The Romulus Sig, Allnic and Berkeley DACs are all on my list to eventually try. The usb/SPDIF conversion being the biggest hurtle to overcome.
Is the consensus among those that know the Romulus and Allnic that the internal usb input is top tier and lets the unit perform its best? |
They are the opposite of my initial findings as well. We spoke about what I heard off thread, and we both had similar findings. But today was very different. My findings were in contrast to my previous findings.
I look forward to my next session. That will help to reinforce my findings. I have not made any rash decisions thus far and wont start now.
What fun! |
I enjoy my critical listening sessions as much as my relaxing lost in the music sessions. And I feel the good people who have followed the thread this far deserve the same passion and intensity through each of my auditions. It's all good to me.
And I do love listening to my kids play. But I can tell you it's way better on the new Yamaha then the old Otto Altenberger. And now it's obvious how badly the music room needs a carpet and curtains. Lol. Always the audiophile..... |
UPDATE:
Kana813 - you are the seller. Lol.
So what are you going to? And why the sale?
Zephyr - don't know what the differences are between K01 and the "x" variant. Newer, better algorithms, application of trickle down tech from their newest uber DAC & transport.... I don't know how that translates into audible improvements. Guido said that the X-01 to K-01 was a noticeable improvement. I know that the K-01 is partly upgradeable to an "x" but not completely (no, I have no idea what that means).
The K-01 is the best transport I have heard. I still choose my ODSE to play my Mac through, but I prefer the sound of the original CD spun through the k-01 and fed through the ODSE over running tunes from the Mac; it's a hair better, just a flea hair; albeit WAY less convenient.
I prefer the ODSE DAC over the K-01 with either CD or Mac as source. But it's a flavor thing. The K-01 is more technical and accurate while still retaining its musical power, but it's SO much more flexible with the adjustable settings. I could very very happily live with it forever and never look at another transport/DAC.
With that all said, I am putting it up for sale since I decided I still prefer my ODSE as a straight DAC, which will still be fed my Mac as my primary source. I need the $$$ since I have the opportunity to very possibly grab a Burmester 077 and 911mk3 for a great price. This would also mean my prized and absolutely fantastic Criterion pre-amp and Veritas amps (which sound absolutely amazing together, by the way) would also be for sale.
If anyone is interested in beginning talks on the K-01 (which is totally broken in), or my lovely Rowland Criterion or Merrill Audio Veritas amps then shoot me a PM.
I'm also going to touch base with my local dealer, John at Audio Connection, to see if I can borrow that Romulus Signature in the next few weeks for a day or so. I'm dying to hear it before I change anything!
Regarding the review/opinion: my listening session today reinforced my previous thoughts. I prefer the DSD/off setting for all music but classical. For classical I preferred Y2/4x.
I heard smaller differences between changing filters then changing sampling rates. I would say sampling rates were different types of ice cream (frozen yogurt, soft serve, hard ice cream) and filters were different favors of the same type; which makes sense if you think about it.
As I said I still prefer my ODSE as a DAC. CD source was ever so slightly preferable, but nothing remotely significant enough to give up the convenience of my Mac. I can get bigger differences with cable changes or room tunes. It was that subtle.
I'll keep everyone updated on my Burmester opportunity. |
Kana and Grannyring - I have already spoken with cardas and they are upgrading my incoming iPhone Amp lightning connector to pure unobtainium coatings, MBL has replaced the speakers with omnidirectional full frequency response 310 pound behemoths and the 1800 watt amps are from Boulder. Of course, the iPhone is now completely immobile, but who really needs to go anywhere anyway?!? |
The DMC600SE is basically Cary's version of the Romulus Signature. No?
Its not a music server.... Its a dac with a Cd transport (previously known as a CD player)... |
I'm officially holding off on my next DAC audition (Allnic and Romulus) until my room is done. The guy who is providing some of my room treatments (Vicoustics) is also an Allnic dealer. I reached out to Joh about a January/Feb audition of the Romulus Sig; waiting to hear back from him.
Sheetrock goes up Sunday and next week. All electrical is done. Then spakle, molding, paint, carpet, treatments, furniture and stereo in. Realistically hoping for a mid to late January move in.
If any news, I'll update you on the Burmester situation. Keep your fingers crossed.
Has anyone heard the new Cary DAC? Is it a player? |
Anyone with experience with the Canadian Resonessence Labs Mirus DAC? |
Trinity DAC
Any thoughts?
It sounds like an Uber version of my ODSE.
Steve, have you heard a Trinity? |
Lol.
I actually have a relatively short list of DACs left (currently) to hear. But some of them are very expensive. I'll do it slowly. No Rush.
And I have a pretty good analog system. My Teres Audio table and Graham 2.2 arm are pretty darn good. The Denon cartridge is not the best, but it's pretty good. And I'm working on a phono stage upgrade. So the analog is there, do no fret.
The whole point of this wandering thread is Top Tier Red Book DAC. It's a lifelong goal. The rest of my system is metamorphosing into something quite miraculous as the upgrades, room build, and search progresses. The SW gets better and better, and the search is so much fun! I'm learning so much and meeting such nice people along the way. |
There are so many great DAC's these days. Some require more effort, some more $$$, some more room, some more cable. I could probably put a list together of the ten or so DAC's that's are keeping everyone excited. For example, the Phasure is supposed to be great, but requires the same tweaking and effort that a tube roller puts in to get that last bit of performance. I can tell you that even playing with the 3 upsampling settings and 3 filter settings on my k-01 was a timely process (of course, it was necessary and I found the best settings for me, but timely and tweaks nonetheless). The famed DCS stack has an impeccable reputation if your ok with 4 units taking up space and all of the expensive interconnects/power cords to feed them (upsampler/DAC/clock/transport) - I'm not; too costly and too much room occupied. Then, of course, there are the tubed wonders of the DAC world; Zanden, Ypsilon, Lampy, Wavelength, Aesthetix, etc - all different prices, all wonderful in the right system. I think that the Lampy 7, Romulus and Zanden are standing tall in their respective price points. Then we have MBS and Trinity which both intrigue me, as well as Alex's top tier M DAC which I hope to hear sooner or later. And of course, Steve is working on an uber version of my ODSE, the ODSX.
Yes, I am a card carrying member of the Taste Every Chocolate In The Box club. It's who I am; and why tube gear and solid state kit like the Phasure are not as intriguing to me. I'm learning so much as I progress. It's not just what's the best, because that's a silly concept; it's what's best in your system, with your ears and your room and your audio processing equipment in your brain.
That said, I do really want to hear the Allnic DAC and the Romulus SE and I would look forward to someone bringing over a Lampy 7 to listen to as well. I have read enough now to hear that there is a significant difference in sound between the 6 I heard so long ago and the current top tier 7. Although I will quite flatly say that I would prefer a solid state DAC in my rack unless a tubed variant blows me away. It's not tube replacement that bothers me (DAC's don't chew through tubes like amps and preamps), but the constant need to seek out the magic NOS tube to get the kit another step closer; it would eventually drive me to misery.
I'd like to hear that Light Harmonic DaVinci, Trinity DAC and the MSB Diamind DAC just to know what that level offers in comparison to what I currently own and have tasted.
I'm in the final stages of upgrading my system quite dramatically. I'll report more when it's finalized, although it's not really a surprise. Needless to say the system is taking a huge step towards a higher level of resolution, subtlety, finesse, dynamics, spacial definition and all around musical orgasmatronicon. |
Oops. Forgot to add the Berkely super DAC lest someone berate me. It keeps falling off my radar because it doesn't have a USB input. And the current Mike Lavigne selection, Playback Designs. Or the really cool looking Antelope, which I have not heard but have read great things about. Or the Concert Fidelity tube DAC, which has its own cult following. So many to chose from.... We are lucky to have such wonderful choices. And in the right room, each can give their owner the magic we all so intensely seek. |
4orreal - yes you did. My bad. I love that, like my ODSE, it is designed to sound its best from its USB input and that it is a single box solution with the up sampling software and clock built in (like the MSB). I am surprised it doesn't have an external power supply like the MSB, but the designer actually went from a 3 box system with left and right power supply isolated and external to a single unit with built in PS. And the listening test I read about with it being compared to the DCS described is as more Musical. Color me intrigued.
As sources migrate over time from transport to server (which I think will be the trend) I am curious to see how that affects utilization of interconnect modality. According to the Trinity designer, USB is the best method to transfer asynchronous bytes. From what I understand, his transport is designed to best send signal via USB. I always thought I2S was the most direct path from transport to DAC. I have also read that many now think that Ethernet will be the best signal path for future digital.
Good things are coming my friends. |
Steve- did you implement the XMOS into the ODSX ?
Panels and knobs? I thought you were using the same enclosure and form factor as the ODSE...
What was your solution regarding Ethernet vs usb input? |
Steve.
Burn in time doesn't bother me. I want the best sound possible. Please don't compromise on caps for burn in time. Use the best parts possible. |
I was kidding. I have no idea.
The ODSE has a very attractive industrial appearance. And it's sound is sublime. No bling necessary. Lol
Maybe it absorbs high frequency vibration in the chassis or something equally tweaky. :) |
Steve, since your still prototyping then a linear power supply test might not be a bad idea as a comparison. I'm sure it's quite an investment in time and parts but the rewards, to your loyal customer base, justify the barriers.
I'm happy to help with your testing and offer auditions/opinions on different designs. With my new room and a bit of an upgrade on my gear (to be shortly announced) I think my system will be rather resolving and show the finesse needed to identify the subtle differences and improvements you are trying to achieve.
Cheers! |
How about some gerbils in wheels connected to generators?!?!?
Direct DC generation and Totally off the grid....
There are, of course, some kinks to work out. But think of all the mods we could implement. Higher efficiency generators, titanium light weight wheels, upgraded flywheels, gerbil sneakers (Air Gerbil), genetically altered gerbils for more consistent power generation... Oh the possibilities!!! |
Scott,
I'm not familiar with your product. Any interest in getting one to me for an audition/comparison. Wanna throw your boxer into my ring? ;) |
Oh. I met with Sunil of Care Audio today and secured an Allnic DAC demo when I'm ready. For any interested in Allnic, 3M, or Vicoustics gear should give him a call. He's good Audiophilio.
The report from the Allnic importer is that the DAC tested by Stereophile had 3 bad tubes and the distributor was never notified. I'll let my ears decide. |
I heard Devaliet with Totem Elemental Metal speakers at the NY show and it was a winning combo. |
CTsooner- I'm in same boat. Lumin and a few others ( Aurender, CAD, Total DAC, Antipodes, YFS, Auralic, Meridian and more coming every day) pique my interest. I want server separate from DAC.
Some think dedicated audiophile grade server is clearly better, others say a dedicated computer is the way to go....
I'm waiting for now. I think there is a transition happening with more use of Ethernet and USB and a move away from SPDIF as server source replaces Transport. It's interesting to watch but I'm not ready to jump on the train just yet. Especially with the kind of performance and convenience I'm getting from my Mac Mini.
Is there better? No doubt! But I'll watch for a bit unless a killer deal offers itself. |
Gotcha. Read and points taken.
Just updated my photos. First coat of paint is up.
Hey Steve, any progress on the ready for prime time ODSX Diamond? |
I'm putting a LOT of faith in you Steve. I turned down a killer deal on the hugely buzzed Trinity DAC with the hope that your reference DAC will toll in a new era of dac performance; leaving the Berkeley Reference, MSB, DCS and Trinity dac's woefully inferiority, licking their mortal wounds and wondering what the hell just happened.
But no pressure.... ;) |
"Don't care what Matt or the wifey says, it does not change reality."
What'd I say????? I can change reality?!?!? Can I turn grass into Gummy Bears???? I always wished I could do that..... |
Steve, any thought about having an external clock input on your SX to allow using the clock from an external source or external clock? It's a feature many look for in a reference level DAC.
Don't hold back. Cost no object. Blow us away! :) |
Ok. Then clock output. Thank you for explaining that.
But how is the internal clock you use in the ODSX (or the ODSE for that matter) compared to the internal clock in the Trinity DAC, the MSB internal clock or the external DCS clock?
What happens with the computer clock (MacMini) when connected via USB to the ODSE? Does the ODSE clock override the Mac's? |
My ODSE was just under $7k with the promotion running at the time. And you all know my feelings on its prowess. Spend the extra $2k and by a Mac mini and you'll be in heaven for well under $2k. Then buy my prized Merrill Veritas amps (about to be put up for sale) and hold onto your hat!!
I find anyone who bashes any method of signal transmission a questionable resource. I get ridiculously good sound from my Mac mini via usb. And the Trinity DAC, which retails for $53k, and many consider to be the best out there, relies on its usb input as its best input (so much so that the designer opted for usb as his choice of signal transmission from his transport to DAC).
CAD also has an exceptional usb input from what I have heard, and a usb cable that is also supposedly top notch.
As far as DSD goes, I can only give you opinion, not technical responses. Overall I do not prefer the sound of those DACs that convert everything to DSD to make music. I prefer my PCM to stay pcm until it's analog. DSD as a source has its advantages. I still have no interest in DSD and focus on red book cd and hi rez PCM. That said, there are certainly DACs that do DSD properly as DSD input processed in a DSD domain. DSD converted to PCM is a different story and can be accomplished with the proper hardware or software. I'll leave the technical answer to others.
Don't listen to me, listen to the DAC's. They speak for themselves. I can tell you the different ways to convert digital to analog yield very different sounds. You will unqionably prefer one way or one brand over another. Just get your ears on them and you will see.
|
Sorry, one more point about usb-
I don't know why, but many very high end DACs have opted for mediocre usb input/converter modules that make usb a poor input choice for that particular DAC. Maybe they believe, as you were told, that it's not worth the expense since most DAC users are still feeding their DACs bits via spdif from a transport. Berkeley Audio (and Concert Fidelity) are one of only a few companies that I respect their decision to exclude a usb input entirely with the attitude that if you need usb you are willing to use a properly implemented external USB to spdif converter.
Steve oviously puts huge effort, thought and energy into his usb input (read about his well respected Off-Ramp technology) as he believes his DAC is an ideal match to a computer as source as well as a transport. Alex's APL DSD used the XMOS chip for usb to very good effect, and I know that the CAD DAC and several others are designed (like the ODSE) to be used with a computer as source, so the usb input is better because it has to be.
I think that as Servers become the standard source, usb and Ethernet will replace SPDIF (AES, BNC), etc. But that last bit is my own opinion. I encourage the gentlemen from APL, Empirical and CAD to respond as I am truly curious about their thoughts as to what direction the future of digital transmission will take as Servers and NAS storage become the standard.
Sorry for the long message. |
Steve, please clarify the Ethernet alternative. How does the DAC connect to the Mac mini, through a direct Ethernet link from mac to DAC or through my router?
And did you decide to use the XMOS chip for usb conversion in the SX?
Ketchum - is your ODSE still your reference? |
It looks like out hour and a half phobe conversation helped you to make a decision. You won't regret your choice. Wait until you hear it!!! |
New gear has arrived. But with my Criterion sold and my new preamp and amps awaiting conversion from 220 to 110 I'm without tunes for a but. My new room is also a week or 3 away from done. Transition is painful but will totally be worth it.
Sorry there's been nothing else to report. Once the gear and room are running I'll have more to say. |
Remember I had the 077 preamp and 911 mk3 stereo on loan for 2 months from Burmester and it was the best reproduced music I had ever heard. Not just from my own system, but ever.
I actually acquired a pair of 911 mk3 monoblocks. I am literally oozing from every audiophile orifice I have (sorry for the image) with excitement. My room is SO close to done. Of course my side wall vertical diffusion treatments are back ordered and not due for 2-3 weeks. But all other treatments will be in by the end of next week.
Stay tuned. |
Congrats Steve! A well deserved glowing review.
Merrill (of Merrill Audio) really liked the ODSE when I invited him over to compare his Meitner to my, then newly acquired, ODSE. He and some of his friends had just finished their own DAC shootout and found his Meitner to be the winner. He was very quiet while we listened to the Meitner, Lampy Big 6 and the ODSE. He never formally admitted defeat of his Meitner but he agreed that the ODSE sounded the best of the 3 in my system and my room.
He told me the next day he really liked it and had reached out to a reviewer friend of his to tell him about "his" discovery. Lol. I guess his Friend (who was obviously Mr. Borden) liked it also. |
Hi Guido! How goes the Flugelhorn'ing?
The Aurender W20 is completely off the grid. Totally battery driven... Intriguing, isn't it. And I was just told that they introduced native TIDAL control within its proprietary ipad app at CES...
Just not sure I want to spend more then $10K on something so, uh, outdatable... |
Lumin makes a Music Server/DAC/balanced analog out. All you need is an amp I think.
I'm figuring out a lot with music servers. Wow are they different. |
I have been auditioning speakers in the city and had the opportunity to hear some ultra $$$ DAC's as well. I will be hearing a few more in the next few weeks also.
It's SO hard to isolate the performance of an individual component when listening to completely different systems in completely different rooms. But in the end I can give a nod to all of the upstream components if the system engages me and does what it is supposed to.
All were the top level product of their brand: Meridian, Emm Labs, DCS, MSB. I could see any of them in my system but Meridian and DCS both require multi component systems to get the most out of them, while MSB and Meitner are standalone DACs. I will be hearing the CH Design DAC/streamer next Monday along with equally esoteric and expensive speakers.
What I am coming away with is that for most of us, spending $25-75k on digital is not just unrealistic, but unwise. If you spend that money on speakers, amps, preamps or an analog table/rig can last forever and will never truly be outdated. While even the most sophisticated digital nay sound great forever, it will likely be replaced by something better and be outdated within 5 years.
And the Dac of the future will unquestionably directly link to and control an Ethernet NAS drive.
We are at a technological crossroads for DAC's. I think things will change dramatically in the next few years.
And did anyone else just hear that Jay Z's investment company just bought TIDAL streaming???? |
Oops. Type.
Spending $25-$75k is not realistic.
Lol |
What I mean is that the DAC is going to BE the front end. USB memory stick or Ethernet NAS or whatever. Digital front end is transitioning.
The DAC will likely also access Internet streaming sources like Tidal and other on line streaming sources. I think the closer the source gets to the dac, the better. And once a usb solid state drive can hold an entire collection (red book or even hi-rez) things will really get interesting. And we are practically there. |
Mr Paul- I am on the verge of pulling the trigger on said DX. I eagerly await your impressions!!! |
"A Streamer Dac is not the same as a pure streamer! I have said this repeatedly. A pure Streamer is a digital device and can have only digital volume control."
Wisnon - not sure why your getting so frustrated. No one is refuting your statements. Your information is welcome and, uh, informative. Lol. I was just telling Audiolabyrnth that the component he wants exists already. There are Music server/DAC's available with analog balanced outputs, such as Lumin.
A DAC/streamer (like what Steve will be offering) is different from a DAC/music server (which also includes software to select and control the music from wherever it's stored) like the Lumin. Everyone wants a slightly different product.
For me, I want a music server with built in SSD, linear power supply, audiophile grade through and through. There are actually a lot of these out and more every day. But what many of them lack is the ability to directly access an iTunes folder on my Mac (so I don't have to copy everything already in there to another drive or location), and truly native access within the music server to stream off of services like Tidal and Rhapsody (some have this Antipodes, Auralec, TotalDac I think). The native streaming service will unquestionably be integrated into ALL next gen music servers. The only music server I know that can currently access my iTunes folder is Antipodes (they signed the license with Apple 3 weeks ago to integrate that access). It's a $23- license you pay for with the devise.
So there are already produces from one extreme to the other available. But I think it will take one or two generations for we audiophiles to figure out what we really want and need to have a variety of choices that all do exactly what we want. I would prefer the top tier design philosophy and implementation of the Aurender W20 or the Baetis, but neither has native streaming of Tidal nor access to the iTunes folder directly. And both (Along with the TotalDac) are truly designed for AES or SPDIF output to get their best result. While the Antipodes and Computer Audio Designs are truly designed to work best with a usb DAC like the ODSE or pending ODSX.
Auralec Aries is a very neat little affordable tool that does a lot. It's a temporary solution for many of us. Even the top stores will sell an Aries with a full DCS stack and a Baetis or Aurender server to access streaming on line music. But I don't think it really sounds any better then a properly done Mac mini with external power supply or equally prepared PC server.
As I said, I'm learning and still deciding. As of right now, the unit that, I think, would do it all, is the Antipodes DX. But I don't know how much better it will really sound then my Mac Mini. I'm trying to arrange an audition.
JKMNOP- I have fully auditioned the DirectStream ( read way back in the thread) and I admit it is a great product. But to my ears the ODSE is in a completely different class! |
CTSooner - so sorry to hear that. My sympathies and thoughts during your hard times. I lost my Dad while I was in Med school, he was only 49. Hardest thing I ever had to deal with. PM sent with phone #.
I've been researching music servers like crazy.
Guido - great to hear from you. I couldn't open the link on my iPad. I'll try it on my computer later. I agree with your feeling on battery, ultra caps, etc. Even a well implemented robust linear power supply can make a unit sing, as long as it gets a healthy supply of clean and relatively unrestricted electrons. I am fortunate that my new room has very clean AC to start with and with a 4 gauge run from main panel to dedicated sub-panel and isolated 10 gauge runs to each outlet, there is practically unrestricted power getting to each unit. Battery power done wrong can actually limit power supply, so as we all know, just putting batteries in doesn't make it better.
My room is hopefully going to be ready in about 2 weeks. I'm waiting on my 9m XLR interconnects to arrive and my side wall baffle diffusers which were on backorder a few weeks.
Then I can start to pursue some more DAC evals and maybe try borrowing a music server or two. |
Guido - Sounds awesome! But we want to hear YOU play it!!!! grins…. |
Thanks guys. I welcome talk about servers, streamers and DAC's. They are all essentially part of the same larger discussion - how to get the best sound out of red book 16/44 files.
I think this thread has turned into an enormous resource for me and many others regarding DACs and all things digital. The more we discuss and the more Info we get from everyone involved, the better this thread gets!
410k views guys. People are interested and want to know what we are discussing. Thanks to everyone for making this as much fun as it is!! |
Regarding music servers, here is a list of the ones I am considering and have learned about, with quick little blurbs of what I see as the advantages and disadvantages (totally all IMO):
CAPS Server - probably a great product. I would imagine it comes out of a shop very similar to Steve's; audiophiles of passion. It is based on the Intel NUC, I'm thinking its a short lived product. And very DIY. Could be great for some, but not for me.
YFS - a windows based server designed for high end use. It's essentially a windows computer Moded to the gills for audiophile performance, in both form and function. Probably sounds awesome and has Flexibility. But in the end it will either need to morph into a true dedicated unit or disappear. It's high end DIY. But for, it's probably amongst the top tier of what's available.
Moded Mac Mini - Mac DIY. External power supply and other mods. It's great and is a terrific inexpensive entry. Again, once the dedicated server gear hits mainstream the mac minis will go bye bye. Dependent on USB audio out. It requires the right DAC to really shine (ODSE, Computer Audio Designs, etc)
Auralic - not truly a music server. More of an intermediate product but revolutionary in what it is. It's the first of a new generation of streamer that gives affordable audiophile sound and accesses all of the music on a NAS or computer, along with accessing Internet streaming services and providing spdif, usb output. They hit a home run with this product. It's a temporary solution, but the ONLY thing that currently does what it does.
BMC/Burmester/Meridian/Linn/Naim - the first gen product of the next big thing. Some are very expensive and all are high end. For me, they are going in the right direction. Gen 2 or 3 will be home runs. All are fighting for the proper control software, Inverness music streaming and output options. If you have the money and don't mind spending on something will be be woefully obsolete In a few years then you will get great sound and convenience. Once the big players have solid product we will see if the current Music Server top players will survive.
Computer Audio Design - not available in the US. You can get them, but import only. Usb only for Input. Probably in the same class as the ODSE. But as long as it doesn't have a solid US presence, I'm hesitant to look further.
The BIG players currently:
Lumin - standalone Music Server with top tier parts, excellent ipad control software and flexible expansion for NAS memory. It offers everything and comes in several levels. It's iTunes integration is not there yet (still doesn't access iTunes folder directly). And you are paying for a DAC that you may or may not need. I don't need the DAC. I'm looking into Lumin very seriously, but I dont know how their usb output is.
Baetis - a Microsoft based system but displaced from the DIY concept to a totally new unit specifically dedicated to audio. AES output is soldiered directly to the mother board. Great integration and control. No built in Internet streaming access ($14k and you still need to buy an Auralic to get Tidal music service), no access to iTunes folders. This unit is specifically designed for AES output and needs a DAC that can take advantage of that. If you have that (DCS, MSB, Berkeley Reference, etc), and are OK with no native Tidal/Rhalsody or access to iTunes folders then it's a no brained. Sounds amazing, I've heard it in a truly reference system.
TotalDac D1 server - probably amazing. No USB output, Spdif/AES outputs. Not really a huge presence In the U.S., like CAD. Reasonably priced and probably should be better known in the U.S. It would be at the top of my list if I wasn't dependant on USB input to get my best sound, and if it had a solid importer in the U.S. I might be wrong about that, but I don't think its currently available stateside except direct from manufacturer. I am still looking into it more though. Everyone who owns one or has heard Totaldac raves about the experience. I reached out to the company and they were very responsive. I may still try with a buy, like I did with many of the dacs I auditioned. But some of my other options are really good...
Aurender W20 - reference music server requiring a DAC . About $17k fully loaded. Sort of unique and strange architecture. Very hybrid. Spinning hard drive for mass storage but uses SSD for short term playback; obviously NAS compatible. Battery power/backup and linear power supply for all music components but a switching power supply for non-audio related parts - huh? Why not just linear throughout? Amazing ipad control and integrated/native Internet streaming like Tidal/Rhapsody recently introduced. Can not directly access iTunes folder. Also spdif/AES outouts. Has USB but I don't think it's considered it's best output. I think it would sound best with AES or spdif out to a top tier DAC. Again. I'm thinking DCS, MSB, Berkeley Reference. A true contender. Also with a well known serious group of programmers to back the company and provide support and updates. Well established US brand.
Antipodes - USB outout, dependant on a USB DAC. Good control using modified Squeezebox software. All SSD storage plus NAS compatible. This is the only unit available that is currently compatible with and can directly access your iTunes folder without needed to copy the whole damn thing to another folder. Integrated/native Internet music access like Tidal/Rhapsody. All linear power supply. Built in CD ripper (some others obviously have this to, I just forgot to mention it). Also with a solid group of programmers and well established in the US. Not obscenely expensive at $7500- fully loaded. Currently very very high on my list; honestly #1 right now.
I'm sure some of what I said is not 100% accurate, but I think oat of it is pretty solid info.
I welcome input, experience, manufacturers comments and user experience to help us all with this daunting list. |
Thanks Wisnon for clarifying. Yes, the Aeris is a server in that it has its own native control software to access, manage and organize the music files. To me, that is the defining characteristic of a server (no matter if the files are stored internally or remotely on the net).
The units I listed all have native control software. They are all servers.
Steve's net access solution is exceptional, but does not incorporate any control software. It's a high quality audiophile solution alternative to USB, spdif or aes as I understand it. Steve, please correct me if I'm wrong.
As I said, the Aeris is revolutionary. First affordable unit of its kind.
Keep us updated Wisnon. |
Audiolabyrinth - don't both LUMIN (to your exact needs) and Divialet (complete, including an amp) both give you exactly that?
Do they make an ampless Divialet? |
My list is by no means complete. I'm just learning as I go. Any other server suggestions are welcome. Please throw a descriptive blurb in as I did to say what it does, what it is and what it isn't.
Thanks all! |
Oh man this is good stuff!!!!! |
Totally unrelated question for you tube guys;
I need some help. I'm in the process of adding some audiophile related decor accessories to my almost complete listening room. I'd love a bunch of no longer functioning, used up output tubes:
6C33C, 300B, 845, PX-25, KT-66/88, giant Kronzilla tubes, etc.
I'm glad to pay something reasonable plus shipping.
If anyone has any, or knows where I can get them please PM me.
Sorry to hijack my own thread. Lol.
Now back to dac's and servers. |
