I agree completely with your comments about the Tranquility DAC and my experience with Eric and everyone associated directly with dbaudiolabs. They are very interested in helping Tranquility users make the most of their DAC and related systems.
I must admit that when the first accolades for the Tranquility appeared on Audiogon I was very, very skeptical, and if you look, you will find my generalized disbelief regarding the various testimonials. Much later, a Tranquility came available on the 'gon used, and I bought it. Was I ever surprised. Surprised and genuinely humbled. The first thing I did after listening to it for a few days was to call Eric Hider and apologize for my published bad attitude toward Tranquility users/reviewers and my comments directed toward the various testimonials here and elsewhere about the DAC. In fact, if you are one of those who received my harsh skepticism, I offer my apology here, right now. I couldn't have been farther from the truth making those remarks.
All I can say to you is... when you can afford to do so, get a Tranquility SE model... just as you were very pleased and surprised by the basic model, I think you will be very pleased with the SE version. When I received mine, it was a considerable surprise to the upside in all respects. I was, quite literally, astonished, and even though I've had it for several months, particular passages on particular tracks absolutely amaze me with its sound stage, point sourcing, musicality, detail, and general pleasure. I have a very high annoyance level with sibilance, and unless the recording is a poor one, the Tranquility minimizes that irritant, not by suppression, but by extension.
And I agree, Pure Music is a perfect partner with the Tranquility. Also, I strongly suggest buying the very best USB cable possible (Ridge Street Audio as well as dbaudiolabs come to mind) as well the best power cable you can afford (I have a RSA Poiema!!! on my SE). I also recommend the Oyen peripheral MiniPro HD with a 2010 MacMini... quite a synergy overall.
Thanks for starting this thread, as I hope that other Tranquility owners will step up and share their opinions and experience.
:) listening,
Ed
I must admit that when the first accolades for the Tranquility appeared on Audiogon I was very, very skeptical, and if you look, you will find my generalized disbelief regarding the various testimonials. Much later, a Tranquility came available on the 'gon used, and I bought it. Was I ever surprised. Surprised and genuinely humbled. The first thing I did after listening to it for a few days was to call Eric Hider and apologize for my published bad attitude toward Tranquility users/reviewers and my comments directed toward the various testimonials here and elsewhere about the DAC. In fact, if you are one of those who received my harsh skepticism, I offer my apology here, right now. I couldn't have been farther from the truth making those remarks.
All I can say to you is... when you can afford to do so, get a Tranquility SE model... just as you were very pleased and surprised by the basic model, I think you will be very pleased with the SE version. When I received mine, it was a considerable surprise to the upside in all respects. I was, quite literally, astonished, and even though I've had it for several months, particular passages on particular tracks absolutely amaze me with its sound stage, point sourcing, musicality, detail, and general pleasure. I have a very high annoyance level with sibilance, and unless the recording is a poor one, the Tranquility minimizes that irritant, not by suppression, but by extension.
And I agree, Pure Music is a perfect partner with the Tranquility. Also, I strongly suggest buying the very best USB cable possible (Ridge Street Audio as well as dbaudiolabs come to mind) as well the best power cable you can afford (I have a RSA Poiema!!! on my SE). I also recommend the Oyen peripheral MiniPro HD with a 2010 MacMini... quite a synergy overall.
Thanks for starting this thread, as I hope that other Tranquility owners will step up and share their opinions and experience.
:) listening,
Ed