Does anyone know about the Big 7 for sale now on the Gon?
What options is it missing? What's its retail?
You guys are killing me!!!
One of you needs to buy my Aeris (or find someone to buy it). That would free up the $$$ and I might consider trying the Big 7 and reporting.
He's pretty local. Maybe he would consider "renting" it to me for a month... |
Aolmrd - No transport. Only source is my Core Audio modified Mac Mini running Amarra/iTunes via a Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cable. I will be buying Audirvana software as well to try it out. |
Hi all.
The DSD-S arrived today at the office; thanks to Alex's brother as courier.
I will get it hooked up and cooking asap.
Review to follow. |
No worries TBG. I have actually had nothing to report, so you filled a quiet gap nicely and I think we all learned a bit. Thank you. |
|
UPDATE:
My PS Audio DirectStream has been returned (still waiting for my refund).
My PS Audio Perfect Wave 2 is sold.
My Aeris is sold (pending funds).
I just, this morning, unpacked and hooked up the APL DSD-S that Alex was generous enough to lend me. I don't have time right now, but I will give an initial report in the next day or so. It only has 100 hours on it, and it just completed a trans-Atlantic flight. So it needs a lot more burn in time to give it a fair audition.
My personal ODSE is on its way with a Short Block USB filter. Hopefully arrive any day. I would like to burn in my new ODSE thoroughly as well to properly compare the two. Especially considering that my ODSE is my reference unit and what all else will be compared with. I am hoping Alex is willing for me to hold onto the DSD-S for a while to really give it a proper evaluation.
That's all for now.
As an interesting side note, this thread just passed 50,620 views. How cool is that?!?! |
Update continued:
As another side note. I have heard nothing about the Aesthetic Romulus Signature, so I don't see that happening any time soon. And I am trying to convince the gentlemen in Northern Jersey to lend me his Lampy Big 7 for a few days so I can add that review to this shoutout. I think it might be sold though.... |
Bill-K : my pleasure. I was getting a bit fried by the end of my initial rounds. But with a nice break, I'm enjoying it again. By typing these, it really helps me to organize my thoughts and create the most objective findings I can.
I look forward to next week. And I really look forward to getting my ODSE.
I'll keep all posted.
I encourage Steve from Empirical to report on some of his upcoming upgrades. I don't want to say anything as I'm sure I'd screw up the technical stuff. |
Alex- Are the fuses top tier audiophile grade? Do you think upgrading is worthwhile? I welcome your input and comments as I did Steve during my eval of the ODSE.
I do think some weight on top might help with resonance. The feet seamed appropriate, although I was blown away at the improvement upper tier Stillpoints made on my amps!!!
This goes back to my tweak/tube roll vs no tweak issue.
I am trying to compare stock kits to stock kits, just to keep things simpler. The very valid argument is that practically no piece of equipment couldn't benefit from some tweaking/tube rolling and that unless I make every effort to squeeze the last ounce of performance out of each unit I am not giving it a fair chance to win. My answer was and is that the stock unit should perform as intended by its designer as sold. It would make a comparison nearly impossible. My ODSE is stock and sensational!! Could a tube rolled, super tweaked Lampy Big 7 sound better then my stock ODSE? Maybe. But I don't want to go to the Dark Side, or forever will it dominate my obsessive compulsive need to continuously tweak and roll.
I have accessorized with power conditioners and cables, top tier interconnects and speaker wire, and a great rack. My biggest tweak needs to be a better room.
That all said, a weight of some kind on top of the DSD-S to help control resonance is easy and a great suggestion and I will try it. |
To all readers - I found some scuba diver vinyl covered lead weights in 1,2,3,4 and 5 pound sizes.
Opinions on what size to buy, and how many (thinking 3 or 4).
Or is there a more audiophile appropriate solution that also helps treat EMI/RFI, emits a tachyon particle deflector shield and increases my Midi-Chlorian count?
I figure they are good to have in my box of accessories. And everyone needs more Midi-Chlorians!!! |
Mrd1241 - Empirical Audio ODSE is my current reference.
Audiolabyrinth - I am waiting for a call from John at Audio Connection regarding the Romulus Signature. Looking forward to hearing it, eventually.
Kana813 - Yes, look back. Read my posts starting with "UPDATE" to read the reviews and comparisons. I have been very consistent in how I report. |
UPDATE : APL DSD-S in in the house.
Please be aware that I had completed my own personal shootout with the DAC's that I had originally listed to get my ideal Red Book CD quality PCM 16/44 sound.My final choice is the Empirical Audio Over Drive SE with USB Short block adapter. The two additional DAC's that have been brought up again and again and again are the Lampy Big 7 and the Aesthetix Romulus Signature DAC's. I am trying to get both in for audition. Although my budget no longer affords me the ability to purchase any additional DAC's to get them in for audition - it has to be a lend for listen/Audition scenario. That said, the Big 7 and Romulus Signature have HUGE followings who insist that my shootout can not be completed without auditioning both. To them I say that I am trying…
To all new readers, please go back and seek out my posts beginning with "UPDATE" to see my reviews and comparisons. If I just posted to continue a conversation or answer a question I did NOT start the post with "UPDATE". it's an easy way to search through the many pages and get the info and answers you may want. If you start at the beginning you will see my equipment and process of evaluation is consistent and I try to simply say it as I hear it. I can tell you that the input that the forum members has offered has been invaluable and for those truly looking to use this thread as a resource, read the whole thing…
Alex, of APL HiFi, approached me to listen to his DSD-S DAC as it was in my price range. I knew nothing of his line and have learned much about Alex and his product since then. He knows his stuff. I welcomed the audition as he offered to get the DAC to me and give me the time and luxury of enjoying it and posting my honest opinion here. Other then offering to get the DAC to me free of charge, I have not received any financial compensation nor offered a discount to purchase the DAC. As you will see, I will be honest and critical as I always am. So here it goes….
Alex's brother dropped the box off to me at my office, which was very kind of him. I did not get to meet him as I was busy that day, but the box appeared new and unopened when I examined it. It was appropriately thick cardboard and professionally labeled. I would like to have seen a serial # printed on the outside as well as a country of manufacturer. My assumption is that my unit was packaged as a normal production unit would be. If not, I encourage Alex to chime in. I was disappointed to see that the internal packaging was minimal with foam sleeve edges but nothing above or below the DAC. There was no double box, or fabric bag around the DAC itself. There was a think styrofoam sheet sort of pushed around the DAC. I would put it on par with packaging for a $350- Sony receiver. For an $8K'sih DAC, I think he needs to take his packaging to the next level; especially if it's making a transatlantic trip to get to you. That said, it was unscathed and faired the trip perfectly. But I would have been disappointed with the packaging if I just shelled out $8K for this DAC.
Alex told me an instruction manual was not completed yet and would not be included. He emailed me all I needed to know. So I can't comment on it's instructions and how well they are written. His Email was concise, well written, and the unit is easy for anyone familiar with a DAC to use. So no complaints. He also included a power cord and a USB cable which I will hold off on using until I am done with my comparison. I try to keep everything else equal to make comparisons. Then add the extra stuff to see how it sounds different/better. He also gave me some music to listen to, which I will upload this week. He suggested I try Audirvana Software as he felt it sounded better. I will.
Although I was not enthralled with the packaging, the unit was in pristine condition and was clearly brand new. The remote is a small, silver metal rectangle that feels every solid, is very well laid out, has very responsive buttons that feel great under the thumb and worked without issue. I really like it. You need to unscrew the remote to replace the batteries; a hassle but no big deal really.
The unit itself is a black chassis with a silver faceplate. Very nicely put together and looks solid and well built. It doesn't have the heft of the Rowland Aeris but is clearly a solid unit representing its price. A beautiful logo is on top and on the faceplate and the faceplate is nicely shaped and well secured. The LCD is not great the latest and greatest, but it is functional and effective. Volume, DSD settings (DSD64 or DSD128 - to be explained in a bit), source input and bit rate are shown. The buttons on the front are simple and concise. Dimming switch for the LCD, volume up/down, power/standby and a power switch in back above the PC 15 amp socket. I liked the layout and was fine with the LCD. Was it the beautiful screen the Direct Stream had? No. But there's clearly money put into the right places and non wasted; I like that. Similar to my ODSE in theory. K.I.S.S.
The back is well laid out. The XLR, RCA, USB plugs are very secure and the PC socket was far enough from the power switch to allow hefty PC thickness without getting in the way. Overall, the unit reminded me of a Pass Labs pre-amp I had recently seen. I think that's a complement. Build quality is as expected for this level piece of equipment as are the buttons, plugs, feet and design. Nothing to complain about. It's not the jeweled finish, single block aluminum Bugatti that the Rowland Aeris was, but I felt that I paid for bling with the Aeris where the DSD-S makes me feel like the money went to the right place. That said, there is something to be said for the aluminum blocks vibration dampening; but the DSD-S is no light weight and is solidly constructed and well damped. When I tap on my Rowland Criterion pre-amp I hear a solid thud. When I tap on the DSD-S, I do hear a hollow tap. But no vibration or resonance. Take that for what it is. On a solid rack (like mine) I don't think it makes a huge difference. But at this level, tiny differences add up…
When I hooked it up and plugged it all in, it turned on without issue and went into its warm up mode. This took about a minute or so and then it easily and instantly linked to my computer without issue. No software needed for my Mac Mini. I am currently using Amarra and it worked without issue. I immediately got music out and sat down for a quick, initial listen.
The unit came with 300 hours on it. I will burn it in for an additional week for good measure. So final listening impressions next week.
I was impressed on first listen. Without going into any specifics, it did exactly what it is supposed to do for a unit of this caliber. The high frequencies were a but harsh at times (which surprised me) but I think that some burn in will remove that. Soundstage was wide and appropriate, and imaging put it all where it's supposed to be. Lows were low and impactful. I was pulled from review mode to music magic on 4 of the 5 songs I listened to. To me, thats a complement and bodes well for what to expect.
My ODSE should be here any day. Once that's here it will need a few weeks of burn in to really get where it should. Then I will compare and contrast. But next Wednesday will give me time to listen to the DSD-S and give true impressions of it's abilities.
Thats all for now.
'fin |
I have been through this as well guys....
I can't connect more then one DAC to my Mac at a time. It won't link to 2 at once. I have no other USB digital source to use to burn in a second DAC.
It's one at a time. No other choice....
I'll speak to Alex privately to arrange things. I might be able to get it to a reviewer I know for the 4 weeks that the ODSE cooks so it's not just sitting.
Alex seamed to be ok with me holding onto it for a bit tho. He seams to be a really good guy. |
Label me confused guys….
I started this thread and have listed (over and over again) the exact system layout, source, cables, equipment and intention. I repeatedly stated that my ONLY source for digital is my Core Audio modified Mac Mini running Amarra feeding a USB cable to my DAC. I have no need for spinning discs as my source is exceptional and provides me with the quality I desire and convenience I enjoy. Anyone who thought I was using a transport didn't read the thread from the beginning. I have been honest, open and sincere in my method and my equipment from the beginning.
As I have said many times, my ONLY intention was to find the best DAC for me. I'm not writing a review for a magazine nor trying to impress anyone with my skillful ear or elocution. I have neither the skillful ear nor the mastery of verse to publish or to consider a career in the review industry.
What I am doing is verbalizing my own opinions and findings as I go along this journey to help me better focus and understand my own thoughts. I also sincerely enjoy the additional feedback and suggestions I have been getting along the way.
"All dacs sound incredibly better with a quality Digital cable, and then running quality balanced analog interconnects from the dac to the pre-amp or direct to amplifier!"
I am using a top quality USB digital cable and top tier balanced interconnects as I have listed previously.
And to suggest that my USB cable is making things bright after I have listened to several of the words best DAC's and never once noted lasting brightness (other then what exists before burn in is complete) has no logic whatsoever. And, I mentioned the brightness just to give initial impressions and woefully regret saying it as everyone seamed to have grabbed onto that statement as if the trap door is open the the hangman's noose has clamped down tight. It was a fleeting notion during a single song that I am positive will be gone after a week of burn in.
I have no intention of trying each unit with both a USB and then a SPDIF input as I have no need to do that. I only need to audition the equipment with the source I use. Steve's Off Ramp 5 USB conversion is well respected and certainly has something to do with the fact that the ODSE sounds as good as it does for my needs. And the Aeris would unquestionably sound better if I ran an Off Ramp 5 as my USB to SPDIF conversion. We have gone down this conversation multiple times on this thread. I am not willing to spend the several thousand dollars for the Off Ramp 5 fully modified plus the cost of high quality SPDIF cables to improve upon a DAC. It stands on it's own, USB input and all.
Keep in mind that I spend hours and hours listening and then hours writing my impressions. Its time I truly don't have; but I do it because its enjoyable and helps me to solidify my decisions. For me to double my time by trying it all via USB and then SPDIF is beyond the time I have and beyond the scope of my needs.
I don't use a transport, and therefore am obligated to use my USB output from my one and only digital source, my Mac Mini.
I would love to see Steve modify a Mac Mini to have an SPDIF output straight off of the motherboard. But I know nothing of the tech involved to do that and would think that if it were possible, he would have done it already.
My attitude is simple. if its not from Empirical Audio then the USB input is probably not its best input and I will have to make due with the quality of USB input the DAC in the rack has. I am not going to add an OFf Ramp 5 to an already expensive DAC. Maybe the Aeris, the Big 6 or the Direct Stream would sound way better if I used them with a transport or with my Mac Mini running through an Off Ramp 5; I'm not willing to invest that additional amount when I can get the totally outrageous performance I am getting out of my ODSE.
I will tell you that the DSD-S is getting pretty damn good. I have to give it the time it needs yet, I am waiting until Wed. But the tiny second of brightness I noted is, I think, gone (with the same USB cable I have been using all along).
I hope that clears up any confusion. |
Agreed.
I propose that ALL manufacturers establish the Off Ramp 5 (or whatever Steve's latest and greatest USB converter is) as their USB input processing of choice so that this is no longer an issue!!!
I am sure Steve would agree.
:) |
Look Ma, I'm famous!!!!
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/digital/messages/17/172891.html |
oops.
"The DSD-D does DSD, which the ODSE does not. But I have no interest in DSD as a source (for now). "
that should say DSD-S |
Rsf507 - if your going to insult me, don't do it right on my thread....
Actually it's funny. I decided a while ago that what I want to accomplish is in my hands. I would have been done with my ODSE very happily. The DSD is in my room because Alex offered. But I'm glad he did.
I had discussed DAC's with Ketcham when I started my thread. We spoke many times. The Allnic intrigued me back then but it wasn't available yet.
At the level I am currently at, if I can't get a unit in my room to listen, I'm not going to consider it. I have my wonderful ODSE. And look forward to giving the DSD a good listen. If the Allnic or Romulus find their way into my room for a listen I'm happy to hear them, but I'm not desperate.
My stereo is the best it's ever been. Speakers, pre-amp, amp, cables, power conditioning, rack, source (Mac mini) - all thrilled and not looking further. SO close to there with the DAC. More like trying to re-affirm my decision then anything else.
My electrician is coming over today to run 2 dedicated 20 amp lines (one for amps, one for all else). And I was just lent some great acoustic panels to help clean up my rooms reflections a bit.
Contrary to RSF's brilliant observation (because he knows me so well), I am actually crazy close to having my dream system complete. Most of you have truly helped me along; thank you.
Yes, I still have a few DAC's in the running. But I'm at the level where any on my list would make me happy for a very long time.
Report to come later today. |
RSF - It came with 300 hours, plus or minus.
Thanks for the heads up Rja. |
Still Point Apertures.
I was lent them by Merrill.
My room is shared with my wife so I can't do anything permanent or wall hanging.
I can put the Apertures on wood stands and set them up when I'm listening. But I haven't had time to do it yet since I need to build the stands.
I SO wish I had a dedicated room!!!!
Tboooe - keep us all posted. I think room treatment is the missing like in many of our rooms, mine probably worst of all! Sigh.
We do what we can in search of the elusive musical magic moments. |
Omg guys!
What's going on????
When I say "my thread" it means one I started and constantly read.
Am I missing something here? Did I piss someone off and not notice it?
Everyone take a deep breath, and let's leave the High School immaturity to the kids in High School....
For those who are interested in audio equipment and music, please read on. |
Missing link. Not missing like. |
The DS was very good, but not close in my system compared to the other kits I was trying. As Bill_K noted, results will vary dramatically based on a million variables. Many find the DS to be their final stop on the way to DAC heaven; and I am happy for them. For me, it was just a pit stop.
I am working today on the DSD-S. I am developing initial impressions and will report them when I have formulated some thoughts. I'm not close to done listening yet. |
tboooe - Merrill dropped them off for a listen. I have no idea how much they are. But I agree that $695- would be very expensive. I will ask Merrill and get back to you. I can't see what they are behind that elusive fabric cover. I assume some combination of reflective and absorptive….
Probably made from Unobtainium, coated with acoustic fibers from extinct mouse fur and glued together with a mixture of Botox and platinum solder... |
Guido - yup. 1812 Overture was my first thought. Cannon shots so loud I was worried my clock would fall off the wall… 2.8 amps….
Most of the time is was between 1.5 and 2.2 amps.
I just find it SO interesting!!! I wonder how much a big VTL amp or MBL amp pulls!?!?! |
Oh. Alex's post reminded me.
All of that was with the DSD128 setting. To be honest I forgot all about that setting.
I'll listen when I can to DSD64 to see the differences.
There is definitely a recognizable flavor to the PCM to DSD DAC's (DSD-S, Direct Stream, MA1) that I heard. A subtle but identifiable similarity. |
Guido,
I did. Forgot to mention it. When I started to detect some deficits in performance I swapped back to MY USB cable and alpha digital PC. I wanted to make sure it was not the PC or USB cable affecting my impressions.
I ended up listening to my whole set twice, once with his USB/PC and again with mine. I honestly didn't notice huge differences. My AC is pretty clean to start with. And I'm not sure, honestly, how much a better USB cord makes. But my model of system consistency must be maintained to give accurate results.
I even switched back and forth between Amarra and Audirvana without a huge perceivable difference. Audirvana is way more flexible in what files it plays. |
Alex - I was listening a lot that day and really concentrating. To be honest, I think I took on way to many variables.
I plan, next week, on focusing on just swapping pc's, USB cables and alternating between Amarra and Audirvana using your DSD-S. It'l be fun and I just feel like I didn't give your cables (and Audirvana) enough energy. I was trying to get a general feel for the DSD-S voicing and qualities, not focusing on differences between cables or software.
I'll post about it when I do it. |
Also, I didn't try any hi-res music yet. I will do that next week as well.
I'm trying to be fair and give everything a solid listen. It's very demanding of my time and concentration. Fun, but not easy. |
I need to build some type of stand. I just don't have time.
I'm trying to do 20 minutes of projects with 40 seconds to do it in. Sigh.... |
Alex, can you please educate me?
"Analog Devices converter chips" - what does this statement mean exactly? Are you comparing PCM converted to Analog directly vs PCM to DSD to Analog? Or are you referring to Steve's "older" USB Off Ramp 5 conversion technology as compared to the XMOS USB conversion?
My technical fund of knowledge is woefully limited and I welcome any education you or Steve offer on that subject.
Thank you. |
UPDATE:
I am currently burning in the DSD-S with my DVD player via SPDIF and my ODSE via USB from my computer.
I will try, next week, to compare PC's, USB cables and software with the DSD-S as Alex requested. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to get too detailed. But I'm happy to give general feelings and opinions.
Burn in for both will be completed on 9/3 and I will listen that day to compare and highlight both.
BigKidz - If you would like to get me your Uber DHT DAC around that time, I can compare the three. PM me and we can arrange delivery.
I will also touch base with John, my local Aesthetix dealer, to see if the Romulus Signature has arrived and is being burnt in since it sounds like delivery has begun.
If anyone knows of a dealer (or even the distributor) for Lampy who wants to get the Big7 to me for evaluation, I'd be happy to listen. I will not be buying any other DAC's for the sole purpose of audition now that I have invested the money officially into the ODSE. The ODSE would need to be bested for me to sell it and move those funds to another DAC.
FInally, the new Allnic is shipping and is supposedly excellent as well. I will pursue an audition of that as well, if possible.
There are no other DAC's that pique my interest at this time. That's not to say that the Vitus and many others are not equally good. But I'd like to listen to something besides my same playlist! LOL!!!
that s all for now. |
Audiolabyrinth and Rrsclyde - Thank you both for the input and info. I am certainly open and interested in giving the Aesthitix Signature DAC a listen (either the Romulus or Pandora). I'm just waiting to get the email or call from John (my local dealer) to offer me a few days to give it a listen. As always, I'll post my results.
Does anyone know what DAC chip the Aesthtix uses? Just curious.
Alex, you definitely lost me on your last post, but I am truly enjoying the back and forth between you and Steve (as long as it stays civil and collegial). I am learning a ton!!! |
I'm sure there will always be new DAC's and more expensive kits to consider. Vitus, Aesthetix, Allnic, Lampy Big7(and then Big8,9......)
This coming Wednesday I will give the DSD-S another listen and listen to my ODSE, cooking for almost a week by then. I'll let you know.
I can say, quite definitively, that I am done trying to listen to a DAC without my preamp. Nothing gives the level of reproduction that I get when the electroncs are fed through my Criterion. I'd love to avoid needing it, but it's not going to happen short term.
The Vitus looks amazing and I'm sure it sounds it as well. Congrats. Feel free to post some thoughts on its sound here as well. |
Hi all. I was including the DSD-S in my opinion about running direct. I listened to the DSD-S direct for about 20 min to completely firm up what I knew in the first 2 minutes.... I like my sound pumped through my Criterion better.
As always, my opinion, in my system. I make no speculation as to how it would sound with different gear or the same gear and different ears. I would suspect that those who like the clean, crisp, accuracy and dynamics of Meitner's gear would love running direct.
Thanks Melbguy1, for bringing up a nice option. I'm sure some readers will definitely look into the SCD-025 with your suggestion. What is the retail? |
Agear, if that was a joke then it was freakin awesome! I actually really laughed out loud. Very well delivered!
I can honestly say that $22-25K for a DAC is out of my price range. |
|
Cool.
I would imagine there are many threads with WAY more views. I just think it's cool. |
Apologies all. Work has been crazy. Wed didn't really happen. At least, not the way I wanted it to.
I am hoping to get some time tomorrow to eval the DSD-s and it's 128 and 64 setting. And maybe to compare it to my ODSE. Comparing the USB cable and power cords is not going to happen (sorry Alex); I just don't have the time. Nor is a comparison between Audirvana and Amarra, at least not until next week.
I'll post tomorrow if I get some listening time.
Sorry for the paucity of pertinent posts. |
Correct.
I tried direct last time and much preferred running through my (your) Criterion. |
Sorry Tboooe. Nothing yet. No time.
Room is really hard to address. |
Gonna change the subject for a moment since I've got a week'ish until my next report.
I need an opinion.
Is my stereo going to sound better in my current room:
19'x14.5' x 9' tray ceiling, hardwood floors with thin area rug, no acoustic treatment and no permission to ever really use treatments. Speakers on long wall. Glass doors on both side walls.
Or
15'x13'x10' (beamed ceiling - open basement ceiling with exposed support beams). 1 wall is cinder block (a short wall) and 3 are Sheetrock. Thin indoor/outdoor carpet glued to floor. I can do anything I want to anywhere - essentially a dedicated listening room. Can set stereo up any way I want.
Thoughts?
The 19x14.5 room is much bigger. My speakers are big and I'm worried I'll overwhelm the smaller room, even with treatments. |
UPDATE:
I finally got some listening time in…
I have been running the ODSE via usb off the computer to burn it in. I actually bought an inexpensive CD player with spdif out to burn in the DSD-S simultaneously. So both have been running non-stop since last Wed when I last posted. That's 216 hours additional. The DSD-S had about 468 last I posted. So its now at 684 hours; I would assume its nicely burnt in by now. The ODSE is just warming up with its first steps of 216 hours.
I reconnected the DSD-S to the usb and used my cables as always, no change in the rest of the system. For those curious, I have not yet set up any acoustic treatments, so no change their. Consistency is key!
I ran it DSD64 and DSD128. Overall, the extra hours clearly made a difference. That quirky imaging shift I mentioned before seams to be gone (that was SO weird) and the DAC really matured in many ways, like leaving a wine out to breath. I will say, definitively, that if I had to keep the DSD-S forever and never be allowed to buy another DAC, I would have no problem with that. It is that good. The overall sonic signature was the same as what I described last time. But the listening position has actually come up a bit more, and the definition of instruments in space and sonically has become more present, more lifelike.
DSD64 and 128 were hard to define, and subtle. In essence, the DSD64 created a broader sense of presence and warmth and the DSD128 was like turning the sharpness up on a TV. I preferred the 64 on vocals, jazz, blues and rock music while I liked the 128 when listening to classical. Its a push and change scenario, so you can do it on the fly; which is nice. I popped back and forth to fine tune each song. Cant say more then that really. It was nice to have it, i guess. Although I spent part of each of my listening moments deciding if I liked 64 or 128 better (which distracted me from enjoying the moment). If I was forced to, I would probably leave it on DSD128 most of the time. But its easy enough to switch that its truly switch as desired; there are buttons right on the remote to go from one to the other.
The DSD-S has a sense of accuracy and presence that is its sonic signature. Polar opposite of the Lampy. Tube lovers would need to run this guy through a tube pre-amp and amp to "warm" it up. Again, those who prefer the sound of the Meitner. and to a lesser extent the DirectStream should email Alex asap and set up an audition. I think the PS Audio Direct Stream is 70 of the DAC that the DSD-S is. Which is about right if you look at the price…
I did listen to hi-res and DSD on the DSD-S and it was wonderful! Truly wonderful! Enough to motivate me to look into it further when music I am looking for is available in that format. But I have nothing to compare it with, and thus leave that evaluation to another.
I did swap in his PC at one point, just to see since Alex asked. Again, no huge difference although the base clearly was more defined and was a tad more impactful with my more expensive Zitron PC. The noise floor also dropped noticeably with the Zitron. I have all Shunyata Zitron cables, and the affect is cumulative. So for me to truly veal his PC would take a LOT of time and effort… For what it is, its very good, and VERY flexible, which I liked a lot!
I did not listen to his USB - sorry Alex.
I listened exclusively this time with the 2.6 Version of Amarra, which I am very familiar with. I tried the Audirvana for Hi-Rez, and with my red book listening list very briefly. The Amarra/Audirvana differences are subtle and not dramatic enough for me to justify changing a software variable during my listening session.
I then hooked the ODSE back in and gave it a listen just to see. It's young and immature, but the ODSE magic was there. I assure you all that the DSD-S is an exceptonal DAC, but in my system the ODSE shines. It was that obvious, that quickly. There is some type of synergy between every part of my system, including the room, that makes the gear and accessories I currently have work together to make a whole that is greater then its parts.
I am left only to offer a heartfelt thank you to Alex for giving me the opportunity to listen to his wonderful DAC and the chance to tell you all about it. With the right system it is an unequivocal winner!
So, what now?
I will continue to burn in my ODSE and compare (next Wednesday if I can) the new Amarra 3.0 software and the Audirvana software with the ODSE as I am VERY curious to see if there are any differences.
I await a call from John about the Romulus. And I will try to convince someone to send me or lend me a Lampy 7 and an Allnic DAC. No rush on either.
In the off time, I will actually listen to music and enjoy my system. I think thats what I am supposed to do….
Steve is working on an upgrade for the ODSE to use the XMOS USB converter chip, which he says makes a big difference. Can't wait to hear that…
'fin |
Nglazer - I disagree. Although Alex did overstep his bounds with a critical comment about Steve's equipment, overall I think what they provided added significantly to the discussion. Having the actual designers/engineers who build the gear is a luxury, not a hinderance. To be honest, I can't find a single comment by Steve that would be construed as negative or critical to or about Alex's equipment. As I requested before, technical commentary about your own equipment is fine, thats it. Steve and Alex both gave me in depth opinions and input off thread.
Agear - I am trying to steer clear of digital manipulation to correct my rooms flaws. I agree with you Agear, the best solution is a better room, not manipulating the signal.
Paul79 - I have no interest in a second system or changing my equipment. I already have a second system at the office (Musical Fidelity DAC and Integrated with Kef speakers). But your suggestion to touch base with GIK Acoustics is excellent and I have already reached out to them. I need a professional to help and they already responded to my first emails. Thank you for a great suggestion.
The best scenario is to move to the basement, give my wife back the office, and get my OWN room. I need to start hinting to the boss a win/win solution... |
Wow. Those Zilplexes are crazy! |
I'm very sorry all, but I just can't consider a turntable that weighs less then 1400 pounds! I mean, I must have standards!!! |
Jon2020 - easy there.
Inflammatory remarks beget Inflammatory remarks....
Let's keep it productive please. Everyone. |
Wow, the great and powerful Lampizator has joined our ranks (no disrespect at all implied, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity with my slightly warped sense of humor). Now we have 3 engineer/designers on this thread. How cool is that!!! You are a most welcome addition to our little discussion.
I remember reading on another post that you felt the Big6 was the best of your bunch when it came to Red Book CD. In fact, I was going to pursue a Big7 until I read that. Do you feel that your Big7 is superior in regards to its USB input conversion and ability to unravel the zero's and one's of a Red Book data stream? The Big7 certainly is making a bigger buzz then the Big6 does. |
Question was out of curiosity. You guys are raving about the Big7 and I am curious why the man that designed and builds them choses the Big6 over the Big7 for red book. |
The DSD-S is back in da-house.
I will update when I have an opportunity to listen. |
