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EAR Acute Classic - has anyone heard or tried it

EAR just released a new cd/dac single unit: the EAR Acute Classic  http://www.earyoshino.com/Acute-CD-Player/

Has anyone heard it or tried it?  I previously had the EAR Acute 3 but sold it a few months ago.  I really loved it but thought the DAC portion could have been better, but it was a little dated (came out about 5 years ago).  I'm really interested in this unit and would appreciate if anyone can offer any feedback on it.  I don't have a local dealer near me so am reaching out to others who may have more experience with it.
djfst

Showing 7 responses by djfst

djfst OP
169 posts
 
I would say that if you weren't satisfied with the Acute 3
Charyo,  I stated that I loved the sound of the Acute 3, but only felt the DAC is a little dated.  Not sure I understand what you can gather from a price point - why couldn't a newer model 5 years later be a significant improvement?  Technology has changed drastically in the past few years.
djfst OP
169 posts
 
The "4" is a separate DAC with separate CD transport.  It came out 2 years ago.  The DAC is $8000 and the CD transport is another $5000.  The Acute Classic just got release a couple of months ago.  It is a single unit which is a CD and DAC, retails for $6800, as it replaced the Acute 3.  It has 2 output tubes instead of 4 tubes in the DAC 4, but is based on the DAC 4 design.  It is about half the price of the DAC4/CD transport, so seeing what the performance of it is. 
djfst OP
169 posts
 
Manufacturers now using their own algorithms, DAC chips have significantly improved, circuitry advancements…..  So many factors contribute to a sonic difference (though it may look the same).  Doesn't necessarily make it better, but they are different.  Many companies are entering the DAC market as well, increasing competition and getting more performance for less money.  DSD, HDI, USB interfacing, file compatibility, etc.  
djfst OP
169 posts
 
I don't have any DSD files, so this is why I have a particular interest in the Acute Classic.  If I have hirez files, I'd opt for the Dac 4 with SACD/CD transport.   
djfst OP
169 posts
 
There never was an Acute "4".  The DAC 4 is a separate DAC with a separate CD transport.  The Acute 3 is now the Acute Classic, which is the combined DAC/CD into one unit
djfst OP
169 posts
 
The "4" is an entirely differently unit than the Acute.  It is a separate DAC and CD transports.  The Acute 3 is now the Acute Classic.  There never was an Acute 4 (combined DAC and CD into one unit).
djfst OP
169 posts
 
I will be placing an order for the Acute Classic in the near future (hopefully in the next month).  There has been some issues with the DAC 4 and using DSD - it is pretty temperamental and has a loud pop when going from DSD to PCM tracks (that was my dealers experience).  He thought the PCM tracks were fabulous though.  Being I have no DSD, I will be getting the Acute Classic.
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