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Opinions on Apogee Duet performance

I am looking for opinions from those of you that use the Duet or have used it. I am most concerned with the sonic characteristics used as a dac. If you can compare it to other dacs you have used that would be helpful.It looks like a good option for me as I was looking at the Mini dac in a mac based system and for it's headphone capabilities.. I am assuming that since it is made for mac that it should be plug and play. What are your experiences?

Cheers.
rrboogie

Showing 4 responses by rrboogie

rrboogie OP
43 posts
 
Cfcjb,
Have you ever tried it in your big rig? What phones are you using? I will be using a pair of HD 650.
rrboogie OP
43 posts
 
I am even more eager to hear one now! I have emailed apogee with some technical questions and if I can make it work in my system this will be my next dac.

Thanks for your reply!
rrboogie OP
43 posts
 
I need to have two sets of single ended outputs for my system. Can I use a Y cable for each channel to achieve this or is there another way to do this? From what I have read you have to switch output from either the headphone output or the breakout cable but can't output from both at the same time.I read something about aggregates or something that would allow you to output out of both but I need more info on this. I am sending one pair of outputs to my integrated and another pair to my HT receiver which gives me remote control of my subwoofer and option of mutichannel playback.
rrboogie OP
43 posts
 
Well, I called around yesterday to see if any local shops had a Duet in stock and low and behold I managed to get a used unit that had 3 days of use at a studio. I also purchased a 1/4" phono to RCA pair to run my sub from the headphone output. I can sum up my first impressions as WOW! The reviews are dead on for this unit. This is the tightest,deepest and most articulate base I have had from any of my systems. The sound is dynamic and punchy yet smooth and revealing. I was worried that the highs were not going to be to my taste which is to the warm side but these are crystal clear without harshness. In fact, I was able to listen at high levels with absolutely no audible distortion. My Dad sat in to listen and agreed that this is the best sound that I have had from my system. I am using a pair of Senn HD 650 right now as I type and I am very pleased with the head amp. I think that this is one of the nicest looking products on the market as well. The portability factor is a huge plus as well. I will have top notch sound on my weekends in Whistler or while on vacation.
Thank you to those that replied and to those that read this thread let it be known that I give this product a huge thumbs up!

Cheers!
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