I know that Steve is using the XMOS for his new DAC. Gear, I heard the 7's and they just didn't do it for me. Again, there are plenty of digital products that I do like, but I also can't justify the price of some of them as I see too many new products down the immediate pike that will most likely be as good or better and they may possibly be in the 5-7k range or less. I just feel we are in that cycle with the new digital gear with all the break throughs and new knowledge. that bodes well for all of us going forward though. |
Gear, I fully understand. I don't go to shows, or at least I haven't in ages and if I do, it will be to see friends rather than evaluate gear. Would be fun though I'm sure. I agree that I would need to hear in my own system. That's more than fair. When I mention sounding digital, it basically means that I haven't totally relaxed and given into the music. I will say that with all the high rez stuff I've been listening to, it's much much closer and it does so many great things that vinyl can't do. That's a big reason I spent the money on digital a year or so earlier than I thought I was going to. I'm looking just as forward to the new gear as the rest of you. I was told about a couple of pieces that can't be mentioned yet that I can't wait to hear (other than the Ayre gear I mentioned). It's an exciting time and this thread shows that. |
Gear, I love my OSDE. I truly do or I would have sold it. I am also using Steves's old music server with high end AQ cables in balanced mode. It's close, but I expect even more due to high rez. The recordings are all very good too.
You mentioned tape and that's a different ball game. Master tape at 25ips (I think that's the speed) is just special. I would die to hear a great tape deck and master tapes in my system. I used to make production tape in college when I was in the industry Fun day's |
Matt. what a thread. LOVING it more and more. Ive met you and we are in touch and I am shocked at what was posted too. Retailers run their business the way they want to and you haven't strong armed anyone. What they probably want is to win the shoot out since there are so many hits on this thread. As you know, I'm totally with Jeff on this one and only time will tell. The rest of my thoughts will be off line with you, lol. |
I just got this review from Audiobeat and thought I'd share as it's on the Vandy 7 mk 2 which is in the running still:
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/vandersteen_model_seven_mk_ii.htm |
Matt heading off to Japan for two weeks. Wish i could follow this closer, lol. Great luck my friend and enjoy. |
Matt, did Johnny use the Rom Sig on the VAndy 7's? |
Matt, call me tomorrow if you are able to. I'm heading to Japan on Wed until the 31st. Glad it went well and that you had fun. That's what it's supposed to be like. Richfield can speak about the differences between the two Vandersteens. I listened to over 50 different speakers over the course of a year or more and once I heard the Vandersteens, I really started to focus on what I wanted. That was when I was able to say no to 99% of the stuff I heard. Glad that you have choices. |
Matt, I have to agree with Richfield on the upper register. I had a bit of that on my Treo's (only on a couple of recordings) when I first got them. that was with my old DAC set up. Since I got the OSDE/se I've felt that continuity was their strong point. I personally dislike the ARC digital gear. I don't feel it's in the same ballpark as what you have or the Bricasti, which you know I also feel strongly about.
The thing about Johnny is that he does analog. That's what he is set up for IMHO. I've heard the 7's in a few other applications from others homes and I have a few friends who have them and they feel they're the best speaker they've heard and like you they auditioned so many 50=200k speakers it made MY head spin, lol. LOL...You have now made me want to go listen to a few other speakers on your list as I like to keep up on top gear like the rest of the guys in this thread. Thanks for sharing. |
Matt, congrats on the search nearing it's end. I'm very happy for you and am glad that things sound encouraging. I'm just back from Japan (what a two weeks that was) and just catching up on this thread. I too can't wait to hear your impressions of the two DAC's. I loved the Bricasti when I heard it and I too own the OSDE as you know. I'll have to come over for a listen when I get back down to NJ. |
Back from a long trip to Japan and a long weekend in Knoxville to see my OU Sooners win a big one.
Just catching up it seems like the room is rearing it's ugly head again. Matt, get Johnny over there to figure out the fix. I'd be surprised if he can't get it done, if you indeed figure out it's the room.
Glad that you did the M1 vs OSDE showdown. I have really liked the M1 when I've heard it, but after listening to so many DAC's I still come back to the OSDE also. I have Steve's back up Mac Mini and so far I have liked it a bit better than all the servers I've had in my system. I have a feeling that will be changing in the next year or so, but prices are going to need to come down too for me to make a change. I still need to get a drive unit and HD to rip my CD's. Any suggestions there will be looked at as I'm finally ready to rip everything as I have upgraded my portable system this week too and I want to be able to copy my music to whatever portable DAP/iphone 6s Plus I go with.
This thread really shows the differences in speaker design. We all hear differently and it shows in the posts in this thread. It seems like we are all grouped into specific types/manufacturers. I give Matt credit for not being tied into one specific and listening with an open mind/ears.
I'm just glad to be back home and getting to listen to my Vandersteen/Ayre/OSDE, Mac Mini/Basis TT sytems with AQ cables and SR Powercell. Proud to own what I do, but I realize that I can get even better sound if I have a lot more money (I don't). Most of you guys are playing on a different level than 99% of us, but after so many months and posts, it sure seems like it comes back to source and room. Without those two things, you won't get the most out of anything. Thanks again Matt. |
Loving this thread. Matt, glad you are getting so close. It's funny as I was dealing with much of the same in my system switch. Once I put the new Ayre Twenty in, I realized that I didn't have to chose between tube sound or SS sound at all. I'm sure there are other electronics and speakers that will do the same thing. I can promise you that if you think you are missing something, that you are in your head and won't be happy for the long run. You'll always sit and say "what am I missing or where is that high end etc". I agree that a very long audition is the only true way to know, but we know that's not real. |
Gear, I don't doubt it. That said, he didn't even bring the Vandersteen 7's into his room and they too are flat all the way out (all of Vandersteens are). They have near pistonic drivers and sound the way you mention you like things, but he didn't go for them either. I too feel most things are too bright and get fatigued very easily. You've seen my posts elsewhere. So many companies tip their highs a DB or two and that's because at first blush they sound extended, but the reality is, they are just distorted and not flat. Flat to some is boring. To most reading this thread, it's nirvana. |
Matt, I think my last post came off wrong. If so, I totally apologize. I fully understand what you are looking for. I do wish you were able to get every one of the speakers you have heard into your room to really see how they'd do. You have done so much research that by now you know what designs will be best for your situation. I admire the heck out of what you are doing to build your system. On a side note, I have had a DX in my system vs my mac mini with Steve's power supply and tweaks with all high rez cuts that are properly recorded and my mini won out in nearly all areas. The sound stage may not have been quite as big, but it's was THIS close. The bass digs deeper and tighter with the mini and the dynamics are better. I also feel the leading and trailing edges are better with the mini.
I think things are so close that it's just hard to chose and that's why I have passed for now. I'm sure soon that servers will get better and better and when they do, I'll be ready to make a switch. Thanks for doing what you are doing. it's fun to try and keep up. |
Matt, thanks for running this thread the way you have. Most of us have learned a ton. I put my money where my mouth is by purchasing the Empirical with all mods along with the mac mini server with Steve's power supply. When first reading this thread there was no way I was ever going to purchase from a direct seller either new or used. By reading and listening to everything I could, I realized that I don't care what's inside as much as I care what's inside my ears.
In putting my system together over the last two years I've gone from selling off three other systems and then rolling them into Vandersteen Treo's (about to become the Vandy Quatro;s I believe), the OSDE, Mac Mini, Basis TT with Ginko base, Rhea phono stage, Ayre AX5/Twenty and top AQ cables. Using a Marantz blueray for all discs right now. About to get the Qnap NAS I believe so I can really become a streaming household with my Linn Kiko (bedroom).
Listening to Joe Bonamassa right now. Live from Albert Hall. Apologize for the music reference (also getting tickets to his up coming Carnegie Hall gig). I listen at mostly low to mid levels due to dogs and family concerns. I'm about to post a thread on my thoughts as today I turned it all up. I didn't realize my Treo's could go as low as they did. This DAC just does things right. Not quite vinyl, but better than the other DACs mentioned here for me. I've heard them all, but not all in my system like Matt and not as much time with them. They are mostly excellent DACs that I'd LOVE to have.
I built the system and just recently decided to upgrade my power cleaning from the 2000 (the year) Richard Gray 4 plug unit I was given to the Synergistic Research Powercell 10 mk 2 I believe it is. From first plug in, I heard the lower noise floor. This Ayre/Treo combo really shows up flaws, but also gives you the truth in any changes in your system! I didn't think the power upgrade would do much, but for whatever reason it does in MY system and in MY room. I was going to go with the Shynyata equivalent, but then found out my dealer Audio Connection used the Isotech. I was in the store when a very well known cable manufacturer came to show how great his new 5k cable and 10k conditioner sounded.
System was Ayre digital player, Vandersteen Treo CT's, Ayre AX5 (not the twenty yet), AQ CastleRock speaker cable and the Iso tech (older and not the biggest one.
Short version:
all plugged straight from the wall in the store (older cabling I'm sure) the dynamics were great. Sound was awesome. Transients were there in spades. Clean sound. Leading and trailing edges of notes were almost as they should be. A bit short at times
Plugged into the IsoTech gave similar sound to plugged directly into the wall,however with the lower noise floor the leading AND trailing edges of the notes were amazing. They literally hung in space and decayed naturally like a real instrument. It's not a HUGE difference per say, but it made a big difference and was readily noticed by the three of us.
Plugged into that 10k plus conditioner the sound was truncated a bit. Much shorter leading and trailing edges. The music lost it's air. It was noticed in the first seconds of the first cut. Even the designer/manufacturer noticed. We didn't want to say anything to him about it to hurt his feelings, but I have no filters. He agreed and I'm sure that he's gone back to fix it.
Long and short for me, power was the last thing to do. It does make a difference in various rooms I've heard it in, but not all rooms based on what I've heard and friends of mine have shared. I don't have special cables yet other than one Basis cable I use for the DAC. I don't think you can tune your system with power either. I think often things change the sound, but not always for the best. I'm just thankful that the SR power cell doesn't limit the dynamics my Ayre.
Great thread Matt and thanks again. |
Matt thanks so much. Many of us don't really care about the tech stuff quite as much. You know me fairly well when it comes to audio. It's only about the sound and how components and rooms work together. I'm ready for your cable reviews, but really want to hear about how the more expensive DAC's will perform. I'll try to get down your way one of these weekends. it's hard because it's college football season and my team plays important games for the next few weeks, lol.
Thanks. |
Matt, the Berkley guys love the Aurender I believe. It will be interesting. How old is the Berkley? I heard one in Boston that had under 200 hours and it didn't sound great. I think I mentioned that last year. I just wasn't blown away. Then more recently I heard one that was already burned in. It sounded like a totally different DAC. Just saying, lol. |
Guys, this is for entertainment. It's Matt's system and house. Everyone wants a great review of their products because so many can't or won't use their own ears when buying. I drive people crazy I bet, but I'm happy with my purchases too. I get delivery of my whole new system within the next 10 minutes or so (John from Audio Connection is on the way here. I"ll ask him about the Aesthetix DAC Matt). To me it was what sounds BEST TOGETHER. I finally took my own advice. Johnny had everything I wanted, but I listened to nearly everything on the market at, below and a bit above my price range. I spent an extra 5 grand more than I expected to, but it made sense to me, plus I have heard how it all sounds together on a few occasions. Yes, I drive myself crazy on this site and others, but in the end, my ears made up my mind.
Some folks get upset that Matt may not love what they love or what they think they love, but it's his ears and his system. I think he's doing the right thing. How many of you have had your components to play before you purchased them?
I'm sure many since this thread is a higher end thread, but be honest with yourself. I'd love to know if you guys just go direct sales, internet purchases based on hearsay or if you actually have heard products in your own system in your house or a combination. Just curious and this thread is a good place for this I think question as it directly relates to Matt's posts.
Thanks again Matt, it's highly entertaining. I"ll have to meet you in NJ when I get down there in the next few weeks. |
Guys, I"m not trying to be a smartass at all, but how can any of us make a statement that something is of the best or sounds great if we haven't heard it? Just because something gets big press doesn't mean it sounds good and just because it it expensive or even costs more than another product doesn't mean it sounds better.
The one constant in this thread and the reason most are still interested is that Matt is actually listening to everything. Do I have Matt's ear? No, but the way he is sharing makes me think that I get a really good idea of what things can sound like IF they match my own system/room. It's a starting place and that's why some small companies need or love a thread like this as it helps them get their name out etc... It also keeps reminding me why I'm still a brick and mortar guy. I understand better why many of you love to just get stuff on the net and resell if you don't like it. When I was younger, I'd have been THAT guy possibly.
4orreal, this isn't against you at all. I know it seems that way, but please read closer to what my beef is and I think you'll understand. Again, it's my thing and not others. Thanks.
I will be doing my digital in a year or so as I want to wait a bit as things are just getting going. I wonder how dated these devices will get in two years from now??? That's a major reason some of us aren't 'on the bus' yet an are using a sub 1500k DAC and aren't even streaming yet etc... This thread continues to stay a classic and relevant because it's up to date and when things are upgrades, we hear about them right away. Thanks again Matt. Hope I haven't threadjacked... |
Matt, we are in total agreement. I need to start ripping and i have an older Macbook Pro (Late 2008). I will go to Johnny's and get the top AQ digital cable to use for ripping. I"ll most probably get the Synology NAS. SS or HHD? Anyone??? Then I can at least start to rip and save my many CD's. After than I"m hoping that a ton of new servers will be unveiled today at CES. Do I throw Bryston into this mix? Looks like the Aria for 1500 could be a great buy.
My biggest problem with going with this Lumin or some of the other companies who are new to the dance is that there won't be support if something fails in a few years (i.e. so many newer companies or hobbyists just don't make it. See Meadowlark speakers). It's a fact. I know that so many of the products (especially digital) are awesome and almost affordable for me right now, but I'm scared of the support. I think that's why I go to Audio Connections and listen to John. He knows what he's talking about and what goes best with MY system. I've had two others I've dealt with over the years who I felt the same about..Bruce at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego in the 80's and then Bruce Kutin of now defunct Ocean State Audio in Prov, RI.
I read this amazing thread and see guys from Empirical Audio and read about how great his products are, but they are probably out of my league and I don't want so many boxes in my system. I"m serious about my music and will have a 25k system or so when it's done. Maybe even more eventually, but afraid to just hop on right now.
Please pick apart my fears, lol. |
I am going to use the external drive. I"ll just drag and drop files from my larger external HD to the smaller SSD internal drive to play. What are some of the names of the external HD's you guys are using and liking. I just assumed a Raid set up would be best in case of a failure
I know that I can get an OWC without discs, but if so, what are the best HD's to put into it? |
Have to share...I have the OSDE now. It's got all the updates I assume. I have a Synchro mesh and the mac mini server with the Paul Haynes power supply. I have Steves usb cable (waiting on the short block) and a BNC cable he made for connecting the supply to the mac. I use AQ Niagara balanced into the Ayre AX7e, Vandersteen Treo with AQ Castle Rock.cables.
I also use a Basis TT with Benz cart and Heed phono, so I have analog as a reference in my system. The OSDE needs to still break in a bit, but WOW.....Now I hear what the fuss is about. I've heard most of the big name DACS now and there are some major disconnects for me with most of them.
I know I like something when I relax and just listen. I can't do that with digital most of the time. On rare occasions I've been able to. I'm really loving what I"m hearing in my system right now and I know it will get better. I can't wait to hear it once it's all broken in. Hopefully I can get the Vandy Treo CT's soon too as that will help. |
Still need to get that hard drive and drive to rip my CD;s, but listening to all the great music on my server through this OSDE is blowing my mind. I don't even have my Vandy Quatro's yet. This is all through the Treo and Ayre AX7e (waiting on my AX5/20 to get here in a few weeks) and WOW>.. This is nearly the best I've ever heard for a DAC. I recently heard the DCS stack and it was special and also the Bricasi DAC with all Tidal gear. I didn't know the other components, but I'd put my OSDE up against both of them and it won't embarrass itself. When I had the AX5 in my system it took it to levels beyond which means that I haven't heard the best from the DAC yet. It just keeps getting things right and I want to thank Steve for making this unit and supporting it like he does. I'm a convert guys. I never was going to buy from a small maker, but I'm glad I did and I hope that he is training someone to take over from him eventually. Genius is a word I'd use. I think I have auditioned nearly every DAC that's been talked about in this thread as well as others, so I think I have a decent reference. Thanks again to Matt who started this thread as I'd never have heard about Empirical otherwise. |
Only a couple come to mind that are true time and phase aligned. Matt, I am searching the net to see a good list. I came across this posting about this subject. Not sure if it means anything other than how a speaker will sound off axis. Personally I have my position and don't really listen off axis, lol...I'm sure that's just me though.
"As for the companies you mention -- Magico, Vivid Audio, and Rockport Technologies -- none makes speakers that are time- and phase-accurate, even if the sloped front baffles of the Vivid and Rockport models look as if they might be. In all cases, they use higher-order crossovers to greatly reduce driver overlap, which have more phase shift " I like the Rockports I've heard. I"m just not a Magico guy (sorry). Heard Vivid once, but not enough to really say one way or the other. I know I don't like the older Thiel's and have no idea what they are making now days with the new company.
Looks like a company has to make their own speakers to get this right due to the overlap of frequencies. Off the shelf or even modified won't work based on some articles I've been reading up on. I"m sure someone here will have other ideas. This has become my favorite go to thread for learning and some of you have changed my mind greatly.
On another note, I have heard the whole Vandy line yesterday and the Wilson, Dynaudio gear (upper end stuff) the day before. All on Ayre Reference 20's. Those amps are possibly the best I've ever heard and yes I've heard many of the esoteric lines out there. I can't do Wilson's still. No emotion for me or layering. Very accurate though. I liked the Dynaudio a bit. Something was missing for me though and I can't even tell you what.
Back to Matt's question, but wanted to share. |
Thanks for sharing that last post. I too am going to switch to the powered Vandersteen Quatro for just that reason. I have the opposite situation to Matt's in that I have my system in a medium size loft and the back wall is 43" tall (same height as my Treo's and the Quatro is similar, but I lost some of that room pressure. We all have our cross to bear, lol.
Most of the rooms I've listened in have too many contraptions etc... Fix one, start another.... Once I listened to ONE person whom I learned to trust, my room not only started to sound better, but I loved my system more...
Matt, I totally agree on vinyl. That's why I have been upgrading. No matter how good the digital is getting, it just doesn't do what vinyl does. I do wish I had a reel to reel and metal tapes though ;)..... |
Richfield, sorry I missed you yesterday and Matt, I'm sorry I'll miss you today. I've liked many of the Dynaudio I've heard. I think that may have been the speaker I"d have gotten if I didn't fall in love with the Vandersteen when I did.
As for servers, I have Steve's mac mini with Hynes power supply and it's amazing. I"ve heard most of the servers being talked about in this thread and I have to say the the three that Matt is looking at are all outstanding, but honestly, I'm not sure if they better my set up with the tricked out OSDE/SE and the mac mini playing high rez music from it's upgraded SS drive. The only problem I have now is finding the right NAS and also CD drive as I want to rip all my CD;s to a NAS and then I may get a server when things settle down and get even better. Any NAS/Blueray, DVD drives suggestions are fine too ;)... |
So often I hear a ringing in the mid bass lower midrange. I always call those speakers bright. I can never warm up to systems that have that ringing. |
I'd love to get that Rowland into my house for a week to do a shootout vs my Ayre AX5/Twenty. heard them both at a dealer and liked my Ayre a bit better, but the Rowland was also amazing. Lot's of great integrateds now. |
Yea, sorry guys. I'm not familiar with Rowland like I used to be when they first started. I'd like to hear my Ayre vs it side by side in my system. I like a lot of gear to be honest. Not just Ayre, but until I find an integrated at the same price as my Ayre that is better, then I stay with what I have. Same with speakers. I love my Vandersteens and hope to get the Quatro's as soon as I sell my Treo's, but that doesn't mean that others don't make great speakers that I could be very happy with. Matt and I often share ideas of gear we hear off line. I'm not married to any specific product or manufacturer. Heck, because of THIS very thread I purchased an OSDE/SE and if you read my posts early in the thread, I said there was no way I'd get something that isn't sold via a dealer network etc...I'm very very pleased with my digital. All because of what Matt is doing and also listening to input from a few of you who's ears I trust (you can tell what folks like based on their posts.). Thanks for letting me play. |
Jeff and Matt, so sorry I couldn't make it down today. Glad I didn't try either and the MS stuff is kicking in. Very tired today, which doesn't happen too often for me anymore. Johnny is SO high on the Eclipse. I can't wait to get down there to hear it with the Aurender. If it's as good as he thinks it is, then the 13k or so is probable worth it. Seems like companies are upgrading as they need to. I know AR is upgrading their ref gear to mk 6. I also bet that Ayre will be coming out with a new ref DAC within the year too and probably sooner now that they have the Twenty series gear out.
It sure is an exciting time in all of audio with all the newer materials designers can use. Jeff, please let us know how the day goes |
I"m heading down to Audio Connection on Saturday to audition the Vandy Quatro CT's with the Ayre AX5/20. I will be auditioning the Romulus Eclipses as Johnny is in love with it and Matt had such nice things to say. Sorry I missed you guys at the Aesthetix event. That would have been a blast, but I couldn't make it. Was told by a few that the Vandy 7;s never sounded as good and personally I think they need to be back closer to the wall. But they are so good they can be put anywhere. Glad your Dynaudio's are still blowing you away. Hopefully they will keep doing that for you. It's really fun when you are in that situation with your system isn't it? I'm loving the Aurender servers. Hearing them at a lot of places now and they always sound great regardless of the model. I have heard a few other's and feel the Aurender has sounded better. Lot;s of variables in the equation, but it;s an impressive company for sure. Can't wait to hear about the OSDX too. |
Sorry to have missed you Matt. There are a few of us in the NJ area who can get there within a few hours drive. We should try and set up a get together one of these days. Even if we did it on a Sunday, I'm sure I could get Johnny to open the shop for us all to play. We could bring in gear that we'd want to listen to together etc... I had an eye opening day yesterday. Not the forum for it, but I'll try and put together a new thread on my thoughts of listening and why I'm so sensitive to upper mid ringing. Got to hear the Romulus and was impressed to say the least. Very very good CD/DAC, however I've been told the new Eclipse is a KILLER. Some of you guys got to hear it at Audio Connection last week. I'd like to hear more of it vs all the new DAC's coming out. I know that the Ayre DAC being worked on will be special. I may have to call Alex to find out more if he's willing to share ;)...We can keep it just between us all, lol. Now that some of you will get Steve's new DAC, it's going to be interesting as I expect it to go head to head vs the DCS, EMM and all the other reference DACs on the market. The little Codex DAC/Headphone amp from Ayre is a KILLER in it's price range. I feel that it's the best under 4 or even maybe 5k DAC's I've listened to. I've heard it as a DAC and headphone amp (Yes, I'm into head fi too) and it's just a jaw dropping buy IMHO. Lot's of new goodies hitting or about to hit. I'm sure this thread will just keep meandering for us all to enjoy. Thanks so much Matt.
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Way to go Matt, lol. Got to spend a lot of time with the regular Rom the other day and could tell that it has a TON of potential. I just love all the Aesthetix stuff. If I didn't have my Ayre gear I have a feeling I'd have an all Aesthetix set up. |
Oh, I may be at Audio Connection in Verona, NJ tomorrow if anyone is around. I've asked Matt and Richfield so far off line, but I know some of you guys are down that way. Let me know if you may be around. It all depends on whether I have to run up to pick up my daughter at college or not. cheers all.
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Guys, Ayre is working on a ton of digital right now. No, I can't share much as I don't know that much. Their new Codex headphone amp/inexpensive DAC is a KILLER at the price. I use headphone and my OSDE doesn't has a headphone amp, so I use my Music Hall DAC/amp or my Linn Kiko (bedroom system) for personal listening (that sounds almost creepy doesn't it?). Ayre realizes that both analog AND digital filter is important as do a few of the best sounding DAC designers. They also are huge on power and I'm sure their noise floor will be as black as anything else. Lot's of great DAC's out now. I"m loving my OSDE/se right now and feel no need to get the Berkley Ref (my second favorite under 15k, plus I can't afford it right now, lol). I DO however want to eventually upgrade from the Mac Mini I bought from Steve that has that ridiculous power supply, to the Aurender 100L (however I'm waiting on them to double the internal storage that I was told is going to happen in the next 4-6months, but only time will tell). I heard the W20 a year ago and was impressed, but also heard the 100 and thought for the cost it was a killer.
I heard the Baetis for an extended period and felt it was very good, however I personally don't like the owner at all. I don't like that he charges you money for tech support after your original time runs out. I also didn't like how he ran down other products. That's for we posters to do, not manufacturer's/distributors. Everyone is coming out with severs now and there are some nice one's out there. I really want one I can just rip to, but one that also will download from a NAS as I want to use one for my Linn Kiko. We all have different needs and hopefully soon, there will be a plethora of servers that will give us everything.
I noticed a DVD or Blue ray ripper that can rip 100 at a time. Just load it up at night or before you head out for the day and it's done. Have any of you tried one? I have ton of CD's that would be nice to rip quickly. They are expensive and I was thinking of getting one and then selling it. I have a friend out west who got one with a group of guys and they all shared it and sold it so the cost was minimal. Anything you guys have on this device I'll take. I honestly don't trust my friend's thought other than him saying it didn't jam and ripped WAV, Flac and AIFF using two different ripping programs for bit perfect rips (did I say that correctly). Looking at the newest Qnap fanless NAS.
Thoughts as always appreciated guys.
Also, a great test when listening to a system is to listen to a man singing S's. I've found on systems that are a bit bright for MY tastes, the sibilance of the note just keeps on going. On systems that I love, it's more controlled and cuts of naturally like it does in person. It was a very interesting test. Jackson Browne is a good choice when auditioning.
Have I taken this thread all over the place yet? lol....sorry guys, but we've hit on most cylinders and come back home. |
That's the ticket Jbdian. Yes, which one are you getting? I've been looking for used ones and found a couple so far. |
Not Matt and no I haven't heard the Eclipse yet, but I've spoken to a few whom I trust (similar hearing as mine, so take it for what it's worth). That DAC is a very very serious contender right now. I auditioned the Rom Sig two weeks ago and really thought it was musical as heck. I was able to listen for hours to that with Atlas stereo amp, Aesthetix pre (not sure which one off hand) and Vandersteen Quatro CT's with mid level AQ cabling through out.
I got lost in the music as we listened to everything you can imagine. The sound dug very deep when there was bass information and the sound stage was as though we were there. It was fast, clean and emotional. Things just sounded the way they were supposed to sound. No grain and very low noise floor. I was impressed by that as tubes often aren't as quiet as great SS gear. It wasn't as quiet as the Ayre Twenty gear, but quiet non the less.
That said, I was told that the Romulus Signature doesn't hold a candle to the new Eclipse gear. I know that Richfield and Matt both have spent time with the Eclipse. They also seem to have liked what they heard and it wasn't even close to being broken in. Between the Eclipse and eventually new Ayre DAC's along with all the other contenders upgrading, digital seems to be getting where we all hoped it was going in the 90's. JMHO |
I've yet to hear a D'agostino in a store that I liked. Personally, any of the amps we have all spoken about have sounded much better to me (I've heard many, but not all the amps in this thread). They are pretty to look at, but at that price point, I think the Ayre, Boulder, Rowland, AR, Aestheix and others crush it for refinement etc... Just my personal opinion.
Matt, not sure if it does have VC or not. Just getting feedback from everyone I know who's been hearing it that it's a killer at under 13k. That's a great price point right now as there are more and more choices. The more I listen to systems, the more I am appreciating my own OSDE/SE. There are a few other DAC's that I like too, but most still don't deal properly with the power supply issues that are so important in digital and I also don't think many manufacturer's fully get digital filtering the way Steve and a few other engineers do. I know I'll get skewered but I heard the DCS stack again on something other than Wilson XLF (not a fan at all) and I was left asking the question "who would purchase that over some of the other choices in the 15k range". Again, JMHO and I know many don't hear what I do. |
I just found out that Aesthetix is now using the Stealth Cap by Mundorf I believe is he company. |
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wisnon, have you heard the Sound Galleries MS? Just curious as to why you feel it will be the best? I'm waiting on hearing the Melco NAS before I buy a NAS. A friend of mine in Japan loves this NAS. Thought I'd throw that in also as this thread now touches nearly every component in some way.
We all hear things differently and that's why it's so important to know who you are speaking with in regards to recommendations. I know that Matt and I have a lot in common in what and how we listen, but we also have many differences. Both of us know what those are too so when we discuss components etc... we each have our own reference. I hear so many absolutes in this and other threads. I'm the same way in my posts. Again, it just reinforces why we need to go listen before purchasing. I purchased my OSDE/SE as well as my Mac Mini (heavily modified by Steve N.) without hearing because I knew I could easily sell them off if I didn't like them. I will probably be selling off that Mac Mini once I get a NAS and server set up in the near future. I will promise you that I will only buy a server that I've had IN my system to know that it works properly when together. I've heard a bunch of the servers listed in this thread and I too have felt that the Aurender sounds better than the Antipodes, but again it could have been system dependent. I don't see Aurender in shops. I forget which one I heard it at, but I wasn't blown away like you have been Steve. I'm just very familiar all the Aurender servers and have heard them in totally different systems and they've always sounded great and that even includes the 100xl I think they call it. I'm still waiting to see what else comes out and at what price points. I have a GREAT server in the Mac Mini with that special power supply Steve built, so I'm not in a hurry.
How many of you guys are seriously in the market for a server and what are you looking at and why? Fits' right in with looking for a top DAC. |
Guys, I appreciate the show reports, but how in the world can anyone really know that something sounds better than another at a show in those conditions? Just wondering. That's one reason I love Matt's approach. Get things in YOUR room and your system and listen. I get that you can like or not like something, but I've always giving things extra chances if I hear them in a story or someone else's system if I don't like them at first. Not flaming anyone, but I have heard my Mac Mini, modded big time by Steven N vs Antipodes and Aurender in my own system. I know steven likes the Antipodes better, but I didn't hear such a huge difference that it made me even think of switching. I respect the heck out of Steve and love my OSDE/SE, but again, we all hear things differently. Soon the servers will be even better and less money. I personally am waiting on Melco and also MQA to be offered. I"ve heard some MQA in an all Meridian system (I don't usually like Meridian, but it sounded great) and I think it may be a difference maker. Time will tell obviously.
I heard the Music Vault in NH as well as Encore Audio in Sarasota two weeks ago and was impressed. I've spoken to Neal in the past and he's a great guy who will custom build anything you want. It's still on my short list of potential servers as I love the built in ripper that I wish all servers had. |
Thanks for sharing Swamp. So you are saying that we could send it back to have it upgraded as Windows upgrades? I keep hearing that Windows doesn't sound as good as other OS's....I assume that would affect his player wouldn't it? |
Not sure which one Matt had in. I think he probably had the DX. Not sure if it was the 2.0 or not. I heard the DS as that's more in line with the price range I have to look at. |
I too would love to hear about it. I don't know what I can do IRT internal wiring in the house, but I love learning about this stuff. I think that the Synergistic Powercell I use deals with potential ground problems. Not totally sure about that. I seem to have dead silence in my system and I've never had a hum problem ever. I always felt fortunate. I think the new Audioqest Niagara 7000 power deal (not a conditioner) deals with grounding also. Seems like this is the next horizon, which is strange as we've had this problem from day one and known all about it. Sorry, this thread just made me think about this and why it's not spoken about more often. Seems like it shouldn't have to be that difficult a deal, but maybe it is. |
Tried to edit last post, but it's older than 30 minutes (they need to change that part of the site). I now have my new system updated on the site for those who have been asking. Thanks. |
Steve I got to hear MQA earlier in the year when their reps were showing it off to a local dealer. I just happened to be there. I was floored by the open and relaxed sound I heard. I personally don't like Meridian speakers, but it was the first time I liked them. Will you be joining the MQA companies? They told us that the more MQA components you have in your system the better it gets. I don't know if that's hype or what. Eventually they'll have studio's joining them, but if a server has it, then will it work it's best with the Overdrive lets say? I know this thread will stay on grounding for a spell, but you brought up the MQA question and I've been wondering about a few things after hearing it, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks. |
Steve, thanks so much for sharing that info. I greatly appreciate it. So you are working on a network streamer? Wow, that would be pretty awesome. I'm sure you have no time frame, but IF you did one, would it have a ripper built in? Would it work with a NAS? Just curious. I do hope that Meridian works with everyone on MQA. Digital has too many smaller manufacturers and needs to have lower cost things in order for it to thrive. I know that Onkyo/Pioneer have MQA in their new DAP's. Can't wait for Tidal to stream it. They said that the more components that are using it, the better it will sound. That didn't make sense to me, other than the marketing part of it. Is there a price point for the streamer? |
And the the person talking about the Empirical Audio Synchro Mesh, I LOVE that device. I had to get one for my TV, Cable, Blue Ray and other digital and I'm so glad I did. Another great value in digital audio. |
Steve, Will your streamer device work with a NAS as well as streaming online content via the iPad? It sounds very interesting. |
