Any better DAC then dCS Scarlatti?

Dear Kops,

And dCS uses 40 dacs (total) and not OEM but fully upgradeable and future proof.

I think the FPLDs used in the dCS are different compared to the ASIC DAC chips developed by AKM Semiconductor Inc., Japan in terms of being universal programmable devices as opposed to application specific optimized devices. I prefer using ASICs.

Now regarding modifiying than constructing
Imagine if someone can upgrade or modify f.e. a Scarlatti dac than to buy an already modified APL........

Let me try clear-up this misunderstanding about the NWO-4.0-SE digital player once again. It is not a modified or upgraded player; it is a complete redesign. All that is used from the original machine is the nice enclosure and the top VRDS-NEO transport (now featured only in the Esoteric P-01). All of the original clocking, digital filtering/processing/upsampling, DACs and analog stages are completely removed and replaced by our own proprietary modules and differential tube output stage featuring the vintage E182CC tubes and Lundahl output transformers. The modular topology ensures future upgradeability.
Per your suggestion, this can probably be also done with the Scarlatti DAC, but we will have to remove everything from it and install our modules. Of course, you will end up with the same looks, but still miss the top VRDS-NEO transport. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev

Dear Rainer_weber,

I think a shootout would be possible.

Let's work out the details. Please email me to schedule the time and logistics.

I would like to invite you in my showroom (see www.kaiser-acoustics.com) for this event.

Thank you for your kind invitation, it is very nice of you! Nice showroom you have! Would you please advice on the rest of the equipment that will be used for the event? The NWO-4.0-SE comes with single ended or balanced outputs, but not both. It sounds best direct-to-amp/s so the most important is whether you'd like to use balanced or single-ended amplifier/s.

Wine and food is on me!

Thank you again! And the "rotten scotch drinkers" will bring some Lagavulin, if you don't mind! :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev

Dear Murataltuev,

I can bring also LynxAES16 system to compare with USB and FireWire interface system. I have very special setup with separate power and optical PCI connection for card which outperforms any other source I've ever heard.

Would you mind also bringing some of your most favorite CDs (the originals, not copies)? This way we can all hear the difference between computer audio and the NWO-4.0-SE VRDS transport. Also, we can learn how digital interfaces/cables compare to the direct transport/DAC connection inside the NWO player.

Quality of source is so much important to compare great DACs!!!

Totally agreed!

Best,
Alex Peychev

Is it still on or have people digressed?

Oh, I can't wait! And was actually thinking if some highly regarded (SOTA, $70K+) vinyl rig will be available to shoot against? Would be very nice! I can bring some 45 rpm (including single sided) and also direct-to-disc LPs and corresponding CD/SACDs so we can compare apples to apples. :-)

Just let me know the date! :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
www.aplhifi.com

Hello Murat,

I now think that APL will win this battle, because digital cable is a dramatic problem!

I think you are correct! :-)

I only worry about tubes inside:)

The pair of the vintage E182CC tubes is outside the player, not inside. :-) The tube stage is a classic transformer-coupled design. The NWO linearity is within 0.1dB in the hearing range, so no "tubey sound" here. :-)

I'm preparing great comparision of best speakers in the world.

Perhaps you are overlooking the Gravitas NB-1?

Best,

Alex Peychev
www.aplhifi.com

The Gravitas NB-1 are not made to move anything else but your heart, Murat. Hearing is believing!

Hope to see you soon during comparision of NWO with Scarlatti!

Me too!

:-)

Best,

Alex Peychev
www.aplhifi.com

Roysen,

It will be also interesting how my new DAC-S will do against the SOTA digital contenders, including the ones you are mentioning, so I will try to bring one, just for fun. :-)

Looking forward to it!

Best,
Alex Peychev
www.aplhifi.com

IMO, also the Concert Fidelity DAC-040 Vacuum Tube Converter is better then dCS Scarlatti (four elements).

Tsuda-san of Concert Fidelity has some very fine products that sound extremely real and pleasing, so I will not be surprised if someone prefers his products.

As for the shootout, it never happened. However, there are two reviews in the the Norwegian audiophile magazine Fidelity. One for the DAC-S and the other for the NWO-M. Interestingly enough, after auditioning the NWO-M, the Fidelity editor has a NWO-MS (Master System) on order and will take delivery very soon.

Just FYI.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev