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Can Digital beat our Analog installations?

Having gone a long walk on developing my analog systems I am addicted to phono reproduction. Nevertheless I always kept an eye on CDs and also SACDs. Before I currently updated my digital dCS chain to the complete Scarlatti boxes I experimented on the best wordclocking connections. in the end I decided going for an additional rubidium clock added to my Verona master clock.

I am using also a second system equipped with the Accuphase 800 drive and 801 DAC, an Esoteric XO1 Limited and a Wadia 861 SE for other utilization. Let's concentrate on the dCS stack. These four boxes are sounding such good and analog like that I like to question my friends, Why isn't Digital an alternative to our best analogue chains?

So it's time comparing digital vs. analog systems and maybe some sophisticated digital chains are beating our sophisticated analog systems. Will it be possible?
thuchan

Showing 5 responses by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Can u describe a bit more on your clocking arrangement? I own the dcs Scarlatti also... What about cables for the clock?
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hi, I've tried 3 types of clock cables. All were clearly audible. dCS Stock, Cardas Lightning 15 and Purist Proteus Provectus Praesto. I prefer the Purist out of these 3, however the Cardas is a lot better than stock. Seems to bring more focus and lower the noise floor...

Right now still using firewire (I've tried stock and audioquest diamond)....The audioquest again made a improvement...although I though the clock cables was more dramatic and crucial...go figure.

I have not updated to the new firmware yet for AES 2 off the transport to DAC. ( I just have the Scarlatti Trans, Clock and DAC) (have you?) Wonder if AES 2 vs firewire is better for SACD?

What do you notice with with out the rubidium clock as a reference? (and what brand model # pls)

Thanks in advance
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Lewm, dont think of noise as like noise (hiss/hum). In this case, it allows more musical info to emerge. So maybe a better analogy is like a focus ring on a camera, allowing the image to be better percieved from the background when optimal focus is found...hope that helps...
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
czarivey, we're discussing clock cables connecting our wordclocks to the dac and trans...the cables aren't themselves the clock...
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Thuchan, I am with you. I have great analog and a great digital set up, To me, it depends on the software which is better...digital has come a long long way...I can only imagine how the Vivaldi improves on our Scarlatti...I'd love to try the dCS Vivaldi DAC...keeping my dCS Scarlatti clock and trans...
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