sls883

Responses from sls883

Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@big_greg I don't have my DH Labs cable, yet.  Apparently, it's direct shipping from DH Labs.  Upscale Audio sent a shipping notice, but they want me to download an app just to get a shipping date.  I'll just wait for it.   
Aftermarket fuse to tame a bright system?
@bolong I tried several tubes in my LTA MicroZOTL preamp.  Telefunken, Siemens, Brimar Yellow T, Philips, etc. The Telefunken are the more detailed/bright of the bunch, but they sound the best in my opinion.  They didn't play well with silver cab... 
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@big_greg Did you do any a/b comparisons between a cheap cable like the Monoprice and the DH Labs?   
Relaxed/Analog sounding DAC for under $10k (used or new)
I haven't heard one, but the Linear Tube Audio Aero dac would be worth looking at. It seems to meet your requirements.  I have their MicroZOTL preamp and I really like it.   
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@baylinor Interesting. I have a DH Labs cable ordered. I may give the Purist Audio cable a try.   
Upgrading to a stand alone DAC
@baylinor  I do have a tube preamp, but it's not real tubelike. It's a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp. Solid state amp.  I have selected cables, etc that work with the R26. I think it comes down to personal preference. I think they are both... 
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@baylinor Is that the Diamond Revision cable?   
Upgrading to a stand alone DAC
@baylinor My Gustard R26 is anything but dark. Not all lacking in detail or clarity. Not in my setup, anyway.   
Gustard U18 with Gustard R26 dac?
@soix I've done enough listening now to feel safe saying the U18 was a worthwhile addition.  It's added a bit of clarity/detail and realism to what already sounded quite good. No additional harshness. This is with the $15 Monoprice hdmi cable. I... 
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@kingbr I'm currently using an Air Matrix between my dac and preamp. Also between my SACD player and preamp.  I think it's a great cable.   
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@curiousjim Upscale Audio gives a pretty good description of the cable construction. It appears to be a great value.     
Upgrading to a stand alone DAC
I have a NAD C542 and Marantz CD6006 cd player in boxes. I got a black Friday deal on a Denon DCD-1700NE sacd player and it's a lot better than them. I know you asked about dacs, but it's something to consider. I have a Gustard R26 dac that I'm u... 
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@soix I realized that the Monoprice cable that I'm using is HDMI 2.0 and it works.  Upscale Audio has a DH Labs Silver HDMI 2.0B for $70 with free shipping. I'm going to give it a try.  1/2 meter long.   
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@soix I'm honestly not expecting much, but I figure it's worth a try.  A $110 cable may not be much different than the Monoprice.  What I have now sounds really good.   
Which HDMI cable for I2S?
@soix I'm very pleased with the addition. I'm hearing a little more detail/clarity and realism.  I've been listening to my familiar music and I'm hearing more of the quiet subtle instruments. There's no additional harshness or edginess that you s...