Psickerson,
There’s no better comparison between products than having both in your system side by side. I do recognize that all rendered opinions are subjective and only reflect individual taste. No question some will choose the Yggy rather than the Ayre. The converse is also true. You are fortunate to have a direct comparison.
Charles, |
I agree with Charles. I have heard those two side by side at a store when a customer was in with the Schitt to hear the differences. I listened via the Audeze LCD-3's, which I enjoy and know well. I found the Codex to be more accurate, better staging and imaging. I feel that listening with can's give you a great idea of detail, both micro and macro, but not as good at sound staging. I'm very very surprised the Codex got so hot. I'm in shock actually. Did you ask the dealer about this? I've used the Codex well in excess of 20 times at many dealers as well as in friends systems. I have many who own one and not one have said they run THAT hot. Not taking anything away from the Schitt as I know there are many who love the company. I always enjoyed their designers products when they were with their other companies years ago, so again not taking anything away from them. To my ears the Codex is the best under 5k or so DAC I've listened to and I"ve heard many of them out here. Again, JMHO and that's why there are so many companies who are making equipment. We all listen for different things and all equipment reacts differently with other gear. How many times have we listened to something and loved it, but got it in our systems and it just didn't work?
This is why Matt always talks about what's in HIS system when he reviews for everyone. There have been so many DAC's sold because of this thread and they aren't all Empirical as Matt has loved (I bought one and loved it). |
Lampi Atlantic is killer value for money. Will beat many more expensive Dacs out there. Just saying. |
Have Metrum's Adagio DAC/preamp burning-in over here. I have been pretty happy with their Pavane but the thought of an all-in-one DAC/preamp with volume control was interesting to me. The volume is implemented similar to (the same as?) the ODSE in that it adjusts the reference voltage while the signal comes straight from the dacs.
In addition to the ability to function as a preamp, the number of dacs is doubled over the Pavane as is the overall voltage. There are dual outputs so I am able to also drive my sub from the DAC/preamp and the outputs are adjustable to either 0 or -10 dB. At 0dB the output is 6/3 Volts RMS for XLR and rca outputs, respectively. Very early impressions are of excellent drive, clarity and naturalness (as with all Metrum DACs). I will be interested to hear, after this has burned in for awhile, whether my zero-gain, buffered, SMc preamp with the tantalum resistors will sound a bit more "fleshed-out and romantic" even if the resulting sound may be slightly less precise. If that is the case, the question will be whether there is an advantage (over the Pavane) to keeping the Adagio and running the signal through the preamp. They say there is no detriment to that set-up, sort of like the choice to run the ODSE through a preamp or not, as several reviewers have done. The trick with these high resolution pieces is to provide the resolution and drive while maintaining the musicality.
It would be great to have a few contenders in one place to try as I did with my recent amplifier shoot-out. It seems that is the best way to really get to the heart of the differences. In particular, if I had my wish I would have Aqua's Formula (probably more than I would want to spend) and their LaScala (already tried it and preferred the Pavane but it was close), as well as a solid representative from Lampizator. My only trial with Lampizator was a couple of years ago with the L4G4, which I thought had an overblown soundstage and somewhat overly loose/ripe bass. That and the somewhat DIY appearance of their units at that time were turn-offs for me. They have come a long way with their newer units. |
mitch2 - Regarding your interest in the Aqua Formula and LaScala DACs, they just announced a new 'LaScala II Optologic' which is the latest version at $6,600 US. It now uses the R2R Optologic DAC technology developed for their Formula DAC. |
Mitch2, Can you share a link to your amp shootout?
Bill, I think the AQUA designation is La Scala III that incorporated the Optologic from the Formula, an upgrade from II to III is available for $1000, the difference in retail, very fair. |
Thank you bill_k for the suggestion to check out the new LaScala III DAC.
After a day of Ayre's glide tone, the Adagio (using the on-board volume adjustment) is starting to flesh out and sound pretty good.
klh007, I do not have a "link" to the shoot-out because I have not publically published much about it other than a few comments in various posts. The shoot-out as I called it, basically consisted of a comparison of primarily four amplifiers in my system over a period of about 2 years, along with a couple of other amps I did not consider contenders because they simply could not hang with the primary four. You can see a picture of three of the four amplifiers on my system page under the title, "you can never have enough power"
In short, the amplifiers included Ncore NC1200 monos, Lamm M1.2 monos, Clayton M300 monos and a McCormack DNA-2 LAE stereo amplifier upgraded to Signature status by SMc Audio. The Claytons remain in my system.
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For anyone who has or is interested in Empirical Dac, I did some more system experimentation. I am going to change my previous impressions. For an absolutely wonderful system and one that can best what I have invested in or experimented with, at 3-5 times the price, consider the ODSX and Final Drives with Antipodes Reference XLR cables and speaker cable loom. I have not found this level of synergy for some time. Feed this system into your favorite amp and speakers and I believe you will be very happy. Buying and selling gear for me has always been a money loosing proposition. At least I enjoy the journey. Save yourself some cash or invest it in other aspects of your system.
Anyone in the Pacific NW is welcome to audition the gear. |
Thanks Ketch. I so appreciate your thoughts and respect what you have to share. I'm not surprised in the least as Steve makes a great DAC. I still need to speak with you about my ethernet system I need to set up. I'm in the hospital for the next week or so, if you have time....just let me know. Thanks.
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has this thread finally had it's last gasps? I hope not as it's been a great thread and helped many of us out. I finally have my Ayre QX5 Twenty DAC fully burned in and it's sounding incredible. I'm hearing things I haven't heard before and the bass is to dye for. I'm surprised by the last remark as zero feedback designs will give you glorious music from 100hz up, but the deep bass doesn't always go as deep as you want it to. That's one reason I love the Vandersteen line from Quatro up as it gives you great bass and I can get the glorious sound of the Ayre and have it all. I also love the headphone amp on this model as I still use cans. I'm still serving music from Steve's server I got from him and it sounds awesome. I will probably sell this also though as I want an easier solution for larger storage, ability to use an iPad to control it and also to use Roon, but if I don't find what I want, I may just figure out if I can do all of that this this server.
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Hi all.
Nothing to post since I’m waiting for my odsx to come back.
The Emm Labs DA-2 demands a better source then my Mac mini. The N10 works well. So once I get my odsx I will head to head the Emm/N-10 via AES against the odsx fed via Ethernet from my Mac mini. The winner will take up permanent residence.
The rest of my system is stunningly good and needs nothing but some power cable tweaking. I’ve been to 2 dozen dealerships, a dozen audio shows and a myriad audiophile systems. Only 3 have, to my ears, outperformed my system; and all 3 were million dollar systems.....
down to the DAC wire. I’ll keep you all posted.
Thanks for keeping this going CTSooner!!! Enjoy that Ayre! |
LOL,, of course Matt. Call if you have some time tomorrow. I have to take the wife to Brooklyn for an all day seminar and then to LaGuardia. I"ll drop her off around 9:30 and then head to the city to see what shops are open. I haven't really been to the shops in the city in awhile. Not even sure where to go. Was thinking about Innovation as I have never been there. |
I would recommend the New Merlot Dac from Playback design over lampi. The Merlot Dac is designed and coded by the very guy who made DSD in the first place for sony.
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CT - so many stores in Manhatten. A few are appointment only. Wes Bender is in Brooklynn and is a great guy with a great ear. Innovative, Sound Exchange, Audio Arts, EarsNova, Lyric, Sound by Singer are all worth a visit.
Dragon_Vibe - thanks for the input. Playback has always had a strong product. |
Fascinating exercise.....
So last night I went to my son’s annual November symphony performance. He’s in an advanced Youth Symphony program and the performances are practically professional level; truly a treat and something I always look forward to. Typically they are held at the NJ PAC in Newark or one of the local High School PAC’s with exceptional acoustics. I am very familiar with the sound of this Symphony’s live performances.
Well, they lost the NJ PAC at the last minute and had to have it at a local church (smallish to medium) and I got to hear, first hand, just how much the room can affect the acoustics!
I was listening to the most accurate stereo system imaginable.... Live Music. Familiar live music no less.
Normally the performance whisks me to that wonderful music land where nothing else exists and my soul feeds on adagio and forte until it swells satiated with the meal it consumed. In this cramped space, my ears bled on every horn flourish and flute twitter. In audiophile terms, it sounded like I was listening to a horn speaker sitting in a room way to small and way to close to the speakers. If this had been a stereo system I would have declared it an utter failure. I have heard upstairs rooms at the stereo shows that sounded better then this live performance!!!
But the experiment was a resounding success. The "system", whether it be a live performance or a $3k modest stereo is COMPLETELY at the whim of the room!!! For those that spend a fortune on gear and nothing on sound treatments...... let this be your wake up call! |
Matt, I totally agree. The big problem I personally see with most folks room treatments is that they go too far. Often when they get advice from the treatment company themselves, their rooms become very deadened and unrealistic in the reverse. I've found over the years that I have become better and better in treating my own room. I just walk around and listen for harsh spots and where the reflections come from and up go beautiful quilts or something to absorb or reflect. Big plants in the corners of the room and a diffusion panel (albums racks work GREAT for this purpose) on the opposing walls and of course a rug or carpet in front of most speakers is usually needed. I rarely find the need to do much more in my rooms (four different houses). I'm lucky in that none of my rooms so far have had the 50hz resonating problem that even most stores have in their 'professionally' done rooms have.
You are dead on in venues too. I get to go see Joe Bonamassa next Monday at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT. I'm so glad it's the larger venue there (they have a smaller intimate one also). Both their rooms are outstanding in sound quality. I got to see Joe last year at Carnegy Hall and the room was all of that I thought. It was acoustic and the size of the room was perfect. This time around he has a full band so I'm excited as it's the larger room (maybe 8k seats?) and it's sold out so it will sound it's best and the room will allow everything to breath and bloom. I chose to sit in the rear orchestral seats as they are center stage and I love how the sound is back there when there's a full band accompanying him.
Yes it's all about the venue and it's cool when you have recordings where you know the venue and or the producer so you know how it was recorded. All I know is that I'm at the point in my audio journey where I'm listening for hours and hours a day, every day. I love where my room is and even though I want to sell my Treo's and get the Quatro's still, I love what I"m hearing and it's fun again.
That's really cool about your son loving his music and being gifted. I can appreciate that as you may remember. Nothing beats appreciating your offspring doing something they love and doing it at a high level of competency. Call if you get a free moment.
I did the NYC trip and was greatly let down by Innovative Audio as I looked on their site and it said open on Sundays. I even sent an email to them asking to discuss what I wanted to audition before coming down to the city. I did that days before my trip on Sunday and they never even got back to me. They have Avalon's and I love them and wanted to hear what they had that would go up against the Quatro's, but when I got there they were closed. They aren't open on Sundays and I booked the whole day around that trip. Pissed wasn't even the word. Hate being negative, but folks need to keep their websites up to date if they want my business I guess. If I hadn't sent an email to them ahead of time (as per their request on their site), then I wouldn't have been as upset.
As much as I love Johnny at Audio Connections, I can purchase anywhere. As much as I love the Vandersteen speakers, that doesn't mean they are the only speakers in the world and how could I even tell folks to audition them vs something else if I don't know what something else sounds like. Heck, I have now had two great experiences at Stereo Exchange believe it or not for headphone gear. I'd recommend them in a heart beat to folks wanting to audition top quality cans. Didn't meant to make this a negative post, but I guess I'm still feeling burned a bit by Innovative not being open or getting back to me. Oh well, their loss and someone else's gain eventually as I also need a NAS/server too.
Back to room and reflections and absorptions, lol.....(and let's throw in a bit of slap echo for fun ;) ).
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Thanks to another audio friend out in Portland, I've decided to get an optical converter and have an electrician run lines for ethernet into my audio loft. Going with the PS 1 LPS and a commercial converter I believe it is. I still need to switch over to Comcast and then find the electrician to do all of this, but it should be worth it in the long run. Then I will focus on which digital server I want to go with. There are so many questions that really need to be answered from ease of use to which software app you want to run it on. Is using a pad or phone the way you want to control it etc...? I keep vacillating from top of the line (for the US) Melco to being told to just use Roon and get a basic NAS and set it up that way. I need to rip about 2-3k CD's, so ease of that is also important.
Digital isn't easy yet. I like one box solutions like a Music Vault, but then wonder about it breaking down as I need to rip a bunch of stuff, but once ripped, how often will I ever use that blue ray drive?
I'll take suggestions on music servers/NAS drives and Roon vs on Roon. This thread is too important to let it slip any more. We are all waiting on Steve's OSDX to get into the hands of many and the new Ayre QX5 Twenty is a killer at the price. So many new DAC's coming out as we speak. I think the sound of most of the newer DAC's are better than what we had at the same time last year. It's a great time to start jumping in if you haven't.
Happy Thanksgiving to those friends in the US who celebrate. |
stumbled upon this thread today.
so, I read this thread until page 20... and then went to look how far it still went... HAHAHAHAHA - SIXTY THREE!!!!
I like to read and was reading kind of obsessively, but this was just too much for even myself. So, is, after all, the EA Overdrive SE it is, correct? Or is there something different and his Virtual System isn't updated?
Thanks in advance |
Matt just got the new ODSX from Steve. Needs to be burned in still. I sold my ODSE/SE and got the Ayre QX5/20 over the other contenders in the thread and love it. To my ears, it's just behind the TotalDAc and was very very close. I like it better than the Berk Ref in that it is more dynamic and more detailed, while still being very musical. It just keeps great timing and timber. The bass on the Ayre sets it apart for me from many other DAC's I've had in the house. This thread should keep going, but right now it's seen nearly every DAC in it change.
I was able to get a Rossini in my system with the external clock. It's a great DAC if you want hyper detail, but for my tastes it sounded just like it has in the all stores I've heard it and that's dry. Just not the musical DAC I expected. I was never able to warm up to the music. I think it's the typical DCS sound though as I've heard their top system a few times and they too left me a bit cold. EMM is the DAC a lot of the guys are talking about. I have spent some time with the new Brinkmann DAC and it's also very good, but I still like my Ayre better and it's a full digital hub.
I"m sure there will be a ton of responses as most of the guys posting have been too busy to say anything, but they will in time. |
Hi All!!!!
Wow, it’s been a while. But I finally have some new material to report. I have been using my Emm Labs Statement DA2 since I sent my ODSE off to get upgraded to the ODSX. I finally got the ODSX back last week and I am burning it in.
It looks the exact same except for a different name on the faceplate, and a cubic Zirc diamond on the volume knob. But the USB port is gone and an Ethernet Renderer is now there. I have to honestly say that the Ethernet Renderer is the way of the future and every single DAC should now come with one. The computer acts as the music server and everything is nicely packetized from server to Renderer and run IS2 straight to the DAC board.
So several new questions and comparisons have come up with the ODSX now here. The first and most obvious is to compare the ODSX with the DA2, each using their best source. I plan on borrowing a neighbors Aurender N10 and doing just that in a few weeks when the ODSX is fully burned in. ODSX with Ethernet Renderer fed by my purpose built Mac Mini running JRiver vs the Emm DA2 fed by the N10 via single ended digital XLR (its best input). That will give huge information! THEN I want to be thorough and compare my Mac Mini running JRiver to a PC running JRiver to see if there is a difference between them. THEN I want to compare the ODSX with Renderer to the Emm DA2 using a Sonore Renderer to compare the exact same source with the two DAC’s.
Finally I need to compare my current wired Ethernet to an optic Ethernet to see if there is an improvement.
Stay tuned. Lots of information coming!!!!
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Matt, as you know I'm setting up my optic Ethernet network in the next couple of weeks also. I want to come down in May (booked in April with Juice Plus convention and a trip to see my daughter in the collegiate national finals cheer comp) and I'll bring my Mac Mini server that I got from Steve. Honestly, I think it's better sounding than the Aurender or even the Antipodes that I heard. Steve may feel differently, but this server is a killer. I just need to get a Melco used as a NAS to store and rip my music. I agree that so far anything I've fed my Ayre QX5 via ethernet is the best sounding. I've heard the optical ethernet vs straight ethernet in a store a few months ago and was blown away by the subtle differences. They are small, but big at the same time as the noise floor was lowered and allowed more of the recording to come through. Yes, lot's of info. Let's also plan and visiting Lavorgna at his barn. I have an invite and it would be a blast! Call when you get a free moment. |
thanks for the update. I'm now waiting for the upgrade to my Resolution Audio Cantata DAC that seems to be scheduled for this summer before I think of chaning source. The speakers that have been played with here, however, do interest me.
Will await the updates. |
This is the thread that convinced me to purchase the QX 5 unheard, while I cant chime in on the different dac,s being currently discussed I can chime in on the optical ethernet vs straight ethernet or USB and yes the optical ethernet gives a much better portrait of the music in dynamics, soundstage, detail and air. I with back and fourth lately between USB and optic for the fact Im burning in a new preamp and its running 24/7 so during the night time I switch to the USB and when I switch back to the optical ethernet thier is a clear difference in those areas especially transparency. There is also a difference in volume levels between the two in my set up with the ethernet being a few db louder.
I feel the difference in straight ethernet vs optical is in the midrange on up, a tad more transparency and natural timber, bass is fantastic in both.
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I've been using ethernet via DLNA for years. Never bothered with USB and PC in my sound system ...
Have you guys tried running MinimServer in a NAS drive so PC is not necessary to play music? |
Knghifi - how does MinimServer run on a NAS without any processing ? I get running it on Raspberry Pi or SheevaPlug. But I didn't think a NAS had any microprocessing ability, just storage.
Reverendo - happy to talk speaker. |
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I haven’t tried MinimServer, but have been using Roon on a QNAP NAS with a i5 motherboard and 16GB RAM. It sounds great and is fast enough to run Roon’s DSP engine that outputs DSD128. Together with a Sonore microRendu Ethernet-to-USB streamer at the DAC and a Windows tablet for control, this is a simple, relatively inexpensive, high-performance solution that scales easily to mass storage. Setting it up requires just rudimentary IT skills. The high performance and relatively modest price makes me wonder if days are numbered for purpose-built audiophile servers. |
There will always be room for a purpose built, one box, easy to plug and play server. I"m honestly thinking about getting the Melco and using it only as a NAS and running my Mac Mini to run Roon and the network via an iPad if I can figure out how to get it to work. I also want to wait to hear what the new Melco's will sound like and then also to see if Roon themselves come out with their NUC soon, which I believe they are close. I want to run Roon if I can for how much fun it seems to be. I love playing with it when visiting stores and in friend's systems. |
I have done an extensive comparison of most available audiophile grade dedicated standalone servers, and the Aurender easily stands at the top of the pile. I'm not talking about DAC's with renderers; I'm talking full standalone music servers with renderers built in.
I will shortly compare the N10 to the computer with Ethernet streaming. Amongst the many mini comparisons we are going to do is comparing the Emm DA-2 fed by the N10 to the Emm DA-2 fed by the computer/Ethernet/Sonore Microrendu. Should be interesting considering the N10's amazing performance.
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Matt that will be fun to hear what you have to say. Which Melco were you using? The N1ZH or the N1A? I'm excited to hear the new units when they come out in the next couple of months. The N10 only has USB and not AES/EBU or ethernet right? |
Hi Matt, as the owner of a Mojo Mac mini, I agree with you that the better "audiophile grade dedicated standalone servers" improve on the sound of even a purpose-configured Mac mini server, and I respect your opinion that "Aurender easily stands at the top of the pile (of)......full standalone music servers with renderers built in." However, I remain curious about your audition of the Antipodes DX server. As I remember from your posts, you didn't care at all for the sound, which so far off from what most others hear that it makes me wonder whether there were problems with the unit, stored files, or interface with the DAC you were using at the time. Last year, my Antipodes DX received the Generation 2 upgrade with full Roon capability. John Darko at DAR compared the Gen 2 DX with Aurender's N100H and found, "Antipodes Audio’s flagship DX, ....a cut above its rival in price and performance." Dave Clark at Posi+ive Feedback said of the
original (Gen 1) DX, "I loved the sound. I mean LOVED. The Antipodes presents music with such scale and density that it is scary good. Space, presence, texture… extension, detail, resolution… absence of any, ANY, glare, grit, brightness, hardness… but a lot of nothingness between the notes and within the music. Damn. Stuff just happened. The music played… it flowed... washing over you like the waves of the sea. Engulfing you… engaging you… sweeping you away. The Antipodes brought out the best, but did not editorialize or color the sound. What was there was there, but with the better the recording, the better it sounded… and yet, poor recordings took on a higher level of sonic pleasure—the Antiopdes dug deeper into the music letting the beauty come out, regardless of the quality.....my highest recommendation." John Atkinson, of Stereophile, reviewed the Gen 1 DX and concluded, "Highly recommended. I said highly." In addition to the folks listed above, others who hear lots of digital gear, such as Steve Nugent and Michael Lavorgna also really like the DX. I have not yet seen anything less than a stellar review of the Antipodes DX, or of any Antipodes server, and my own experience is that the Gen 2 Antipodes DX is easily the best-sounding digital source I have used in my system.
So, while I am not questioning your opinion, I am questioning whether there may have been a problem with the DX unit you auditioned. If not, then I would chalk up your observations to personal preference. The reasons for my post are to encourage you to find an opportunity to hear another (preferably Gen 2) DX server, and also
to encourage the other readers of this thread that there are (at least) two top choices when considering a stand-alone server. http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/06/reference-grade-roon-with-the-antipodes-dx-gen-2/ http://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/audio-ramblings-the-antipodes-dx-music-server/ http://www.stereophile.com/content/antipodes-dx-reference-music-server#BTSLL31HoQZV9o0i.97 |
Guys, we all hear differently. That's why many will not ever agree with what Matt likes or doesn't like. I've heard and liked the Antipodes, but I also like the N10 too. I need to hear the new Melco N1ZH when it comes out as to me it sounds better than the Aurender N100 (again, personal taste). That said, I could easily live with the N10 or W20 as I like balanced input better than USB.
I'll still put my purpose built Mac Mini with Paul Hynes LPS up against any server out there. I don't know everything that Steve did when building the darn thing, but I bring it with me to stores on occasion or other's systems and they can't believe it. Again, my ear.
We all post about reviews etc, but we all know that they too may or may not like things that we do. If I was going to get a purpose built server over my Mac Mini, which I may do for ease of use eventually, I'd look at the N10 and the DX, but I'd also need to put the less expensive Melco in the mix and figure the work around if I felt I had to have Roon.
Different strokes for different folks as this long thread has shown time again. |
I agree with you ctsooner. All of this is just opinion based on personal preference and a whole bunch of other factors that are not the same for any two of us. It is the same for professional reviewers. That is why absolute statements rarely if ever apply for all.
One thing about your affinity for computer-based servers, depending on the player used, it is easier to add your own "special sauce" and tweak the file not only with upsampling but also using EQ to adjust for the room and/or the speaker used. That is one fun aspect of using the computer. My Mojo mini does sound good and depending on player settings and source material it can come pretty close to the sound of the DX. |
I've checked this thread out off and on but never posted to it, but thought I would throw my 2 cents in, just picked up a redbook only dac that's just knocked my socks off! It's an Audio Note Dac-3 Signature circa 1995. :-) Proof that newer is not always better and that a good design is just that, a good design.
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Mitch2 - the DX was the demo unit from the distributor, the same one used at Axpona last year. I would assume it was in proper working condition. Always happy to hear it again. I found the N10 superior in every way. I’m not a professional reviewer so no one sends me equipment to review; I need to "acquire" pieces through begging, borrowing or buying. I’m trying to get an S1 Lumin in as well. I had borrowed an A1 and also preferred the Aurender over it.
I can only report what I hear. I have a friend who is also a manufacturer who listens with me. My opinions are mostly my own but typically are agreed with by my friend. When he and I disagree or see different advantages I try to report everything to you guys.
I can say that my system and my room are reference level and demand the absolute highest level of performance from whatever enters that portal. |
How would the PS Audio Directstream Jr compare to these dacs that have been stated In this thread? |
PS Audio not in the same class. Sorry.
There is an awsosme thread here about top tier music servers. Similar to this thread about reference DAC's....
http://www.head-fi.org/t/787020/review-comparison-of-5-high-end-digital-music-servers-aurender-n10-c...
Im on page 17. There are 51 pages. 16-18 has some great info. But the general info thus far is that the Antipodes DX is good but the TotalDAC and N10 are better. And the favorite is the CAD music server, which I have considered as well.
There is commentery about ehernet based based systems but everyone goes back to the dedicated server as the ultimate source. But I'm only up to page 17....
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Thanks Matt. I too had the PS Audio DAC in and it wasn't in the same ballpark as the Empirical Audio DAC I had at the time. The Ayre QX5/20 took my system to a different level than even the EA DAC.
I would love to get that CAD here to go up against my Mac Mini. Matt have you had the Melco N1Zh in yet? If not, let me see if I can get my hands on one (when the new one comes out) and we can both try it out. I do want an ethernet connected server though as everyone who manufactures or designs seems to feel it's the best way to move the digits, but that's to do so, is a large expense to do it correctly.
Just glad this thread is going again. I think the evolution is pretty amazing. We started with everyone just throwing out their own DAC's or what their dealers want them to buy or even some manufacturer's trolling the thread, but in the end, there's nearly a consensus that there are only a handful of great DAC's still and that some of the larger names that everyone always talks about being the best values in audio etc, don't quite make this top tier. Good products in their weight class though and not to be dismissed, but if you want the best, you can read every page of this thread and make a list of about 5 or 6 DAC's that most feel are best. I've been fortunate to hear many of them and can see the virtues and faults of each one. That's probably why we all chose different DAC's for our reference DAC (money also plays a part, but not quite as much).
Thanks for the server link to the Head-fi thread. I missed that one over there for some reason. |
Has anyone else heard the Direct Stream DAC with the latest firmware updates? I feel this DAC has improved greatly since I purchased it and another firmware update is on the way soon. This unit is going through an evolution. |
I heard the latest version a month or so ago and it's not in the same league as my Ayre QX5/20. If folks want to bring in another name to check I think you need to look at Brinkmann. I heard their new DAC at an unveiling and was really impressed. It's going to be in the discussion soon, but I don't feel it's better than the Ayre (dealer carries both lines) and the TotalDac is a hair better than the Ayre, but for twice the price. Matt seems to love the EMM as do a few others. I need to get down to Matt's to check it out, but will wait until he gets his new EA ODSX burned in. That will be a fun road trip for me.
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Peter, I look forward to playing. I'd like to get your prized Ayre into my system and compare it to my prized ODSX and Emm DA-2.
i do think that sources have an affect on DAC performance, as do the sources best output and the DAC's best input. The ODSX uses a native Ethernet Renderer, which I believe to be the future. The Emm's AES input, I believe, is its best. But the USB is more flexible. The N10 soundsbest via its AES output but good from USB as well. Obviously most computers and products such as the Sonore MicroRendu rely on USB to get their signals to the DAC. It truly becomes a matter of synergy and taste.
I shall keep reporting as i have findings. Thanks guys. I'm glad I'm back in the game. I waited so long for my ODSX. |
Matt, that's a given. Promise. When I get back from the Juice Plus convention the beginning of May. You are dead on IRT source with DAC. No question. Just read the forums and you can tell. Micheal Lavorgna will say the same I bet and to me he's a true expert. When I can figure out a time, I'll ask him if he can come over if that's ok. I'm really excited to see if the ODSX will be what I think it will be. I could have had my ODSE converted as you know, but the wait would have been too long and I really loved that Ayre made a true digital component where you only need to add ethernet and some sort of hard drive. I stream a ton of Tidal now, so for me, it's the best solution. I know one other who has the ODSX, lol....and loves it. Feels it's the best he's ever had in his system. I NEED to hear your EMM as I have a few friends who own it and love it. Also, another poster on this thread who's become a good friend, has (I forget the name of it, but it's those guys up in MA who make them. I'll edit this and add the name when I can think of it. Just an MS moment as you know I have Matt, lol.) another DAC that is being updated and he swears by it. I think that right now there are probably about 5 -7 DAC's that folks swear by as their ref DAC's and then a level just below. I do feel that many of these that are 'just below' are SOOOO close (ref my Ayre QX5/20 vs the TotalDac that's twice the price, but oh sooooo close according to Michael L at www.audiostream.com if you want to check out his thoughts on both). Just a wonderful time to be getting involved with digital sound. now what we really need are better recordings for much of the popular genre's. JMHO |
When I read "For Redbook...
musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension" I thought, "Oh, he means the Schitt Yggdrasil." Then I realized it is probably not expensive enough to be considered in this discussion. Plus it won't do DSD.
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Leotis, price is irrevelevant. Sound is everything! I did hear a Schitt DAC a while ago in my room. It was their top of the line. It was excellent for the price, but it was not in the performance level of the DAC's I currently own. |
<Oppo dealer disclaimer>
Have you heard the new Oppo Sonica DAC? It's detailed, dynamic, with a large soundstage, with an excellent balanced output stage and only $799! Plays most any digital file format. I'd put it up against DACs at 5X the price. |
I just bought the Modwright Sonica DAC. Actually his Axpona demo unit. I won’t get it until after Axpona. I’m hoping that Dan took full advantage new ESS Sabre DAC chip.
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Heard the new Oppo and it's not in the same discussion as the DAC's being discussed here. Matt said it's not about price and it isn't, but I've yet to hear anything under 8k or so that compete with the DAC's being discussed and I get out a ton and get to hear a lot of stuff. There are some very good DAC's in the market from 2k and under. Codex, Schitt and a few others come to mind. If this was about DAC's 5k and under they'd be in the conversation I'm sure.
The other thing is that Matt is only interested in redbook sound and not how they sound with DSD or higher resolution. Personally, any of the great redbook DAC's also are just as good with even more detail given to them. |
re - the electrician running ethernet to an attic room
Test using WiFi vs. a long ethernet cable first - you might find that it is as good (if it reaches your room)
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I've done ethernet vs wifi on my Ayre QX5 streaming Tidal...no comparison and that's not even on a special converted wired network etc.. |
Matt, Cstooner have you guys tried the very affordably priced MemoryPlayer Mini...2500 to 3500 dollars?
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