Anyone out there using a yggdrasil dac with an Innous Zenith MK2 that would be willing to share their experience with that combination. I've read mostly positive reviews of the yggdrasil, but none with a Zenith. I'm currently using the Zenith with a NAD M12 pre/dac. While the SQ is very good, I'm looking to sell the M12 and buy a tube pre amp.
Source to DAC may be the least ‘synergy concern’ when building a system. Any good clean and quiet source, like the mentioned ZENith, will do fine with your favorite DAC of choice. Choosing a server source IMO is more about jitter control, usb implementation, features and ergonomics and will mate well with almost any DAC of the same caliber. I’d have more synergy concerns for choosing the right tubed pre to go with your amp/speaker combo. Your pre choice will end up being more important than DAC choice.
Keep in mind the Yggdrasil USB input is designed in a way that will homogenize transport quality and sonics to a degree. I would opt for a digital transport that outputs S/PDIF via AES or BNC as an ideal mate for the Yggdrasil, avoiding USB and what amount to $3000 computers for audio purposes.
With the Zenith, USB is the only way. I'm OK with that because I'm mostly interested in the DirectStream DAC. But before I go that route, I was hoping to get feedback from anyone who might be using a Yggdrasil with a Zenith.
I have a Zenith SE with Yggy2. They work great together.
limniscate, that's good to know. Thank you.
I'm tempted to buy a PS Audio DirectStream DAC. There are quite a few on agon right now. But for the price difference, I can also buy a decent phono stage/pre amp that I'll need when I sell the M12.
Oldschool, you may want to look at the T+A Dac or a Aqua Hifi La Voce.
The La Voice is a brand new $4k dac from Aqua that is tube based so it has a fantastic midrange, The early reports on this dac are suggesting that it will outperfom most of the stalwarts at that price point and way beyond.
The Aqua Dac are more modular than almost anyother dac if you look at the insides of a Aqua product you will see many independpent boards vs most of the other digital companies who use one main board and maybe one daughter board, this makes their products very upgradable.
The Aqua sound is very lush and full with remarkably big soundstage and good detail retrival.
You should PM us for more details considering we spoke once before about the Inuous that you now own.
I asked the company at a show, what was their favourite DAC under £2000, to match the Zenith. they had no second thoughts, the newish Chord Qutest. I've heard them together and the sound is excellent.
This months HiFi News, a UK mag, reviewed the Qutest and ended by saying, "Is there a better DAC under £3000?" Their answer was no of course. Not saying I agree, but the Qutest is remarkable at £1195. Not sure what it is over the pond.
I asked the company at a show, what was their favourite DAC under £2000, to match the Zenith. they had no second thoughts, the newish Chord Qutest. I've heard them together and the sound is excellent.
This is good news. The price is much better than the DirectStream or the
La Voice. Thanks.
I'm going to the Capital Audiofest next month. Hopefully, I can talk to Innous or Chord while there.
I'm not sure that's fair cortes, no magazine can be 100% trusted, because of commercial pressures, but reviewing on the basis of country of origin? HiFiNews is very enthusiastic about US products, particularly ARC and Wilson of course.
OldSchool, I forgot to say, the Innuos rep said there are upgrades coming out early next year, for the Zenith2, which I have as well. If I remember correctly, there is an internal power supply upgrade, from the Zenith 3 and an external USB input, which came out of development of the Statement Server. That of course, would be available to you, as no internal mods required. Not so sure about the internal power supply upgrade. You wouldn't want to be paying to send your Zenith to Europe and back. Perhaps you can ask the company about that when you go to Audiofest.
I bought a demo Zenith from a local dealer after hearing it in my system, knowing the MK3 was coming out. I compared it against my McIntosh MCD 7008 CDP and Squeezebox Duet. Needless to say, the Zenith SQ was considerably better. I'm quite happy with what I have - but, will definitely check into the upgrades.
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