stumbled upon this thread today.
so, I read this thread until page 20... and then went to look how far it still went... HAHAHAHAHA - SIXTY THREE!!!!
I like to read and was reading kind of obsessively, but this was just too much for even myself. So, is, after all, the EA Overdrive SE it is, correct? Or is there something different and his Virtual System isn't updated?
Thanks in advance |
thanks for the update. I'm now waiting for the upgrade to my Resolution Audio Cantata DAC that seems to be scheduled for this summer before I think of chaning source. The speakers that have been played with here, however, do interest me.
Will await the updates. |
@mattnshilp don't want to be OT, so I'll just make this quick. I started a thread on WBF where I describe my specific needs, taste, etc. Currently this is what my shortlist looks like after some personal research and suggestions that I got through the thread. I was able to listen to the Endeavor MkII and the Revel Salon 2 as you will see on the thread. Former wasn't interesting, second was wonderful, but also very large.
VS Unifield 3 mkII Endeavor Mk2 Heco Dreiklang Salk Soundscape 8 Revel Salon 2 Thiel 3.7 Carmel 1 Kharma CE Rockport Merak Sheritan Raidho XT-3 TAD Evolution 1 Magico S3 Ayon Audiovector SR
Hope me know if you want to talk speakers. Best Andre |
oh, and Orpheus is really interesting, too. just a couple of contenders there. |
the DaVinci is still the best one-box DAC I've heard until today. I also loved the full stack of the Scarlatti was incredible, but complicated. both are crazy money, but I haven't heard better. Still want to listen an AudioAero LaSource and Gryphon Kalliope. |
I told you the DaVinci was special. The best I’ve ever heard, period. Still curious to compare it to the Gryphon Kalliope and the Audio Note DAC 4 or 5. |
how does the Merlot compare to the MPS-5? The latter I know and compared side-by-side with the original DaVinci. Just wanted to get an idea.
best |
I use a Sistrum from Star Sound for my Gryphon Diablo... goodness, what a difference |
and yes, lifting cables made a difference for me, too. |
Matt, after a lengthy cable comparison I decided on the LH Lightspeed (later called 10G) quite a while ago. Did you ever get a chance to listen to it in your system? I just might try to find out how it compares to the 20G. Do you know if the 10G is upgradeable to the 20G? Haven't been in this thread for a while, so will see if I missed anything important. |
Steve,
I posted on the topic you referenced, but will ask here, too - my DAC has an ethernet input and sound was great, but upnp was not user-friendly at that time and would freeze up the DAC more often than not. With the regen the USB was back to the same level, but it has always been interesting to think of eliminating the transport. Do you know what the similarities and/or differences of your implementation of ethernet re my Resolution Audio Cantata?
Audio Doctor NJ, you have a PM.
Best
Andre |
I Googled the Cantata to learn about it. The Ethernet is used as a method to extend the range of USB (using pont neuf), so this not really Ethernet DLNA or other protocols. Even when a router is used, the Ethernet is used simply as an extension for USB asynchronous protocol to gain greater distance.
I'll check on that with Steve, but I don't use the pont neuf and used DLNA with it. Will report on that later. Thanks for the response.
The important thing is that two decent audiophile players support DLNA, namely Jriver and Audirvana+
Doesn't foobar also support DLNA? That was the one that I used while I was experimenting with the ethernet input, apart from Jriver. |
Has anyone around here been able to listen to the new Resolution Audio Cantata 3.0, which is an upgrade from the 2.0? I am asking because I am on fence of doing the upgrade or going in a different direction. My goal would be to find something like the original Da Vinci DAC from LH, which is the best DAC I have heard to date, but for a sane price.
Thanks in advance for the input. |
I kind of have lost track of this immense thread, but would appreciate some help.
I am looking for a DAC with full active preamp (or full active preamp with DAC). I see that the Mola Mola fits my description, but would like to ask you if you know of other options.
Just to be clear, I am not looking for digital or analogue volume control. I want a full active preamp to be part of the package.
Thanks in advance |
Thanks @mattnshilp, I appreciate the input. My main interest is a full active line stage instead of a digital or analogue volume attenuator. Analogue inputs would be a secondary benefit, but not the main goal.
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So, I'm currently on an upgrade path.
I have a Resolution Audio Cantata 2.0. I had the Holo Audio May KTE for trial and, in my system, it would have been a lateral move, so it went back.
I have a Lampizator TRP w/ vc on its way for a trial, but would love some suggestions.
As a reference point, the best DAC I've ever heard was the original Light Harmonic DaVinci, but I can't find any on the used market and cannot come even close to the cost of new model, which I haven't heard yet. I also was able to compare a highly upgraded Lampizator GG1 (which the owner calls GG1.9) with 242 tubes side-by-side with the Cantata and it was CRUSHED, which is why I'm trying to give the TRP a go, hoping that it will play close to that level with the right tubes.
I am not a tubes person, but if the TRP does what it supposed to do I will begrudgingly keep it.
So, suggestions, used or new, in the $4k - $6k range are welcome.
BTW, I didn't give the Cantata 3.0 a go because I was not able to audition it and I did not want to buy blind. |
@fastfreight I've heard great things about the Tambaqui (which, by coincidence is the tastiest fish I know). I just believe it's above my budget new and although I might be able to stretch to the used one I see for sale at the moment, I don't want to buy blind. I believe I could get one loaned from the local dealer, since I know him personally, but I just don't feel comfortable loaning it to go and buy a used one right thereafter. 🤷♂️
btw, the Salon2 speakers are incredible in their own right. and I normally associate some incredibly high-current and high-powered amps to drive any YG. they are normally a pig to drive.
@mattnshilp
I also lust for Gryphon's Kalliope, but, again, way beyond my budget. 😢
will PM you, even if just for morbid curiosity. 😜 |
@hchilcoat
the former: the Cantata got crushed. and I LOVE my Cantata (have had it for 9 years now - the longest I've had any piece of equipment). it wasn't subtle nor pretty.
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