who felt that the Bel Canto was a better match in his system than the Benchmark, so yes, it is very much a personal taste thing... -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Thu, 2005-09-29 at 19:07 -0700, GreenMan wrote: > I ran into the same issue with the local Benchmark vendor, though I've > heard that Benchmark might allow a demo on a company-direct purchase. Mercenary has a money back guarentee. http://www.mercenary.com/ They don't demo, but you can buy something and send it back. They of course, want you to buy something else from them. They have many different DACs, but they start at about $900 for stereo. You have to trust your ears, but I don't hold a lot of confidence in DACs that are priced about the same as the SB2 being a lot better. Sean has put a lot of good engineering into the SB2. Keep looking for a better vendor. Or depending on where you are, you might find someone who has what you want and you can audition it privately. -- Pat Farrell http://www.pfarrell.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Mike Hanson Wrote: > > Ultimately, you'll never know for sure until you try it in your own > system. Everyone has different expectations, and system + stand + room > variations will cause everyone's setup to sound different. For example, > the coldness of your Krell may make the Benchmark unlistenable (to you). > Do your best to try each of the options, or you'll be second-guessing > yourself forever. > > -=> Mike Hanson <=- Well, Scott Nixon apparently doesn't demo his models. He told me so in a reply email. I understand his situation. He's a small shop, and borrowed models tend to just go missing. It's an unfortunate reality for a small business owner I suppose. I ran into the same issue with the local Benchmark vendor, though I've heard that Benchmark might allow a demo on a company-direct purchase. That may be my only hope. The Dac-ah intruiges me. I've shelled out for audio this year and I'd like to economize on the next purchase. There's a big diff between $170 and $970. Eight-hundred dollars worth, to be precise ;-) -- GreenMan ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
PhilNYC Wrote: > Mike...what does the rest of your system look like? When I tried the > Benchmark in my reference system, which is very transparent and fast, I > found it to be very edgy and analytical; but when I tried it in a system > that was more lush, I found the Benchmark to be a far better fit... There's a good chance that my system is faster than yours. It's a Naim 52 with Super-Cap power supply, two NAP135 power amps, and Royd RR3 speakers. About six years ago, during my massive speaker hunt, I listened to every speaker that I could. The Thiels that I heard (which I think included the CS2.0) weren't anywhere near as quick as Royd's offerings. As for Krell, what can I say? Krell amps usually have lots of power, yet tend to sound pretty cold and lifeless. But hey, that's just my opinion! In general, people in the Naim world tend to accuse everyone else's systems of being slow, while everyone else accuses the Naim of being agressive and edgy. Therefore, if the Benchmark could sound "edgy", then it should sound that way in my system. As for "analytical", it's certainly very detailed, but definitely not in a bad way. If you prefer it a bit warmer and can live without the extra detail, then a Scott Nixon DAC has a nicely balanced persona. Ultimately, you'll never know for sure until you try it in your own system. Everyone has different expectations, and system + stand + room variations will cause everyone's setup to sound different. For example, the coldness of your Krell may make the Benchmark unlistenable (to you). Do your best to try each of the options, or you'll be second-guessing yourself forever. -=> Mike Hanson <=- -- Mike Hanson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Mike...what does the rest of your system look like? When I tried the Benchmark in my reference system, which is very transparent and fast, I found it to be very edgy and analytical; but when I tried it in a system that was more lush, I found the Benchmark to be a far better fit... -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
GreenMan Wrote: > I've narrowed my selection to the following in no particular order: > > 1. Dac-ah from Poth Audio. > 2. Scott Nixon TubeDAC+ (I like the look of the mod w/blue backlighting > on the tube. > 3. Benchmark DAC1. > > These are different technologies in different price groups, though all > are under $1000. I like the reviews of the Benchmark, but I also wonder > if that's the right choice for my system which is already pretty > revealing. > > ... > > The dac-ah looks attractive in price, but I don't know how well the > stock capacitors hold up in the system. The Benchmark may be too > glaring in my system, but then again, with the Krell and the Thiels and > the SB2 feeding the Benchmark, that would be real transparency all the > way back to the music source. I've got the Benchmark DAC1 and the Scott Nixon Chibi Saru (with a much better power supply). The Benchmark is significantly better, and is certainly not "glaring" in any way. If anything, it is a bit too "polite" (compared to my old Naim CDS2, which was noticeable more involving). Although the Chibi Saru may not be quite as good as the TubeDAC, I would expect it's basic performance to be similar, so I would still suggest the Benchmark over it. I should mention, though, that the Scott Nixon doesn't sound "bad". It just hides a lot of detail. The curious thing is that it's really quite any enjoyable listen, and it doesn't seem like your missing anything, until you do a direct comparison to the Benchmark. Sorry, but I've not tried the Dac-ah. -=> Mike Hanson <=- -- Mike Hanson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
GreenMan Wrote: > The Benchmark may be too glaring in my system, but then again, with the > Krell and the Thiels and the SB2 feeding the Benchmark, that would be > real transparency all the way back to the music source. > > Any thoughts/opinions? I've demoed the Benchmark in a number of systems, and I think you are right that it may be a bit too glaring given the rest of your gear. IMHO, it works best in a tube-based system. If you can stretch another $200, you should definitely consider the Bel Canto DAC2; IMHO, it would be great in your system... -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
On Sat, 2005-09-24 at 14:46 -0700, GreenMan wrote: > 1. Dac-ah from Poth Audio. > 2. Scott Nixon TubeDAC+ (I like the look of the mod w/blue backlighting > on the tube. > 3. Benchmark DAC1. > Any thoughts/opinions? Buy it from someone who will let you return it if you don't like it. These things are personal choices. I bought my Benchmark from MercenaryAudio and I love it. -- Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
GreenMan Wrote: > I'm considering the Benchmark DAC-1. Why do you prefer the Audio Mirror > D1? As an owner of the D1, have you ever heard about the DAC-Ah > available from Poth Audio? It's supposedly essentially the same dac, > but at a much smaller price. I'd like to know if anyone has done an A/B > on the Audio Mirror and the DAC-Ah. I've narrowed my selection to the following in no particular order: 1. Dac-ah from Poth Audio. 2. Scott Nixon TubeDAC+ (I like the look of the mod w/blue backlighting on the tube. 3. Benchmark DAC1. These are different technologies in different price groups, though all are under $1000. I like the reviews of the Benchmark, but I also wonder if that's the right choice for my system which is already pretty revealing. My system is: Krell KAV-300i Thiel CS2.0 Apherion 8" sub Squeezebox2 (of course) The dac-ah looks attractive in price, but I don't know how well the stock capacitors hold up in the system. The Benchmark may be too glaring in my system, but then again, with the Krell and the Thiels and the SB2 feeding the Benchmark, that would be real transparency all the way back to the music source. Any thoughts/opinions? -- GreenMan ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
joshk Wrote: > I use the SB2 with a DEQX. Not quite a DAC per se, but it does have > many DACs inside.Now that's a novel idea. -- mac ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Thought I'd add my 2c to this discussion. Had a chance to try a Cyrus Dax-X, and found it to work very well.I couldn't distinguish between the squeezebox, and a NAD C541 as the source. This has to be at least partially due to the Cyrus's clock recovery (I beleive it uses a sample rate converter). Listened through some B&W dm601s2's and an MF X-A2. Haven't bought the dac-x though (yet), as its damn pricey (£1150), and it didn't get on so well with my dvd, or freeview. -- bludragon ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I am using my squeezebox with a Musical Fidelity Trivista 21 DAC through A Musical Fidelity A308 amp and Dynaudio Special 25 speakers. My first few sessions were disappointing, as I found that the sound was veiled compared to the sound using CD and my Arcam CD72 through a Chord signature digital cable. However when I switched from optical output from the Squeezebox2 to coaxial output using the same Chord Signature cable, I now find the difference between Squeezebox and CD/Arcam hard to differentiate. I need a few more sessions and a few different recordings to confirm that I cannot differentiate. So far I am very happy with my Squeezebox2. Jeff -- bimboy ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I use the SB2 with a DEQX. Not quite a DAC per se, but it does have many DACs inside. -- joshk ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
DACs are a very personal thing what sounds good to one person turns another person off entirely. I have not heard a DAC that I like better than the Classe DAC1. They retailed for $4,000 and were worth that price new. They can be had for as little as $800 now. A used Classe DAC1 is a steal at $800 in my opinion. -- usualsuspects ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
The SB2 analogue outs are a definite improvement over the SB1's and and after upgrading I thought I could probably dump my Perpetual Technologies P3-A Dac, PA-1 upsampler and Monolithic psu. However, I'm glad I waited a while because it has become obvious (with familiarity) that the PT gives me a cleaner, sharper and (much?) more detailed sound than the SB2 Dac. On balance though I prefer the sound of my Naim CDX over both as it somehow just seems to make things sounds more likeable. (attractive?). It's hard to put my finger on what the Naim does... it's just more listenable and warm somehow (but perhaps not as detailed/intense as the PT?). I use a Iomega Psu with my Squeezebox, but should probably try the linear one mentioned elsewhere on this forum as it's so cheap. MC -- ModelCitizen ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
When I said "heard," I meant that in a different way, e.g., I heard that the movie was good... Quite frankly the entire matter doesn't concern me - the Audio Mirror DAC sounds good in my ears, the price was right, and that's the bottom line. I feel bad for it's creator, Vlad... You should try and find audiophiles in your area and attempt to demo various NOS DACs for starters. If you like the sound, perhaps go further... If you like conventional DACs, there's a ton of them out there. I did not have a chance to audition an Audio Mirror DAC before I bought it - I purchased it on a hunch. To my surprise, the hunch was a good one... (: Cheers, Dennis GreenMan Wrote: > Yeah, I could understand the Audio Mirror guys being unhappy if what > I've read elsewhere is true, namely that the technology was copied > after a DAC was shipped to China. > > Since you've heard both, how do they compare sonically? Do they sound > comparable, or even the same, to one another? I've heard neither. -- WK446 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
WK446 Wrote: > GreenMan: > > I am guessing that you are known as "Im_all_ears" on Audiogon. > > Yes I have heard of the DAC-Ah. It is sold by a company in Hong Kong > called DIYclub. It is the same version as that being sold by Poth > Audio. The Audio Mirror DAC has a few internal and cosmetic changes. > There is an entire thread on this mystery on Audiogon - the thread was > removed from Audiogon after complaints by the creator of the Audio > Mirror DAC. > > Audio is entirely based on subjective and internal preferences. I > suppose once you get a chance to listen to a number of DACs, you start > to identify pleasing sonic characteristics. It's like the tubes vs. > solid-state debate. > > Cheers, > Dennis Yeah, I could understand the Audio Mirror guys being unhappy if what I've read elsewhere is true, namely that the technology was copied after a DAC was shipped to China. Since you've heard both, how do they compare sonically? Do they sound comparable, or even the same, to one another? I've heard neither. -- GreenMan ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
GreenMan: I am guessing that you are known as "Im_all_ears" on Audiogon. Yes I have heard of the DAC-Ah. It is sold by a company in Hong Kong called DIYclub. It is the same version as that being sold by Poth Audio. The Audio Mirror DAC has a few internal and cosmetic changes. There is an entire thread on this mystery on Audiogon - the thread was removed from Audiogon after complaints by the creator of the Audio Mirror DAC. Audio is entirely based on subjective and internal preferences. I suppose once you get a chance to listen to a number of DACs, you start to identify pleasing sonic characteristics. It's like the tubes vs. solid-state debate. Cheers, Dennis GreenMan Wrote: > I'm considering the Benchmark DAC-1. Why do you prefer the Audio Mirror > D1? As an owner of the D1, have you ever heard about the DAC-Ah > available from Poth Audio? It's supposedly essentially the same dac, > but at a much smaller price. I'd like to know if anyone has done an A/B > on the Audio Mirror and the DAC-Ah. -- WK446 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
WK446 Wrote: > I run the SB2 to a Monarchy Audio DIP Classic to an Audio Mirror D1 NOS > DAC, all via digital coax. I also own a Benchmark DAC-1, but I prefer > the sound of the non-oversampling DAC. > > I have also used (and owned) the following DACs with my setup as well: > - Museatex Melior Bitstream > - Channel Islands VDA-1 combo I'm considering the Benchmark DAC-1. Why do you prefer the Audio Mirror D1? As an owner of the D1, have you ever heard about the DAC-Ah available from Poth Audio? It's supposedly essentially the same dac, but at a much smaller price. I'd like to know if anyone has done an A/B on the Audio Mirror and the DAC-Ah. -- GreenMan ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I use an MSB Nelson Link III. A friend and I did some semi-sighted listening tests and found: Musical Fidelity A3.24 > SB2 analog out Musical Fidelity (24/96) = Musical Fidelity (24/192) MSB (44.1kSps/16bit) > SB2 analog out MSB (24/96 upsampling) > MSB (44/16) MSB (24/96) > Musical Fidelity A3.24 I am currently running the MSB in the 132kSps 24 bit upsampling mode. Unfortunately switching between 96 and 132 kSps requires opening the case and pulling a jumper, so we were unable to compare the two. -- John Stimson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I use a Scott Nixon Chibi Saru NOS DAC with 3Xdc power supply. I did briefly toy with idea of running a Chord DAC64 or Reimyo but that would have been overkill ;) -- Tom Alves ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
i currently use an audio synthesis dax decade, however i've also tried an audio synthesis dax-2 (with npc and pacific microsonics filters - prefered the npc) and a derek shek nos dac which was fantastic in it's own right never mind for a hundred quid. -- julian2002 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I run the SB2 to a Monarchy Audio DIP Classic to an Audio Mirror D1 NOS DAC, all via digital coax. I also own a Benchmark DAC-1, but I prefer the sound of the non-oversampling DAC. -- WK446 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
I use a Musical Fidelity A324 with the SB2. I've convinced myself that there is marginally more definition with the A324 vs. the SB2 analog output but the difference is so slight I may just be imagining it... -- mikerob ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
dogberry Wrote: > I've paired my SB2 with a Channel Islands DAC and I think it sounds > amazing. The SB2 by itself sounded pretty fair, but with the external > DAC it's killer. > > Anyone else using an external DAC? I use a Musical Fidelity XDAC-3, the sound stage opens up more than using the standard analogue outputs, but the difference isn't huge. Paul -- CardinalFang ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
dogberry wrote: I've paired my SB2 with a Channel Islands DAC and I think it sounds amazing. The SB2 by itself sounded pretty fair, but with the external DAC it's killer. Anyone else using an external DAC? I used a modified Art DI/O with my SB1. I've not done extensive testing but initial listening suggests that the SB2 analogue out is much better than the SB1 and the difference between SB2 and SB2->Art DI/O is minimal. There's definitely a difference, but I've not spent enough time to evalute which I prefer, if any. R. -- http://robinbowes.com If a man speaks in a forest, and his wife's not there, is he still wrong? ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Quite a few here use external DACs. The Benchmark DAC-1 is a popular choice and seems to mate well with the SB. Myself, I use an MSB LinkDAC III. -- Aylwin ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
dogberry Wrote: > I've paired my SB2 with a Channel Islands DAC and I think it sounds > amazing. The SB2 by itself sounded pretty fair, but with the external > DAC it's killer. > > Anyone else using an external DAC? I'm also using the Channel Islands VDA-1 DAC and VAC-1 power supply. -- JJZolx Jim ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
