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Revelation Audio Labs Cryoed Silver Umbilical vs Audio alehcemy OEM

I ordered a Topping D90iii Discrete to hopefully replace my 4-5 yo Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 ~2008, (often available for < $1000/ ORIGINAL MSRP; $2695 IN ~2008 DOLLARS) that still sounds great, has easily revealed changes;  different cables, PCs, even footers, but is lacking a little transparency.
The fly in my ointment is the Topping volume control, whereas the AAs internal dac has an ANALOG preamp. I ordered the Discrete just prior to being made aware of Revelation Audio Labs Passage Cryo-Silver umbilical by AG member @Icherepki. He wrote: I’ve only tried the stock umbilical once, just to get a feel for the difference, and couldn’t get it out my system quick enough. Now Im no stranger to cables and was planning to upgrade the umbilical a couple years ago, but never got around to it. So... thinking, if it doesn’t knock my socks off, I’ll connect the D90 iii Discrete.
 
I just got it and it is a mind blower. This umbilical was all I was missing. If you’re on the hunt fo a quality dac/pre or if you have a AA DDP-1 + PS 5 I highly suggest stop chasing after any other dac, find an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5  (THERES’ ONE ON AG FOR $699) and replace the OEM umbilical with this one for $289/0.5m, which seems like a lot until you hear it 
tweak1
westborn
163 posts
 

@tweak1 My experience was good as well, just slightly 'extended'. 

I was just relaying that Brad may be amenable to a little price flexibility. His flexibility is a plus and shows he is customer focused. I don't think product pricing has any relationship or effect delivery time(s) at all, or would provide a "fast|er turnaround". 

tweak1 OP
3,721 posts
 
PLAYING MORE DISCS sonically was hit and miss. I dusted of Jacintha Autumn Leaves (24K DSD ) and was gob smacked, so will play more before ordering the coax able
 
tweak1 OP
3,721 posts
 

Just received from Ali-Express digital cable https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808065125988.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.4ec11802EBvoni&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

Amazing improvement from the very first note of Jacinta Autumn Leaves XRCD. Muh better bass. Fuller across the spectrum. Hell of a bargain!!! Of course the RAL cryoed umbilical ($$$) blew away the OEM between my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5, so I figured replacing the digital cable would bring out the best in both: 100%

mrdecibel
3,149 posts
 

I had a great experience with Brad from RAL. From my initial contact with him to receiving his umbilical, it was a great transaction. Upon inserting the RAL cable, it was so apparent that the factory umbilical was a "bottleneck", to my entire system. Break-in was long, as I knew it would be, and it simply continued to improve. My preamp became a new component, and I cannot be happier. Enjoy! MrD.

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