Hello Fullrun.
I thought I should give you feedback now I have had some time with the e22. Unfortunately the answer is not a clear cut one.
I found the e22 fed with DSD @ 5.6MHz sounds very good, and I'm not yet decided if it sounds better through my Lamm preamp or driving my McIntosh MC275 directly, which in and of itself is telling already. It sounds very good. BUT there are some considerations too:
1) the above is when upconverting 16/44 files to DSD using HQPlayer. I tried doing this with JRiver and didn't like the outcome. Such upconversion is resource intensive at the PC, so you need to have a suitable machine. And I find HQPlayer's interface cumbersome at best, and requiring a laptop to remotely control my headless server vs. jRemote on my iPad when running JRiver.
2) When using JRiver and playing 16/44, 24/96 and 24/192 files natively, I found my Audiophilleo with PurePower feeding my Metrum Octave feeding the Lamm LL2 sounded better than the e22 feeding the Lamm. I can hear some glare on voices, especailly female, and find the sound in general a little more harsh.
So I haven't decided yet. Another comparison I need to make is with Audiophilleo and Metrum driven by JRiver and with Windows server in core mode and with the Audiophile Optimizer on. The last two make a significant impact in that setup. And try that vs HQPlayer feeding e22. Unfortunately HQPlayer doesn't work with the AO, so the cycle time to do A/B is rather significant.
I hope this helps and I hope I'm not flooding you with info. Feel free to ask back.
Cheers,
Horacio |
Thanks again, Lewinskih... appreciated. I don't think there is one clear answer.... in truth, your ears will be the most discerning audience and proof. They are the other component in play :)
I would be very interested on your final take regarding the exaSound e22. I have several friends who are audio designers visit our home (an apt in NYC - which gives rise to a different kind of acoustic dynamic). But, each has told me that I am in good shape and have made the appropriate tweaks. It's hard to beat these old pre war buildings in terms of acoustics.
Living in an apt has given rise to me creating a system that provides a very truthful and intimate relationship with the music... and i try to keep it as simple and as refined as possible. I was only willing to consider the audio computer set up when I could begin to hear digital playback began to become more organic and engaging. But, you've been very kind.. and would love to hear your feedback on the exaSound. I know that Audiostream had very strong and favorable things to say about it. I also want a manufacturer that is reliable... and that will offer a decent warranty. Thanks again. |
Fullrun,
Sorry I haven't followed up, and glad to see my comments helped.
I don't necessarily claim one "strategy" is better that the other, though.
One "strategy" is to optimize the server and use a DAC that is very good and server-sensitive. I believe most DACs fall into this category, and it allows the use of JPlay or Audionirvana+ in Apple with which users are very happy.
Another strategy is to spend most of your budget on a DAC that is in-sensitive to the feeding computer - the catch with those is that over the years a number of companies have claimed such independence but few, if any, have yet achieved it.
About 9 months ago AudioPhil, the maker of the Audio Optimizer, told me a laptop with WS2012 and Optimizer would get me to 60-70% of where a fully optimized server would. Not bad for a rather simple solution! In my view, buying a very good DAC and feeding it with a laptop with WS2012+Optimizer would be a very valid solution. And you could later decide if you want to upgrade the server.
Sure, the other strategy is also valid - as long as the DAC is indeed insensitive to the source! The only DAC I know of that might fit this bill and is below $4k is exaSound, but I have not come to a conclusion yet with mine (have not had the time). exaSound president told me the previous owner of my DAC sold it out of frustration he couldn't leverage what he had spent on his optimized server into sound improvements. Encouraging from my point of view, but clearly disappointing to the previous owner.
Here's another curved ball :-) We all know the room has the highest impact on sound of all "components". Many have lately spoken highly about some digital room correction units and software packages. See the thread "Is DEQX a game changer?" here. It seems that after room correction and time alignment different hardware sound more alike than different and they all sound VERY good (within certain logical quality ranges, of course).
What if we used a powerful computer running DRC/DSP and feeding an insentive-to-the-source DAC (now the heavy processing at the server wouldn't translate into jitter fed into the DAC)? Maybe the shortcomings of a not as good volume section in the DAC would be more than compensated by DRC/DSP vs. our beloved preamps?
Indeed, that is part of my hidden agenda. ;-)
In reality I am most interested in the exaSound e28, that has 8 channels. My idea is to drive a pair of 3-way speakers plus 2 subs using digital crossovers at the server and using an amp to directly drive each speaker driver (no passive XO). Hence a 2 channel preamp won't work for me. So all of this is fascinating IF the exaSound is INDEED insensitive to the fed stream.
This opens a fascinating door. I have a hard time letting go of my preamp, though. So I bought the e22 to experiment and I'm also in the process of trying Acourate DSP/DRC software package.
Sorry for the extra long post to ramble over something you didn't ask. Bottom line is both strategies can lead to easier solutions to implement or to quite sophisticated ones. A dual-PC setup using JPlay would be the extreme sophistication along the lines of the first strategy. See JPlay/Computer Audio forum for this.
Finally, do read the long thread about DEQX. I have exchanged with a user who claimed to have replaced a $30k DAC with DEQX HDP-4 and was very happy. Bifiwyne in the mentioned thread tried one at home, was thrilled, and is coping with the idea it might sound the same as without his Audio Research Ref 5 preamp in the chain - a paradigm shift for him. The DEQX might even be a good solution for you!
I know this post is coming back without a clear suggestion of what I'm proposing. I just propose you think about the options, I try to provide food for thought, and let you decide what sounds more appealing to you. Personally, I currently don't have a point of view...I might be transitioning a paradigm shift myself! |
Steve,
I will be interested in the SX as well.
Even better than your stellar customer service is your patience and willingness to create and provide meaningful and functional information on your website addressing all aspects of digital audio.
I believe your consumer base appreciates your years of dedication as a consultant which both enlightened our minds and evolved our sound systems in ways otherwise un-imagined. |
|
Fullrun - I actually have an Overdrive SE customer that wants to upgrade to the more expensive SX version, so I will have a trade-in available in the near future. I could let this go for $5500.00.
The demo Overdrive SE will only be in NJ at the Dagogo reviewer for another 2 weeks, so if you want to save $100-150 in shipping cost, you must act in the next 2 weeks. After that it will have to ship across the country to NYC.
My products get continual upgrades that my customers can take advantage of. They don't need to buy a new version usually. If you read my forum, you will see this. I have been in business a long time and my customer service is unmatched.
Thanks,
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
I am totally in agreement... and think the distinction that you've made is not only excellent, but also invaluable. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to upgrade my server. And it is interesting that you address this, as an audio buddy just informed me that he had both upgraded his DAC and although a little daunting for his computer skills installed the Windows 2012 Server with the Optimizer.
I am familiar and a member of CA. I'm currently reading the DAC reviews on Audiostream... a lot has occurred since I bought my digital processor 3 years ago. One of the reasons that I am changing is that I have lost confidence in its design and I am not pleased with their distributor's way of servicing and addressing the concerns of customers... and also what I consider a lack of extended commitment to their product. I also want to avoid a design that where a malfunction can't be addressed and repaired in an isolated way, but requires the replacement of an entire new main circuit board. Out of my recent experience, I am somewhat hesitant in purchasing a DAC that's made abroad... and where their designated technician is not really qualified. I would feel far more secure in my long-term ownership that if anything failed, I could send it back to the individual or company that designed it.
I so appreciate your input and experience. My amp is a 6L6GA E-linear custom designed stereo amp. My preamp is also excellent. They drive a pair of renovated (Wayne Piquet's) Quad 57s. Thank you.. I will definitely pursue your recommendations. You've been an audio friend indeed! |
Fullrun,,
Another factor to keep in mind is the server computer. My PC is highly optimized and I did notice a significant sound improvement with certain upgrades with the Audiophilleo+Metrum, like using Windows Server 2012 with AudioPhil's Optimizer (that's a software upgrade). My point is certain DACs are more sensitive than others to what they are being fed even if all of them have asynch USB. My Audiophilleo has asynch USB and has the PurePower option and you would think it would be insensitive to the computer feeding it, but it's not - and it's a very good converter!
Your MacBook Pro, just like any other laptop, won't be a top notch server. Sorry to be brutally honest here - I do not mean this in a mean way. But a laptop cannot take hardware upgrades like desktops can. I suggest you take this factor into consideration when selecting your next DAC. Are you willing to spend on a top notch server? If not really, then place extra value on those DACs that really are designed to isolate their performance from the quality of the server feeding them.
I say this because isolation from the server quality is a design goal for exaSound. So much so that exaSound president was giving me a hard time because I was driving the e22 with an optimized server running WS2012.
BTW, look also into Lampizator. They are VERY well liked and you can order one tailor-made to your needs, including a very good volume control. If my end goal wasn't multichannel I would be looking VERY seriously into Lampi.
Auralic Vega is very well liked by many computer audiophiles too, and I believe it has a good volume control too. At that price range there are many very good units with great volume controls. Have you checked computeraudiophile.com? |
My digital front is a dedicated MacBook Pro which I have tweaked and swapped in a solid state drive... It does nothing else but source the music. all music files are backed up on an external. iTunes simply acts as the library.. Amara and Audirvana Plus are my players. I'm looking to replace the digital processor I have.
Lewinkih01, I would be real interested in hearing your feedback on the exaSound e22. I read strong reviews for it on Audiostream as I did the Overdrive E by Steve Plotkin
Nugent if I were to consider the Overdrive SE.. which would be a budget stretch... I wouln't be able to handle the Final Drive off the bat. But let me get my ducks lined up first... and then be in touch. if I see myself being able to make that stretch. I originally was looking at a budget of 5K. Appreciate everyone's input... there is a lot of stuff out there. And I am also hoping to find a manufacturer who takes on a long term responsibility for the performance of their product. I have that experience with the designer of amp and preamp... and would like the same here. Keep it comin' |
Hello Fullrun.
I have a McIntosh MC275 tube amp and a Lamm LL2 preamp to drive it and love the combination. My digital front end is a highly optimized PC feeding (thru PPA USB card) to Audiophilleo with PurePower and into a Metrum Octave DAC. I have just received an exaSound e22 that I'm in the process of breaking-in and expect to compare it to the AP+Metrum combo later this week, and eventually compare it driving the amp directly vs thruu the preamp.
Bottom line: I cannot provide input on the e22 yet, but will be able to soon. The e22 retails for $3.5k. One feature is it is supposed to make the computer source quality irrelevant by buffering data in the DAC (not relevant for my situation, but might be for you). |
For reference, the Maverick D2 also has a solid state output. I have the outputs hooked up to different inputs on my amp and prefer the solid state feed. |
Fullrun,
I purchased the Overdrive SE will all options with the Final Drive late last year. It best any pre-amp setup I auditioned except one, the Allnic L5000 DHT with Kron tubes at around $24,000 retail.
When you are listening at level of quality, one is not necessarily better either. It is just different.
I believe Empirical is the best value for the quality it delivers.
You are welcome to PM for my thoughts on the dac too. |
Fullrun - The Overdrive SE pretty much beats all comers. I have a demo unit that you can audition with a deposit. It is at Dagogo in NJ right now, but could easily be shipped direct to you. It also has the Final Drive transformer buffers with it. These are $2999 and make a big difference in SQ for the entire system, even for your vinyl. Best transformers on the planet.
Go to my website and use contact us.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
How would you compare it to AMR's DP 777 which I currently own and wish to segway out of? And is there a place in NYC where I can audition it? And thanks for taking the time with the response. |
BTW, I use my Overdrive SE with tube SE monoblocks, 805A output. No preamp needed with this DAC, but if you have a really good tube pre, it can be even better.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Empirical Audio Overdrive SE just won ultimate DAC shootout on Audiogon:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&openflup&1177&4#1177
Overdrive SE has tube-like characteristics, but also dynamics and detail to die for. It is not harsh like most SS DACs. $6499.00
It has review by Audiostream:
http://www.audiostream.com/content/empirical-audio-overdrive-se-usb-dacpre
and currently being reviewed by Dagogo.
Winner of TAS Golden Ear award.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Thanks for responding. With a tube amp and preamp, and then adding a tube DAC in the line, concerns me with the potential of too much warmth... while I am looking for a very musical analogue playback... I have a strong preference for a unit that provides great clarity and openness. It's a balancing act. |
I have a Maverick D2 tubemagic DAC that I am happy with and I have a tube amplifier. No where near your top price range so you may not have interest in it... |
