Audio alchemy .......REPORT


DAC-in-the-BOX This little sucker packs a serious punch. I just picked one up for $49 from northern audio exchange. I can't believe this itty bitty thing can sound so good. I just bought it to try it out and to hold me over until I get a bel canto dac 1. It blows away the $1300 wadia 12. Man that thing is bright and harsh. I enjoy the DITB more than my theta probasic 2 ($2000). Although the theta was a little more powerful and the imaging was more defined it was to bright and not as smooth or natural as the Dac-in-the-box sounds. I know these other DACs are a little older but I would never have guessed they could be beat out by a $300 DAC that is a tenth the size and weight.The DITB is a must for an average dvd player upgrade. I hear the music and look at the audio alchemy and can't believe it's pumping out this much great sound. It's almost funny seeing this dinky dac hooked up with all my highend gear. It's also kinda funny thinking my digital wire costs more than my DAC did new. I can't wait to try the bel canto. system:Thiel, classe, MIT, pioneer DVD player, passive preamp. Ps does anybody know northern audio exchanges user ID? I want to leave feedback but can't find it. And hopefully they will leave me some too.
kacz

Showing 2 responses by redkiwi

Hi Kacz. A bit off the subject, but I have found the Pioneer DV-525 to be a great CD transport - wonder which model you have. However, I found that it desperately needed some deadening of the chassis - and had some success with Isogel small footers - how do you get on with this?
Hi Kacz. I am using it with a Theta Gen Va DAC while my Theta Data III is away (I have had one die on me and this latest one seems terminal also - I am not enjoying this). But I have got to say that with the DV-525 in place I do not miss the Data III. I use a pretty good rack too, but I found without a lot of damping there was a hardness to the sound. I tried a sand bag on top and that improved things, then cones underneath and it got better still - but just the Audioquest Sorbogel feet (I said Isogel last time and that was a mistake) underneath was even better. What knocks me out about the DV-525 is the great detail and the outstanding dynamics. By the way, I have heard the DV-05 is about the same when used as just a transport - but I have not heard it.