Any better DAC then dCS Scarlatti?

Interesting topic. It seems like this question reprises itself in some incremental variant form every few days or weeks. I have the MPS5, dCS Paganini, Esoteric rubidium clock and the Boulder 2020 on hand right now. Owned for 6-18 months: Esoteric P03D03, dCS Elgar plus, Wadia 921/931, Esoteric D05 in the last 2 years. I would say that the Wadia, dCS Paganini and MPS5 are somewhat orthogonal to each other in sound (imagine a multidimensional relation rather than the so-called Type 1, Type 2 flavor in another Agon thread).

My impression is that the Paganini set, clocked by Esoteric, is much clearer and with better air and resolution than the Elgar plus stack but it has been some time. Oh, and I had the Zanden Signature DAC and still the Mark III...

The one DAC I have been tempted to try is the MSB...but one can only have so many digital systems without being overly nuts!

Hi Wflm,

Would you need to change amps if you change speakers, even if they are still Avalon models? I have found that a change in speakers usually caused me to first embark on finding appropriate amplification, if the amplifiers I own at the time of change do not mate properly. I would also add that in my setups, the change of preamp has returned the most dramatic difference, following the speaker/amp combo. Digital setups have varied but the differences are not normally that dramatic or drastic. I currently own the dCS Paganini synchronized with an Esoteric rubidium clock and the MPS5, among others. Differences are material, significant and I have more than one on hand for preference and choice, keeping my other gear constant.

Wflm,

Do you think your room can support the two 11" drivers in the Time? I would consider getting something to determine what your room modes are. I bought the XTZ Room Analyzer software and the exercise has been very instructive and constructive. I decided to purchase some room acoustics, in moderation and in acceptable fabrics, to deal with my room. I would say it has been the best <$300 I've spent in this hobby, notwithstanding all the great deals I've managed to scoop up on my system itself. You'd also be able to measure the response of your speakers in your room and, if your dealer offers in-home audition, measure the Times.

That's an interesting point the writer makes in the CA link. It makes eminent sense if one is using a computer server to employ room correction. I am auditioning the Trinnov Optimizer in my setup right now and my preliminary assessment is quite favorable. I consider myself a critical listener and so far, so good with the Trinnov.