Any opinions on the AMR Digital Processor 777 Dac?

All my music is ripped into the AIFF format. I have noticed that there is a very subtle difference between using the NOS dac as compared the HD dac. The HD dac has a bit of a very very very subtle airiness as compared the NOS chip whereas the NOS chips seems to be ever so slightly more solid sounding than the HD chip (of course we are talking redbook). I would not say that one is better than the other, just a very slight difference I have noticed after scrutinizing the dac over the break in periods (I have broken in 2 DP777 units). It is in my opinion so subtle as to not warrant any effort on my part. I allow the dac to choose NOS for redbook and HD for my hi-res files. I am actually planning on purchasing another DP777 for one of my other systems... it is that good. I hope that helped, let me know if you have other questions. Hrx files on this thing are incredible sounding!

Hi Audiofun,

I'm curious about what your opinion is on the 16bit NOS vs 32bit playback when you play ripped CDs.

cheers,

K

Guydebord: I can say with authority (I have broken in 2 AMR DP777 units) that if you do not have about 300 hours on them what you are describing is EXACTLY one of the characteristics I experienced. Before full run-in the DP777 almost had a mono character and left to right realization was not very good; hence instrument placement was off. Once it got past the 230 hour mark all that was an after-though.

With that said, the unit is sublime, I have literally sat and stared at it because the way it makes music is uncanny. I thought my Bidat and the Dynavox Dynastation made beautiful music and they do..., but quite frankly the AMR makes them sound dated.

I actually used the stopwatch function on my iphone and my mac mini with pure music to take note of the changes in sound at various points in time. I have broken 2 of these units in. One for a buddy and then my own personal unit.

I said it before and I'll say it again, it is better than my buddies USD ~ $38K analog front end and that is NO hyperbole. I have listened to that system multiple times and each time it fails to deliver the musicality and sheer enjoyment of the AMR.

Also note that the line stage portion of the AMR HAS to be engaged in order for it to break in along with the dac and power supply.

The DP-777 is here, used with an optimized HP touchscreen music server.

If you are in the Chicago area you can come for a demo or request an in-home audition. The CD-77.1 and CD-777 also are on display.

Authorized AMR dealer.

I had the chance to do a direct A/B with the new Audio Horizons top DAC the 3.1Sv+ (Its not even in their website yet), the 3.1Sv+ with E88CC NOS is $4.9k, the 777 as you know is $5k.

I'm still in the process of choosing, but there was something with the AMR and depth and instrument placement that just couldnt convince me immediately. On the other hand, the Audio Horizons showed more detail, 3d depth and was slightly more musical, effortless and analogue sounding. What is keeping me from not jumping to buy the Audio Horizons? The preamp of the AMR, which is very good, and it might be a necessary sacrifice.

I will continue my audition of the two, so far I have eliminated the usual suspects: Weiss 202, BADA, PS PWD, EMM MA-1, Naim Dac.

I will post again with more detail. Digital has sure leveled up with vinyl...

I will say at this point it is the best dac I have heard. I replaced my Bidat with Plus mod with a MSB Power Dac, the MSB in turn got smoked by the Metrum Octave + the Sonicweld Diverter HR. I am using the DP777 with my mac mini feeding it directly. It's built in USB connection was so good I sold my Diverter HR. I have not to this point heard anything quite like it.., and I have hear a lot of dacs. The AMR is so good, I really just don't have a lot to say about it other than just do yourself a favor and go hear the unit. I bought the DP777 and I have been thrilled with my latest aquisition. I have my mac mini usb connected and use Pure Music in Hog Mode for music. I have the analog out of the mac mini feeding one of the analog inputs on the AMR for movies and Pandora...etc.

The other analog input is connected to my PS3 for Blu Ray movies and such. It is a very very very function control center as well as a superior music making machine.

Also I can report that the built 71 step resistor matrix array preamp has a transparency that is uncanny.

It is amazing what this thing offers for $5K.

Cmalak,
Yes I still have it at my office and using a Mac mini driving it direct to power amp (GamuT D200). Does not have any other source connected so couldn't comment on how good it functions as a preamp. It replaced a Weiss DAC202 in the same system.

Sirotseta...do you still own it? What did the DP-777 replace in your system? Do you use it as a DAC-only or also as a preamp as well? Any and all feedback would be appreciated. Thx

It is one of the best DAC I've tried to date. At first it was almost a little soft and perhaps a bit too glowy, but after a month everything snaps up very well.

Art Dudley just came out with a very positive review of the DP-777 in the current issue of Stereophile (March 2012).

I believe AMR now has the review posted on their site translated into English.

Best,
Bob

This DAC performs well beyond its retail price point of $5,000. If you happen to be in the greater Atlanta area drop me a line and we can arrange for a dealer demo in our showroom or perhaps an in home audition.

From experience I can state it competes at the level of the AMR CD-77.1 CD Player.

Disclaimer: I am an authorized AMR reseller.

Here's a long thread on the AMR DAP-777 at ComputerAudiophile.com from various users that you might find useful: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/AMR-DP777

Supposed to be an upcoming review in Stereophile.

if you understand German

http://audio-life.nl/sites/default/files/recensies/amr-dp-777-review-stereoplay.pdf