Up grade to Dodson 218 ??

I had the last Dodson 217 version. I replaced it with the Audio Aero Prima DAC 192K DAC. Audio Aero was more natural, better soundstage, less digital, better bass, better cleaner highs.

I have not heard the latest Dodson, I hear it is significantly better than the older model.

Thanks very much Drubin. Did the tonal balance change at all? When you say "more involving" I'm wondering if it has more low level detail, i.e. is more transparent. Thanks again. I appreciate your thoughts.

My assessment of the latest upgrade is that it is certainly worthwhile at $400. To me, the Dodson sounds more refined, less mechanical, more analog-like. more involving than before.

Thanks again Drubin. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think. By the way - and this can wait - I would also be interested to know what the upgrade costs.

It's on it's way back to me. I think the software change is the biggest deal with this upgrade, but it also includes:

-three signal coupling capacitors in the digital input section

-an isolation pulse transformer added to the coax-1input

-some input impedance resistors were changed, and the input ground was changed to further isolate power line irregularities

Thanks Drubin. I'm DEFINITELY interested to hear what you think after the upgrade.

Actually, I need to correct that. There is an upgrade, just made available. It is mainly software, a trickle-down from the 218 project. Ralph Dodson says it closes the gap between the 217 and the 218 by about 50%. I'm having mine done now and will report back if anyone is interested.

Unfortunately, the 217 can't be upgraded to a 218.

I have yet to hear the Dodson 218, but I suspect from what I have heard from those who have heard that you should definitely get one. I guess it is the oversampling king!

I traded my Dodson 217 MKII for the audiomeca and have been very pleased. Darker background. Big soundstage. Better base. You may want to test one out.