Hi Grannyring,
I'm stunned by your post, but respect your candor. You've been a very
vocal and stanch supporter of computer digital systems. This is quite a
change of direction ( I know that ultimately you trust your ears).This
borders on shocking given the many pro- computer comments from you.
Never thought you would return to CD spinning (which I happened to enjoy
immensely). All my component choices are guided by the ability to
preserve and honor
emotional engagement and communication to the soul of music, if keeps
things real.Welcome back.
Charles, |
Grannyring,
I thoroughly understand your rationale. At the end of the day simplicity and superb music reproduction are the top priorities for me . I'm glad it all worked out for you.My lack of interest in computer audio is exactly for the reasons you've listed.Jwm's PS Audio transport and Lampizator is excellent but I know you wanted a single box solution.
Charles, |
Grannyring wrote "I just want to listen to the music more than the sound with the Romulus". That essentially says it all. The litmus test for me has been this, do components cause you to get lost in the music or do they have you analyzing the sound.IMO the best audio components draw your attention to the emotional and communicative power of music. The more hifi like components lead towards a focus on a check list of sound parameters. Well anyway, that's been my experience .
Charles, |
Grannyring,
It doesn't matter how you purchased your Romulus DAC, the point is that you got it and are happy with it. I don't know why some people are concerned with how other adults choose to spend their money. Vacation travel, audio components, jewelry, boat or custom tailored clothing etc. We all have our personal preferences. We all certainly have different disposable income spending budgets. So what's out of reach for one is easily obtainable for another, that's simple reality. What brings the most joy and satisfaction is what should be pursued and is an individual matter. You could spend 500.00 on a DAC and be pleased, or spend 50K and be frustrated and unhappy. The converse is also true.
Charles, |
Bill,
The Star Sound Sistrum platforms have been very worthwhile and exceptionally cost effective in my system. I'm not surprised that you like them. The Apprentice versions are really an asset.
Charles, |
When will people come the realization that we all hear differently and have different taste.This topic comes up over and over again the source to amplifier versus the insertion of a preamplifier.
There will always be differences of opinions because we all hear differently .In my opinion a first rate tube preamp is an absolute mandatory necessity other people simply don't feel that way. So be it. |
Bill,
I know you've tried the Lightspeed as well as other passive units.I recall a couple of years ago you preferred the April Music DAC direct source to amplifier over the TRL DUDE in your system. No one can say you didn't try your best to get rid of the active preamp. After all of that the active tube preamp is back. Without the full true tone and dynamics the music ultimately sounds incomplete, just listen to live acoustic instruments(color,body,harmonic richness, i.e. life and emotion).Bill I give you credit, you sure did try your best to abolish your preamp.
Charles, |
Audiolabyrinth,
You simply have to go down the path that works best for you. I have no interest in telling others what's right for them, none.I just relate my listening experiences and the outcome observed. Premium active (tubes for me in particular) preamplifiers present more naturalness, truth and realism and I must have that vital contribution.
Charles, |
Grannyring +1, "no absolutes in this hobby" profound in its brevity and honesty. Configuring an audio system is a mixture of knowledge, direct experince and art.
Charles, |
Bill,
There is actually a lot of logic in your statement concerning the Yamamoto DAC when you factor in the man behind it. Shigeki Yamamoto made/earned his reputation via his SET amplifiers and analog cartridges over a 20 year period(primarily in the Japanese market). He was determined to apply this experience and audio aesthetic and perspective to his DAC(he certainly succeeded ). Utterly organic, it just sounds right reproducing music as you have noted and I agree with you.
Charles, |
I understand Kana813's point in this sense, technically Grannyring's modified Romulus isn't "identical" to the official Signature edition. Having acknowledged this point it's surely possible that Grannyring's version could be the better sounding unit. A majority of listeners might prefer the Jupiter copper foil caps to the Signature's Dynamicap option.A very good preamp may out perform the VC sound card option.
Charles, |
Wison,
Bill (Grannyring) sold his Romulus and is currently using the Japanese Yamamoto DAC and PS Audio transport(PWT).
Charles, |
Wisnon,
I have no doubt that the Big 7 DAC sounds fantastic. I use a DHT(101D)Line Stage and a 300b SET amplifier. DHT tubes when implemented properly just seem to be able to reproduce music in a most natural manner.The Yamamoto some how, someway has a very similar music making character. There truly are many roads that lead to Rome. The synergy aspect of putting together a system can't be overstated.
Charles, |
I've owned my Yamamoto DAC since Feb 2010 and plan to keep it for a very long time. There are two versions, transistor and tube. Bill and I have the SS model. I haven't heard the tube DAC. 6 Moons did a review of both and found the same family signature with "subtle" differences. They said if you like one, you'll like the other. The retailer who I bought from felt the same for what it's worth.
I trusted his opinion and got the SS version as it was 500.00 USD less. I generally much prefer tubes but in this case I made an exception. I have no regrets, as Bill said the DAC sonically mates with the DHT presentation quite well.Ultra simple circuit,minimal filtering, no Op amps or NFB are probably major factors to the natural sound it has. |
