audphile1

Responses from audphile1

Gustard A26
Very easy to believe there are inconsistencies between same model DACs…i.e. R26. These are, after all, made in China sold on amazon cheap low quality garbage stuffed with attractive features. What is hard to believe though is how persistent one ca... 
auralic Aries G 2.1 to Holo May KTE
You can try AES/EBU and USB. I predict USB to be a better sounding option. Use high quality cables. Also, try the Auralic in WiFi vs hardwired. I remember the G1 I had was pretty good in WiFi mode given a stable and fast WiFi is available.   
Should I add a DDC?
With a cost of a clock plus additional cables why not just step up to a Terminator instead of dumping money into clocks and cables. I’m having a hard time believing a clock on the Pontus will bridge a performance gap between it and the Terminator.   
Luxman JPA15000 power cord?
Isn’t it a stock power cord? Besides having no guarantee if it’s genuine or not, why would you pay $200 for a stock power cord?  I you want a low cost power cable try Audience Forte f3.  
Phono stage for second system
Another vote for Sutherland. Loved my 20/20 with LPS. Solid support from Ron as well in case of questions, etc  
Rogue Audio RP-1 DAC use
@iovi66 thank you!   
FYI: Aurender A15 and A200 Models Are Now ROON Ready
Tried Roon with my N200. I prefer the sound using the Conductor and Aurender proprietary processing. Roon is awesome for music discovery and non-critical listening (with Aurender that is).  
Esoteric owners, USB or S/PDIF?
Depends on the streamer clock. What streamer are we talking about here?  
PS Audio BHK signature preamp
@signaforce it’s for the best. You will be amazed by a better amp in that system. Keep us posted.   
Rogue Audio RP-1 DAC use
If your RP1 has stock JJs you should plan to try better tubes. Brimar CV4003 from Upscale Audio were amazing in the RP1. Gold Lions were really nice as well.   
DAC shopping - Trying to sift through the Hype. Can I trust the reviews these days ??
@bunkertoy I had Bel Canto DAC3. Used it with USB from Mac Mini and tried it with CD transport as well. Not a bad DAC but modern DACs in the same MSRP price range are better for the most part.    If you want to try an R2R DAC I’d recommend stretc... 
PSAudio Directstream DAC M-1 (refurb) vs Denafrips Venus II. Quick decision needed!
@howardlee PS Audio DSD MkI is always available on a used market where you can pick it up for around $1200-$1400. I wouldn’t sweat it. If Venus sounds good to you, keep it and enjoy it.  
Gustard R26 - different sound signatures in different units
@magon You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear get a better DAC on a used market rather than starting with a bad one and dumping more money into it for mods.   
Weak link
Room acoustic treatment and dedicated lines. I would re-evaluate after the room is done.  
Gustard R26 - different sound signatures in different units
You got one r26 and didn’t like it. So you decided to pick one more up. Now you have two DACs you don’t like.  For that price you could have purchased a really nice non Chi-Fi DAC.