DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Latest Topics

SONY A95L OLED /Bravia 9 Mini-LED: Internal Speakers for Center Channel?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:58:43 +0000

In case placement and/or other issues arise for adding a good center channel speaker, I thought about using the internal speakers of one these two TVs to build a 3.3 system.

https://electronics.sony.com/tv-video/televisions/all-tvs/p/xr65a95l

https://electronics.sony.com/tv-video/televisions/all-tvs/p/k65xr90

Apologies for Sony's asinine manner of displaying detailed specs, when the rest of the civilized world does it with pdfs.

And leave it to Sony to only include a single digital audio output-the far less common optical outputs, and with only 16 bit depth at that. Unlike the Okto DAC Stereo 8, the DAC Pro 8includes no native optical input-nor does the Merging Hapi DAC card, and adding that connectivity is absurdly expensive. https://www.markertek.com/product/m...dm-multimode-option-card-for-horus-hapi-mk-ii

However, might JRiver or some other MCH software interface be able to feed center channel info to the TV's "S Center Channel input" from the Okto DAC 8 Pro or Merging Hapi? Presumably, it's an analog input, but even though my Pioneer BD player and my HDPC will connect to the TV via HDMI for playing DVDs and BDs, as required here https://helpguide.sony.net/ha/strtaan10/v1/en/contents/TP1000735399.html , how likely will I be able to create a 3.3 system using the TV as a center speaker?

T+A DAC 200

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:46:29 +0000

Hi All,

I am opening this forum of discussion to focus on the new DAC 200. I've been looking at the DAC 8 thread and thought it might be better for the DAC 200 to have its own thread. It looks great and the specs align to what I want. I am excited to hear it once it hits stores.

https://www.ta-hifi.de/en/audiosystems/series-200/dac-200-d-a-converter/

Which DACs bypass digital filtering?

Sat, 27 May 2017 09:29:23 +0000

I have been unsuccessfully searching for a list of high-performance* commercial DACs that allow user to bypass digital filtering (NOS), leaving that task to a software music player such as HQ Player.

It would be interesting if we could compile such a list in this thread.

* - no TDA1543-based DACs please, only equipment that can take 24bit and sampling rates above 176.4/192kHz.

Computer-based Streaming with Ayre QX-5

Sun, 21 Jan 2018 01:29:25 +0000

A friend of mine is purchasing an Ayre QX-5 and will initially be using it with his transport. He would like to get into computer audio at some point. What is the preferred, albeit simplest, way to use the QX-5 to play music that he has on his NAS? Should he just use the mconnect app? That's what the dealer suggested trying. I know Synology also has a streaming player which can be used. He isn't that computer savvy so I'd like to set something up for him that he can easily use.

Allo USBridge Signature, is it possible to connect a CD transport in and obtain USB out

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 20:04:32 +0000

I am using a USB Dac and streaming with Ropiee, but I wondered if I could also play my CDs using a transport or CD player with digital out somehow into the Allo USBridge and into my USB Dac?

Lynghdorf TDAI-3400-- external DAC/DAC-streamer ?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 02:46:06 +0000

I am looking for an upgrade path for my Lyngdorf TDAI-3400. Overall I am very pleased with the resolution and detail it is providing. I am using it to integrate ATC SCM19s and 2 SVS SB2000 subwoofers. I have closely followed all of the instructions for setting up Room Prefect (on board room correction) and fine tuned delay and crossover points for the main and subs. I use the system for streaming Tidal and I am feeding the 3400 as follows:

Spectrum router> TP link Fiber Converter> Etherregen> Lyngdorf 3400

I am using a Mutec Nano to Clock the Etherregen. I feel like there is a bit lacking for soundstage depth. My primary concerns that there is just something organic missing. This was one of my main concerns going with the Lyngdorf. My last integrated was a Luxman 590 Class A integrated. I am not getting the emotional connection that I have had with some other equipment in the past. Technically the sound is amazing but there just seems to be a bit of magic missing. There is no lack of clarity, resolution or detail.

A few of the Lyngdorf owners have added an external DAC and report good success. The are a lot on nay sayers that do not think adding at external DAC and going analog into a digital integrated amp makes sense but there are a few reports otherwise. I don’t know if it is possible, but maybe certain type of DAC may bring some magic synergy.

There are 2 paths I am considering and would be open to any suggestions:

Keep the current system in place and add a Linear power supply for the Ethergen and Mutec Nano. I am trying to wait for Alex to release the upcoming JS4 from Uptone as it has 2 isolated outputs with adjustable voltage which will not break the moat on the Etherregen
Add an external DAC or DAC/steamer.

For option 2 I am looking at the Gustard R26. It has a world clock input so I can utilize the Mutec Nano. The only downside is that it is a Roon endpoint and I know nothing about Roon. Hifi Rose has a really nice DAC/Streamer with a world clock input but it is over 5K. Would like to keep the budget around 2 or 3K.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

New review of the iFi ZEN DAC V3

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:45:10 +0000

You may read the full review here posted in this thread, but if you wish to see the full review with test graphs and interpretation, you can see it at https://www.euphonicreview.com/reviews.html

When the sun dips below the horizon and the world quiets down, true audio aficionados know it’s the perfect time to indulge in their favorite tunes. Enter the iFi ZEN DAC V3, my nocturnal companion in this auditory adventure. In this review, we'll explore whether this sleek little device lives up to its promise of delivering high-fidelity sound that could make even a bat envious of its precision. Join me as I dissect the ZEN DAC V3’s performance, unravel its quirks, and see if it truly enhances those cherished nighttime listening sessions.

One of my very favorite easy entries into to the high fidelity head-fi world is the iFi ZEN DAC V2. It has a more than capable DAC with a unique architecture that lends to its beguiling good sound at its low price. The built-in headphone amp is also of good quality, with an impedance and gain matching function called 'Power Match' that widens the range of headphones it can drive well. Even some typically harder to drive, high impedance headphones will respond decently well.

The ZEN V3 is more of the same, but better. The DAC section is the same as before, and measurements show there is not much of a new story to tell here, although subjective experience says there is just a bit more refinement to the sound. What is truly an upgrade here is the headphone amp. Just as with the previous V2 version, the Power Match feature does this piece of kit a great service, as it does the ear a great service. I found no difficulty driving higher impedance headphones, and low sensitivity models such as the Hifiman HE-560 had more than adequate drive.

Continuing on the features front (click here for more details about the iFi ZEN DAC V3 feature set in whole), three large changes I will highlight are the change to USB-C input, the upgrade of the headphone amp processing, and the addition of DXD 2x and DSD512 capability.

The V2 had a bass boost called 'TRUEBASS', which was basically a shelf EQ that lifted the frequency response from 200hz down to 20hz. The V3 has the 'XBass+' feature, which is like the more refined processing found in the ZEN Can Headphone Amplifier. It is a more nuanced and natural sounding effect that really enhances the listening experience, especially if you are a basshead. Or maybe you just feel like some extra groove one day without overdoing it. 'XBass+' is your ticket.

Another major feature change is just part of an industry standardization to universal usage of USB-C. I don't like it. Call me and old man resistant to change as I approach 50, but I already have a slew of USB cables and I am a bit resentful knowing eventually they will all have to be changed to these little smart phone sized connectors.  We are doing quite well, though, that this is my only nitpick worth mentioning about the iFi ZEN DAC V3. I even like its slightly darker, multi toned color scheme. It really looks good. iFi aesthetics have really come a long, long way from a decade ago with the introduction of the iDAC. (Click here for a trip down legacy lane.)

Finally, there is now an option for DXD 2x and DSD512 playback. As there are no native DXD 2x or DSD512 recordings I can think of, this is a feature directed at the growing set of audiophiles who are using programs like HQplayer to upsample all their music to 768khz, or DSD512 and higher to achieve performance that the onboard DAC cannot achieve with its own oversampling filters. I did do some experimentation on my own, and I can confirm that DXD 2x and DSD512 playback worked perfectly with HQPlayer via direct PC connection. (HQPlayer also works perfectly with the iFi ZEN STREAM, which has its own dedicated HQPlayer mode. However, the STREAM is limited to transmission of DXD 1x and DSD256.)

SO HOW DOES SHE HUM ALONG, CAPTAIN?

Once you have a look at the measurements at the end of the review, you might conclude the ZEN V2 and ZEN V3 sound exactly the same. This would be an incorrect assumption, especially via the headphone output. Nor is the sound difference limited to the headphone output. The sound is a notable step upward from the V2, which was already my go-to standard in this price range. And still would be even if the price were somewhat higher.

The following listening impressions were using the V3 powered by its 5v USB bus through an Intona USB 2.0 Galvanic isolator, and with a ZEN Can headphone amplifier with neither of the analog processing enhancements activated for the majority of the evaluations. The 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced connection was used to connect the ZEN DAC V3 to the ZEN CAN amp. Playback source was Roon connected by both direct PC connection with WireWorld USB cables, and via the iFi ZEN Stream connected via ethernet and a WireWorld USB cable.

I started with "Django" from " European Concert, Vol. 1" by The Modern Jazz Quartet in FLAC at 192khz 24bit.  The opening setting is extremely atmospheric with an excellent sense of stage. The Vibraphone has a luscious and full tone, with vibrato swells rendered to perfection. Bass is not too strong, not too light, and has an excellent sense of its own playing space with good separation across the soundstage. The Upright Bass follows in parallel with the piano, but does not dominate the line. The ZEN is good enough to render the piano slightly farther back in the soundstage that the Bass, but at the same time allows the excellent musicianship that can fool the listener into the two merging into one organic instrument. Before the drums kick in, the tiny detail of someone moving in their seat, which adds to the charm of this excellent track, is rendered just a naturally as if one was there in the midst of the recording space. I am not 100 percent sure which chair makes the noise, but the precise imaging suggests it’s the drummer changing his posture as he is getting ready to play. There is resolution measured on paper, and there is ‘musical’ resolution that is important to actual listening, and this is a fine example. As the drums make their entrance, the quartet is completed, and the ZEN V3 unfolds the soundstage as well as anything in recent memory, including many more expensive products. The drum brushes timbre is spot on, not sounding too bright and thin, nor too flat, lifeless and undetailed. Natural is the word of the day. One could listen to this for hours and hours and never experience any fatigue whatsoever. At the same time, one would not be left wanting for any sense of detail or resolution.

I next turned to "Sibelius Works for Violin in Orchestra", Ondine label mastered by 2XHD in DSD64 'from original DSD recording', listening to a remaster of Pekka Kuusisto playing Sibelius' "Humoresque no. 1 in D minor" along with the Tapiola Sinfonietta. Normally this kind of recording, with its massive chain of conversions and DSP, is not my cup of tea. I must admit however that there is some kind of voodoo in what 2x mastering engineers did, because there is such an abundance of texture, timbre, and an intangible presence or weight in the instrument sound that one just ‘knows’ when it is heard.

The mastering process begins with an original Ondine label DSD64 master, converted to analog by an unnamed Digital to Analog Converter. This analog signal is sent through a “high-end tube preamplifier” before being re-recorded in DXD by a DCS 905 ADC, and is redistributed in either DSD or PCM at 24/192.

On paper, it seems they make a mess of things. Not so much to the ear. Via the ZEN DAC V3, I can hear the very distinctive individual timbre of Kuusisto’s violin. Even the best violins on most recordings take on a somewhat generic sound, but not this time. There is a distinctive slight ‘grain’ in the timbre, which is full bodied, never thin. It is heavy on the overtones. Exactly what my ears like to hear, measurements or accuracy be damned.   Either the original recording started this way, or the re-mastering process is responsible, but the soundstage here is quite intimate and a bit small, however the violin centerpiece is never intimate and small. It dominates your attention and draws you in. The ZEN DAC V3 takes what is on this recording and paints it tonally in the best of light. Just out of curiosity, I did some research on what kind of violin Kuusisto may have been playing that night, as its tone struck me so deeply. It isn’t his ‘Scotta’ violin made by Stradivari in his ‘Golden Period’ ca. 1709. Even still, my curiosity was piqued. Even if not the Scotta Strad, it is a world-class instrument. (I wonder if Stradivari, if alive today, would be greatly insulted if told his instruments didn’t measure well enough. Not enough SINAD, Vecchio Uomo.) Frankly while using this track for review, I simply got lost in the music, the player and the instrument and its collective pure beauty. I think that says all I need to say about the role of the ZEN DAC V3 in this case.  It transmitted the music, which is all I can ask of any piece of gear and at the same time is the highest compliment I can give.

Finally, I needed to audition something that ‘rocked’ a bit to see how the DAC handles lesser recordings with a wall of sound.  I went to Tidal and cued up Lil’ Wayne’s duet with Nicki Minaj “What’s Wrong With Them”.  There is nothing audiophile here. However, the ZEN DAC V3 completely holds it composure. The powerful bass track never overwhelms or affects the vocal tracks, whether main or backing track, in any way. The ‘wall of sound’ is powerful, yet everything stays in its lane, so to speak. Lil’ Wayne’s rapping is as clear and articulated as anyone could ask. Often I find hip-hop mixes to be too bright. I think these guys doing the mixing are often half-deaf from too many years grinding their way to the top in the clubs. I guess its a price to be paid.

There is nothing bright here in this Lil' Wayne mix. It sounds about as natural as a modern processed track can sound.

To this point in time, as mentioned earlier, I was listening via the ZEN CAN, bypassing the ZEN DAC V3 headphone amp. The reason I began auditioning this way is to get a baseline comparison with other DACs in my collection that occupy a similar price tier in the market. To get a handle on how good the onboard headphone amp is, I switched at this time, and re-auditioned a couple tracks. Headphones were still the Sennheiser HD650.

Lil’ Wayne’s track “What’s Wrong with Them” sounded essentially the same, however, it was not presented with quite the same ease. His lead rap didn’t stay quite as precise and centered in the mix, and the tone of his voice wasn’t quite as consistent. Bass was not quite as strong either, that is, until I took the first opportunity to try the ‘XBass+’ feature. (I had used the original XBass feature on the iCan while auditioning this track.)  IMPRESSIVE.  Now the sound was much more like what I heard through the iCan. Not only did the XBass+ feature increase the power of the bass without any added bloat or boom, it seemed to have the side effect of creating more precision in the track overall. It still didn’t reach the level of refinement of the ZEN Can, but it was impressive nonetheless.

The Sibelius Humoresque still sounded quite good through the ZEN DAC V3 onboard headamp, but the violin didn’t quite jump out at me like it did via the ZEN iCan. It was still a very, very sweet sound with most of the same good qualities I heard through the iCan.

There is a rumor that a new ZEN ICan is possibly on its way to us as well. If it matches and even slightly exceeds the pairing of the ZEN DAC V3 with the current iCan, then that possibly will be the head-fi value of the year.

CONCLUSION

Don't be fooled into thinking my criticism of the ZEN V3 onboard headamp compared to the dedicated ZEN headamp is a negative critique. The reality is the onboard headamp is as good as in any integrated piece I have heard at this price. It is an upgrade from the ZEN V2, and the 'XBass+' processing is a big part of that. Its contribution to the overall presentation is very impressive. Overall the iFi ZEN DAC V3, in spite of its many similarities with its predecessors, is a worthwhile upgrade. If you already own the V2, you know as I do how already very, very good it is. Normally I would suggest waiting another generation before you will find any significant upgrades.  In THIS Case, I would suggest just go ahead and upgrade now. I find the ZEN V3 to simply be an exceptional player of music, and at this price range I can only think of products with similar fidelity that DO NOT have a built-in headphone amp of any kind, no to mention one that might have one as high quality as this! Well done iFi.

EASY PICK FOR EDITOR'S CHOICE STATUS.

OUR RATING: (0-10 scale. 8 or higher numbers represent best of industry. For the final score calculation, each category is given a (undisclosed) weighting and is tallied for final score. Although perfect 'fairness' is unlikely, our system tries to be as unbiased as possible.

sound quality: 8.9
build quality: 9.0
ease of use: 9.5
measurements: 8.8
value: 10.0

TOTAL RATING: 91.7

MEASUREMENTS

As is the usual case with iFi products, measurements are consistent, very good, and have no 'red flags' to indicate any issues. iFi creates very well thought out and engineered products.

Frequency Response (20hz to 20khz): dB -0.35, +0.01
SNR: -117.8db A-weighted
THD: -110.3db / 0.000305%
THD+N: -100.7db / 0.000923%
IMD: -108db / 0.000398%
JITTER: 40.4ps Peak / 13.6ps RMS
LINEARITY at -100db: <0.1db error
LINEARITY at -111db: <0.5db error
LINEARITY at -115db: <2db error
THD+N Multitone 32 Test: -95.3db / 0.001718%
________________
DSD MEASUREMENTS

DSD64 THD+N: -100.7db / 0.000923%
DSD128 THD+N: -100.5db / 0.000944%
DSD256 THD+N: -94.8db / 0.00182%
DSD512 THD+N: -87.5db / 0.004217%

DSD64 JITTER: 74ps Peak / 35.4ps RMS

New dCS Varese Components Launching August 7, 2024

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:50:38 +0000

From dCS: “A new audio experience from dCS. Launching 07 August 2024.”

Michi Q5 DAC / CD Player

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:19:59 +0000

Just received an announcement about the Michi Q5 DAC / CD player ($6,999 / €5,999 / £5,499). Press info follows.

https://rotel.com/product/q5

Wiim Pro Plus sounds just like my TV Headphones!

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:45:44 +0000

Hey everyone,

I recently joined this forum and I hope I'm not spamming or duplicating any threads.

After reading numerous positive reviews, I bought a Wiim Pro Plus to enhance my digital sound setup.

Previously, I connected my Sony Bravia A80J's headphone output (yes, I know it's not ideal! :D) to the aux input of my amp. With the Wiim, I'm now using the TV's optical out to the Wiim and then the analog out to the amp.

For a side-by-side comparison, I connected the TV's headphone output to the amp's tape input and started doing some A/B testing. To my surprise, with the volume levels matched, the difference wasn't substantial—maybe just a 10-15% improvement!

Here are the details of my setup:
- Amps: Technics SU 8580 and Kenwood KR 4070
- Speakers: Heco Superior 700

I tested in two ways:
1. TV optical out vs. headphone out (using both Spotify and local FLAC files)
2. Spotify streaming from the Wiim vs. TV optical out

The Wiim sounds slightly softer, warmer, and the bass is a bit more detailed, and the TV sound a little more crisp and dry but the margin isn't large. The sound stage seems a tad better with the Wiim as well.

Although my setup isn't by any means in the "audiophile" category, I was pleased with it and was aiming for more clarity and better dynamics.

I'm considering three scenarios:
1. Are my expectations for sound improvement unrealistic?
2. Am I doing something wrong, or is my amp/speakers setup limiting the quality?
3. Does the Sony A80J have an exceptionally good internal DAC?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this.
Should I consider returning the Wiim and instead invest in an amp with a better preamp and a DAC, like the SMSL SU-1? Since I have the smart TV in the setup and a home server I can create a work around solution for streaming.

Thanks

Transport vs long balanced cables

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 14:28:21 +0000

Hi Everyone,

Any thoughts on using a transport vs long balanced cables? To make things more complicated, any thoughts on using an ethernet cable's twisted pairs to carry analogue balanced signals in place of dedicated XLR/TRS cables?

The three setups in mind are:

(A) PC - router via CAT8 - transport via CAT8 - DAC - short balanced cables - preamp

(B) PC - USB cleanser - DAC - 100ft balanced XLR/TRS cables - preamp

I currently have setup (C) in my house. I use an LHY UIP as USB cleanser, LyxPro box to carry analogue balanced signals over CAT8 (https://a.co/d/81QHTcs), and occasionally switch the output to other rooms with a manual RJ45 switch box (https://a.co/d/5q2RTEE).

Setup (C) sounds good to me, with relatively low noise only detectable close to the speakers. However, I wonder if SQ can be boosted further by using dedicated balanced cables in setup (B), or a transport in setup (A). Your feedback would be most welcome.

Holo Cyan 2

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 13:21:29 +0000

Hello,

The Holo Cyan 2 seems about to land in our listening rooms.

See here for Europe: https://magnahifi.com/holoaudio-cyan-2-dac-nos-r2r-dsd1024/

and there for the US: https://www.kitsunehifi.com/product/holo-audio-cyan-2-dac/

Characteristics are very impressive to me.

This looks to be a very affordable way to enjoy all the benefits of HQPlayer, including its most advanced features 🙂.

Looking forward to reading your listening impressions and measurements.

Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE - Questions and considerations...

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:29:09 +0000

I've been planning to get this DAC for a long time now, and the day when I have the funds together to place the order is getting closer. I know I want the KTE edition because USB is how I'm going to be getting the stream from my Windows 10 PC to the DAC (streaming Qobuz or local library DSD/PCM playback with JRiver MC30), and the enhanced USB circuit that comes with the KTE model will serve me especially well (no need for getting a DDC or hardware interface to 'clean up' the digital stream from my computer).

The question is: Do I want the optional preamp for an additional $600? I don't think I need it, since I'm going to connect the RCA outputs of the DAC to my integrated Elex-R and use that for volume management. Nevertheless, I'm still tempted to include the preamp. One concern I have is the rated 2.9V output of the RCA jacks. At present I am running two different DACs into my Elex-R and both of them have exactly 2.1V output (industry standard is 2V from what I've read). In terms of volume management with the Elex-R, this gives me a range from 7 o'clock (very quiet late night listening) to about 10 o'clock (LOUD but not uncomfortably so). The Elex-R has a line maximum input level of 10V so I'm not worried about overloading and clipping. But will the somewhat high output voltage from the Spring 3 cause me to sacrifice a practical range of volume control with my integrated amp? If the signal from the DAC is so hot that when using the volume knob on the integrated amp I'm going from quiet at 7 o'clock to LOUD at 8 o'clock then that's an issue.

Tim at Kitsune assures me that it's highly unlikely to be a problem with my setup. He's probably right. But I'm thinking that if the output of the DAC were too hot going into my Elex-R, I could compensate by lowering the volume on the preamp module in the DAC. Or is this a no-no? Tim advised me against multiple volume attenuation in the signal chain. I'm definitely not using Windows to manage playback volume for digital music, whether streamed from Qobuz or local library playback, both Qobuz desktop player and MC30 have exclusive audio control when running so the Windows soundcard isn't messing with the stream, and I have volume slider disabled in MC30). I've read that digital volume control sacrifices dynamic range when going below -10dB.

Is there any good reason I'd want to include the preamp when I place my order, assuming I am going to stick with my current setup? Why would anyone want a built-in preamp in the DAC, unless it's your only input source and you're routing it to a separate power amp or headphone amp. Even if you did have a separate power amp to connect the DAC directly to that, most of us will have multiple input sources (turntable, second DAC or CD player, auxiliary device) so that would require a separate preamp to handle more than one input source.

I'll save myself $600 by not adding the preamp module, but I want to be sure that it might not be worth adding the preamp for some reason? Is this optional preamp really just for those who only stream digital files into a desktop headphone amp system or active speakers?

Any other comments or considerations from those of you who own a Spring 3 DAC, please speak up. There's no way I can audition this DAC in person before buying and I want to be sure before place my order (it's not returnable). Thanks...

Gustard R26

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:27:42 +0000

Anyone know why there are so many Gustard R26 dacs for sale ? When I search on audio sites there must be 10 to 15 listings selling this dac. Having gotten so many rave reviews why do so many people want to sell theirs? Any ideas?

Merging Hapi - Measurement Microphone USB or ADA8 card

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:10:56 +0000

I've been looking at the Merging Hapi and see various posts discussing DSP measurements via USB microphone.

In past, I had nothing but trouble taking measurements with my USB microphone. Inconsistent timings and other undesirable stuff always seemed to happen, making it very difficult for me to ever get a good measurment. Because of this, I ended up with a Motu mk-5 for measurements and I'd be hesitant to go back to USB mic.

The Merging ADA8(p) cards would integrate the entire process with the HAPI, but it's kind of overkill for my needs with it's 8 mic inputs, so I'm hesitant to go this route, but.....

Anyway, very curious to hear experiences when using the Hapi for measurements and the hardware configurations being used.

Thanks

Wavelength Audio USB Spacelator

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:23:54 +0000

Wavelength Audio USB Spacelator

Wavelength Audio recently released their new USB isolation device; the USB Spacelator. The Spacelator comes with its own wall wart power supply made by Triad Magnetics.

I have tried numerous USB devices over the years, but I have never experienced anything like the USB Spacelator.

A few words about my setup:

All the front end components (including the Spacelator) are powered from a Shunyata stack.

A Roon Nucleus+ streams to a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical that outputs USB to a Playback Designs MPD-8 DAC. USB cables were Curious Evolved .8M.

Listening was done with Stax SR-X9000 headphones powered by a Headamp Blue Hawaii SE amp. Also, Wilson Alexia 2 speakers powered by Ayre MX-R Twentys were also used in the evaluation.

Some early impressions:

The solidity of the connectors along with the attractive front and back panels were first rate. I loved the illuminated back panel !

Sound with the Triad was quite good. I substituted an UpTone Audio JS-2 amp (7v) for the Triad. Sound was more dynamic, larger, and more engaging.

The ease I hear in the midrange and highs is simply outrageous. The resolution and transparency are the best I’ve ever heard from this DAC.

Check out Wavelength Audio’s Facebook site for more info. (The image came from Facebook.)

Price: $500

I’m looking forward to other folk’s impressions.

TEAC UD-701N - Undiscovered gem or farce

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 11:55:51 +0000

In a recent time I discovered that TEAC has expended their reference line with the UD-701N DAC/Network payer upgrade from the previous UD 505. So I decided to make a bit of investigation on this new unit.

According to official site the specs are truly amazing. Custom developed delta sigma discrete DAC (not using off the shelf chip), 4 torodial transformers, fully balanced dual mono etc. Feature wise - anything you would ever need, including: Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect (via update), custom streaming app (the same as found in Lumin streamers).

I thought to myself OK, lets do some more research and see how it compares with the matching product from their subsidiary company - Esoteric N-05XD.

I was literally shocked when i compared the internals from both units (images below).

They share the same custom developed delta sigma DAC module, the preamp section and headphone section.

This should be a real bargain, Esoteric machinery packed in not so luxury box for a 1/3 price. I mean, how many DACs are out there using custom developed DAC chips that cost < 3.5k. I can think only of one Chord Qutest but it would still be missing the 4 torods, network streamer, analog preamp and headphones amp.

So my dilemma here is, why no one talks about this unit yet? Stereophile never reviewed TEAC product in the last 20 years. Why no online reviews from the known magazines.

Why no raving reviews from the youtubers. Do I miss something, because imo this unit is very competitive at this price range (the device itself weights 12kgs).

What is your thoughts on this. Anyone had a chance to listen to this unit?

Mutec MC-3+

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 10:56:15 +0000

Hello everybody,

I took home a brand new master clock from the studio for the Sunday to check on its reclocking ability in my home setup. It's the new Mutec MC-3+, probably the first one that shipped to Scotland. What can I say - it is really good.

Test setup:

imac -- modified Hiface2 -- Apogee Wyde Eye -- Mutec MC-3+ -- Apogee Wyde Eye -- Mytek 192 DSD

vs imac -- Mytek 192 DSD via Firewire.

The improvement (better bass definition..) felt quite dramatic to my ears and therefore I think the Mutec is absolutely worth the 675 pound it cost. I also attached it to my satellite receiver (optical in) and the improvement there was simply breathtaking. The Mutec also bested the Big Ben we have in the studio and btw, over here you'd get two Mutecs for the price of one Big Ben.

I was so impressed with the little Mutec that I keep thinking about getting one myself.

I only toyed around with the reclocking function, yet with the Mutec one could also clock the Hiface Evo and the Mytec and still reclock the signal.

I am not sure whether the Mutec would improve the sound of DACs of the likes of Meitner or Stagetec, but to the more affordable high-end DACs it might be an upgrade worth considering.

It is a great piece of gear.

MUTEC - Professional A/V and High-End Equipment - MC-3+

Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty – The Digital Hub

Thu, 28 Apr 2016 21:20:11 +0000

New press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ayre Acoustics, Inc. introduces the QX-5 Twenty – The Digital Hub.

Boulder, Colorado, USA - 27 April 2016 - Ayre's latest entry in the world of digital audio combines a decades-long record of ground-breaking innovation in both digital and analog audio with revolutionary features to set a new benchmark in the field.

Every conceivable digital input, including Ethernet, Streamlength^TM asynchronous USB, S/PDIF (in three different formats), and even direct connection to thumb drives and NAS storage allows for unlimited flexibility and convenience. Streaming with both Tidal and Deezer are fully supported, and Roon ready control is directly integrated as well. Whether your music library comprises physical media, computer-based files, or streamed from the highest quality lossless services, all are seamlessly accessible with unprecedented ease.

Ayre is proud to partner with ESS Technologies (www.esstech.com) to debut their new flagship D/A converter chip, the ES9038PRO in the QX-5. This advanced device builds on ESS's award-winning technology to set new standards for linearity and dynamic range. Combined with Ayre's custom minimum-phase digital filter, implemented in a low noise FPGA, this synergistic integration renders an astonishing level of detail and purity. Delivering all of music's emotional power to the listener - regardless of format.

Ayre has also partnered with Morion (www.morion.com.ru) to develop a new high-performance crystal oscillator that offers the lowest levels of phase noise in the industry. Morion has decades of experience supplying satellite-grade crystal oscillators, including those powering the guidance system of the International Space Station. A specially developed new doubly-rotated cut quartz crystal allows this high level of performance to be achieved without the need for expensive temperature-controlled ovens. Precision timing is at the heart of conversion between the digital and analog domains, and the ease and fluidity of analog is fully realized for the first time with the QX-5.

The Ayre QX-5 Twenty – The Digital Hub. This is music!

ABOUT:

Ayre Acoustics, Inc. has been steadily developing a full array of new audio and video technologies since 1993. Pioneering the use of zero-feedback real-time amplification, built on a foundation of the highest performance power supplies, and maximizing the circuit's performance capabilities through the use of fully-balanced, differential circuits from input to output, Ayre's designs have continually won countless awards for decades. All Ayre products are designed and built by hand in Boulder, Colorado, using only components from the highest quality supply partners in North America, Japan, and Europe.

T+A DAC200 and MP200 connections

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:01 +0000

Do either of the connections shown below between the T+A DAC200 and T+A MP200 carry an audio signal?

USB SYS connection (For operation in combination with a DAC 200 or HA 200)

SYS OUT to SYS IN connection (For operation in combination with a DAC 200 or HA 200)

If so, will there be sound improvements in replacing the supplied cables with higher spec cables?

Thanks.

Your Thoughts on the ROHM Semiconductor Dac Chip

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:36:54 +0000

I have a Cayin DAP that uses two of these Dac chips.

Anyone else here with any experience with the BD34301EKV Dac chips?

https://micro.rohm.com/en/mus-ic/

R-2R Audio Note DAC 4.1 DIY and mods

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 15:45:45 +0000

DAC DIY (Audio Note) The story of my DAC 4.1

This might need to go in the DIY section, but here it is anyway, as it a DAC discussion.

Up to 2005 I had various DS DACs which came and went, some of which were ok, but none really grabbed me or kept me interested enough to enthuse about music much. Certainly not as much as my long gone turntable. Then I heard an Audio Note DAC 3.1 at a hifi show in the UK. It was a revelation to me. Having low budgets I had to find a way to get that sound myself. Enter Audio Note kits. I bought the (simple) DAC 1.1 kit and built it from the parts and chassis supplied. It was quite easy, and soon it was making really nice music. 4 years later they released the DAC 3.1 kit so I built that as well. This DAC was very good indeed, amazing value for the sound on offer.

I very quickly decided the Audio Note copper coupling caps on the line board were ok, but can be better. I changed them to V-Cap Teflons. Fitting these immediately changed the sound both in character and detail level. Also the dynamics went up a notch as did bass drive and texture. The V-Caps took 400+ hours to burn in, and that was a bit of a nightmare, as the sound is all over the place during that period. Best thing is hang in there, the goodies are coming. At 400 hours the sound was truly magical. The 2 x 5687 Tungsol NOS were singing indeed at this point.

The DAC after my mods.

Later and still having the DIY / tweaking bug I decided to start upgrading the parts in my DAC 3.1. It is what Audio Note UK do with their gear. The products are split into levels (quality and cost) and many are very similar in design, but the parts quality gets better as you go up the levels, more Blackgate (now hard to find), copper v silver wound transformers, silver wiring, etc.

First thing I did was upgrade the output transformers from IE-Core to C-Cores. They were not cheap but the difference was huge, taking the sound to an obviously higher level.

More recently I started looking at the I/V transformers, as talking the Peter Q at Audio Note UK, these play a key role in the digital to analogue section in all Audio Note DACs. The ones on the AN website are expensive, £1,800 for the Trans-496 that is fitted to the higher level DACs such as the DAC 5 Special which retails for 25K. I started scouring the web and found a guy in the Netherlands who was breaking down an Audio Note and would sell me his Trans-496. I was amazed at the increase in soundstage and depth with these transformers, it was incredible. Everything got bigger and more 3D, with even more detail.

Here are the bigger I/V transformers and the Duelund caps.

Here is the (bigger) I/V Trans-496 next to the original I/V.

I then had to change the loading on the resistors on the digital board and line board to match the Audio Note DAC 4.1 setup.

However, as with an increase in sound quality and as the detail goes up, there is a sonic price to pay. That detail (treble) has to sound smooth and real, not 'hi-fi' or the whole illusion is gone. I am convinced this aspect in built in to various DACs as the SQ and price goes up. You can't have total transparency if the components in that DAC are not up to it, or harsh treble and listening fatigue will result IMO. My DAC was so close to perfect at this point, I knew it was fixable. Thinking about it, and reading capacitor reviews, I began to think the V-Cap Teflons were very detailed, but were adding something else not in the music. Wanting to find out, I bought some Duelund Copper Cast for the coupling position on the line board. WOW, right away these sound so natural, almost as detailed as the V-Caps BUT really realistic and so liquid smooth (I have Stax 009s and they show everything). Now very happy indeed.

The new power supply fitted (ignore the colourful spaghetti).

A month of burning in the Duelunds, I began thinking about the power supply. It is very good being based on the Audio Note UK M2 design. The capacitors on the PCB are standard quality Rubycons (not Blackgates), and the 2 coupling caps are Mundorf Silvers which are ok. Anyway, I got a blank PCB from AN Kits and rebuilt the board but this time used Audio Note Kassai capacitors. These caps are new and are made by Rubycon specially for Audio Note UK. They are very close to the now out of production Blackgates. And for the 2 coupling caps I used V-Cap Teflons. I had to mount the Kassai off the PCB on a new mount as they were much bigger.

I am running them in now, and all I can say is this DAC is making incredible music, it sounds so like my old turntable, liquid and natural with incredible detail and dynamics, bass depth, but is very undigital as I hear it.

There are not so many tube based R-2R DACs around. Lampizator is one. Lukasz is a fan of Audio Note gear from his early articles and admits to being inspired by the AN designs. A few others are around, not to forget more exotic and high priced units like the Ypsilon made in Italy:

http://ypsilonaudio.de/Presse%20-%20Dagogo%20-%20Ypsilon%20DAC%20100%20Review.pdf

I would say if you are looking for a natural but very modern sound i.e. detail in spades but still sounding like real music, I would recommend looking at tubed DACs. Not only tubes in the pre-amp section, but also tube rectified. IMO they sound so natural.

One of the key points is if the DAC has a good line stage, you can miss out the active pre-amp. Adding a pre-amp will colour the sound as it is another unnecessary (in my case) gain stage. I read part of the magic of the TotalDAC and the CH Precision C1 is this aspect. My DAC has a transformer coupled output design with a tiny output impedance (10 ohms) thus can drive a power amplifier directly. I use a passive 42 step ladder pot to control volume with an Elna selector to drive my KGSShv or speaker amp.

I think the DIY route is a quite different path for those looking to get great sound out of a DAC. To me, one of the best parts to it (besides building it) is it allows you to tune the sound to suit your system synergy. I am probably an obsessive audio nut, but prior to this I did not get the sound I wanted from off the shelf products. Possibly I might have with insane budgets. I would say I have spent around £6K on my DAC, and I would do it again if I had to. It has been a very enjoyable and fruitful journey.

Note I am using the Bendix 6X5 equivalent for the regulation tube. It draws 50% more current but is a fabulous tube. The US Military used it in Vietnam in radio sets, and it is very rugged and sounds glorious. It takes 2 minutes to light up, but last forever. I have had over 3 years use out of these tubes. I bought a pair last year, and they actually came with the circa 1968 US Army fixing kit and instructions!

I had a custom aluminium faceplate made to finish it off.

Hope this inspires some folk. Now what can I tweak next? Maybe the digital power supply board?

ECdesigns

Sat, 29 Aug 2015 13:18:02 +0000

Is anyone here familiar with EC Design? They have two DACs in their program the Mosaic 16 (16/96 max) en Mosaic 24 (24/192 max) both have no DSD capabilities.

The claim that their DACs are bit perfect. They have have some software that can test it. While the DACs are not cheap €1500 for the 16 and €2000 for the 24. They are not super expensive. To be honest I am intrigued by them.

Info on their DACs

So what do you think? Is it worth considering them?

T+A DAC 200 and MusicNavigator3 app

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 18:42:53 +0000

Are there any plans for the DAC200 to get G3?

If so, when will this be?

I understand it would give AirPlay, is that correct?

T+A MP200- view Qobuz favourites in alphabetical order

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:28:11 +0000

I have the T+A DAC200 which I am very pleased with.

I am now home demoing the T+A MP200!

Can I arrange/view Qobuz favourites in alphabetical order?

Thanks