Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Matt,

Thank you for a nice initial write up, and for nice suggestions about the finalized packaging and looks!

Few things, if I may:

1. The unit was double-boxed, but I've asked my brother to unpack it so you can see it with the white printed box. Maybe you noticed that there was no shipping labels or any such marks on the box.

2. We have sleeves coming up for covering the entire unit with the company logo on them, but they did not arrive on time, sorry about that.

3. The foam pieces that hold the two sides of the DSD-S are tested well, so there will be no damage of the unit, even if you throw it UPS style from 3 meters above ground. :-) Of, course, it is always possible to add more foam so it looks even more secure, this is not a problem.

4. Honestly, I find it very surprising that the DSD-S sounded harsh on the top in your system. Maybe it is a good idea to try it with different cables, hopefully not Silver, and preferably non-shielded (or lightly shielded). Experiments with the RCA and XLR outputs are desirable, as well as trying the DSD-S direct to your amplifiers. The other thing is alternating between DSD64 and DSD128 modes and see which one you like better. As I've mentioned in the instructions, DSD128 is cleaner, while DSD64 is more rounded, that can be helpful with some bright recordings, for example. Finally, this DSD-S has barely 200 hours on it, so it may need more, especially after being shipped overseas and not played for several days, as you pointed out already.

I find your comments very valuable, thanks again!

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Aplhifi-Alex, There you go again with the good humor, these days, It's not that often I get a good laugh, you said, There will be no damage to the unit even if you throw it ups style from 3-meters above ground,,, LOL!, my sentiments of ups period, I have went through all kinds of mishaps with ups!, I try my best to stay clear of them, from time to time, I am forced to accept frieght or packages from them, The frieght business model is alot safer bet, like to see them attempt to throw Frieght!, Ha,Ha.

Alex- Are the fuses top tier audiophile grade? Do you think upgrading is worthwhile? I welcome your input and comments as I did Steve during my eval of the ODSE.

Matt, only the fuse marked 1.0A matters for the sound quality. The other one is for the standby power. After trying many well regarded fuses, I have chosen a certain type that sounds best for my application. So yes, you have topnotch "audiophile" fuse already installed. :-)

Please note that the DSD-S is voiced as it is, without additional tweaks.
Adding weight on top or nicer feet may result in different/better sound, but that is something you can do after you decide if you like the DSD-S or not.

Just like Stillpoints made a difference on your "milled from solid aluminum" amplifiers, I am sure that such devices will improve any audio equipment.

Coming back to your comments, the DSD-S can be anything else but harsh.
Maybe the harshness in your system will go away with burn-in but, sometimes, it can be caused by cables or other components on the line, not capable of processing the energy present at the source. This is similar to a pinched garden hose. :-)

Anyway, I'd suggest that you just let the DSD-S play for a week and then listen again. Then you can experiment with cables, for example. BTW, which outputs did you use for initial evaluation?

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

"07-30-14: Mattnshilp
Mrd1241 - Empirical Audio ODSE is my current reference."

Thank-you Matt for the reply. I do appreciate your work, however unpleasant it probably is 8^)

What transport are you using with the ODSE?
Thanks.Mark

Matt, with the exception of the fuse, the big L7 is fully tricked out. No other tubed dac comes with EML45s stock.

I will be adding a Synergistic quantum fuse when I get my 7 next week.