Alan,
Thank you for your feedback. That's one heck of DAC you got, I am going to check out Tidal soon. The market is flooded with DAC'd and everyone seems to claim theirs as 'best'. I am hoping for couple of more recommendations before I make my purchase.
Someone also recommended to check out Ayre QB-9 DSD. |
"I have a question for you regarding your goals"
I don't plan to stream music I already own. The idea is to explore without shelling out $15-20 for SACD's or CD's.
It seems lot of folks have good experience with Tidal. |
"The Cambridge audio 851N you were asking about is a 851D with a cxn streamer built in"
Sonos provides great functionality and convenience but from what I read so far, the issue lies with it's mediocre Cirrius Logic CODAC and the associated high jitter clocks. I am tempted to try out Wyred 4 Sound mod for $550.00 before I dive into Azur 851N. I don't think any external DAC would help the sound until digital out path is upgrade within Sonos. |
Well, it better be...that's a 10K CD/DAC player. Since I already own two red book players, I wouldn't consider Romulus. But, Pandora signature begs for consideration :)
I would be try out the Sonos mod first and run it through my Classe pre-amp.
Here is my top five pics for a DAC-
Aesthetix Pandora
Playback Designs MPD-3
Ayre QB-9 DSD
BMC Pure DAC
?
Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated. |
I have signed up with Tidal yesterday. The HIFI service is bit expensive, $16.99/mo. if you sign up for 6 months. Otherwise, you pay $19.99. I did notice bit more transparency and overall robust sound in A/B comparison with Spotify. Overall, I was quite impressed with the Tidal sound. Looks like I am going to stick with Tidal and dump Spotify.
I am sure matters would improve with a quality dac or Sonos Connect mod.
Thank you all for great feedback. |
Hello,
Are you streaming Tidal wirelessly to your HT? I reckon, connecting my laptop to a DAC via USB cable would be ideal way to get the best sound. What can I say, I have been spoiled by the convenience of controlling my Sonos through iPad
I recall someone once told me that you can control your laptop from IPad..not sure if that's true? |
I have been auditioning Azur851N since this Friday and very pleased with the sound.
In case, anyone wants to know, this is how I hooked up Sonos -
Sonos - Azur851N via Digital Coax
Azur851N - SSP800 via XLR
Streaming music through Tidal HIFI |
Hey JI35,
You may already know this, I just found out that Aesthetix ready to ship Pandora with 'Eclipse' upgrade. The retail went up 3K from Signature Edition.
Here is the article -
We are pleased to announce the official launch of Aesthetix Saturn Eclipse components. Saturn series are classic, high value components, and their performance has risen to new heights with the amazing StealthCaps capacitors as found in their IO Eclipse and Callisto Eclipse.
Saturn Eclipse components include
Calypso Eclipse line stage
Janus Eclipse full function preamp
Rhea Eclipse phono stage
Pandora Eclipse DAC
Romulus Eclipse DAC/CD Player
StealthCap Capacitors:
Highly regarded for their ability to dramatically reduce reflections, resulting in a quieter sonic background, richer and more detailed spatial imaging, time focused musical coherence, and a broader more impactful dynamic range.
Acoustically-Damped Chassis:
Delivering new levels of articulation and clarity by improving the damping of the audio chassis and the transformer/power supply cover.
Enhanced Transformer Isolation:
As a result of our recent research into internal power supplies, the Saturn Eclipse utilizes a new mounting for its multiple transformers, enhancing isolation to further increase dynamic range. |
I agree, Tidal streaming is pretty awesome. |
Thank you for the detailed setup....and WOW!! You're really jumping through some hoops to get the digital music right.
I just bought Cambridge Azur 851N...it's pretty much plug n play and a very decent sound. |
"Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto Clocks and Proprietary Linear Power Supply USB into my Bricasti M1 DAC is heaven"
I wonder why do you need spend extra $600 bucks for Aries w/Duel Femto clock when all of your data and clock buffering are handled within your DAC insuring the lowest possible jitter levels?
|
First off, congratulations on putting together an impressive system (WOW!!). Totally dig your dedication and investment. I agree with you that a well built cable is a must to attain overall coherence and transparency.
I am planning to try Auralic aries with Modwright Elyse DAC in very near future.
It seems that we have very limited options on components that can turn your dedicated DAC into a full blown 'audiophile' streamer.
I prefer to control my music through my ipad, so airplay option is a must.
Mind you, i am still learning about digital streaming. From what i have learn, it seems there are only two ways to 'gel' digital music into your rig.... a pc/mac connected to your dedicated dac via USB cable or a component like Auralic aries that turns your dac into streamer via USB cable.
Please keep in mind before you reply, I am only seeking high-end solution to digital streaming through a dedicated outboard DAC in a 2 channel or HT setup without any intervention from pc or mac.
If anyone else have any other suggestion, please feel free to chime in. |
Folks,
Just came across Aurender N100H....Network streamer along with 2 TB of SSD drive. Looks like a very nice option for non pc/Mac users. |
Fsmithjack, I just committed to a Aurender N100H. I should have in-house by end of next week. I thought it would be good start. I will post feedback by end of August.
Tbg, like yourself I am hanging on to my SACD's and CD's. I realize CD players are a dying breed, but some Hi-end manufacturer still continue to churn out CD player that cost thousands of dollars....I guess some purist still buying those players. I am quite content with my Krell Cipher SACD/CD player.
Cheers! |
Fsmithjack,
I am really looking forward to Elyse DAC. I just installed a pair of KWA150 SE, they are powering up my 800D's in bridged mono configuration. Hands down, one of the best amps I have heard in a while. They outclassed my Classe M600, actually smoked them!
I thought about Auralic Aries a lot but the build and SQ quality out weighs the $1100 price difference. The way used market is, who wants to risk reselling Aries at $1K range in couple of months.
As far as the tube mods go, Dan already recommended following tube replacements -
(2) Electro Harmonix 6922 TUBES - Stock Tubes
- Recommended Upgrade (that they use at the trade shows) Tungsram PCC88 / 7DJ8 - http://www.upscaleaudio.com/tungsram-pcc88-7dj8/
(1) Sovtek 5AR4 - Stock Tube
- Recommended Upgrade, NOS 1970 Philips 5R4GYS - http://www.upscaleaudio.com/philips-5r4gys
I plan to listen the DAC with stock tubes first and then swap them out with recommended tubes. The DAC being shipped with both tubes. |
Fsmithjack,
Thank you again for making some great and thought provoking recommendations. I never dared myself into experimenting with tube mods. I bought Raysonic CD-128 with class A triode vacuum tube (4x6922 triodes tubes - Russian) few years back. And left it as is cause it sounded pretty good out of the box. As of last year, I added components that are bit more revealing. I have been trying to build a system that is musical, tonally accurate and dynamic.
I added M600's earlier this year to my 803s, nice upgrade from CA-2200. The CA-2200 was more than adequate for 803s; M600 was purchased in anticipation of next big thing. Adding 800D2's was a huge step and quantum leap. To my surprise, despite of its good virtues M600 tapped out in the bottom end with 800D's.
I looked at Krell, Pass Labs, Simaudio and Ayre before settling down with Modwrights. Like M600, KWA150 SE treble is open, detailed and natural. The sound is consistent across a vast array of frequencies. What separated KWA from M600 is its deep bass, that is just tuneful, agile and full in level.
Like you suggested, I am going to spend some time with Elyse and venture into the exciting world tube mods in near future.
Let the fun begin! |
Hey Fsmithjack,
My Aurender dealer tells me that I need to slave a PC or Mac to rip music and download hi res files? I prefer to stay away from PC or MAC in my HT setup but it looks like I don't have a choice if I want to rip music.
Aurender N100 is capable of streaming DSD files, so why do I need to download DSD files?
Just to recap, I am putting together following digital setup -
Aurender N100H - equipped with 2TB SSD drive
Modwright Elyse DAC
I also own a Olive 4HD that have about 1TB of music. At some point I would like to transfer music to Aurender internal drive and dispose off Olive. I don't see any point keeping Olive with subpar audio.
Do you have any suggestions on how to transfer off music from Olive? I have all the music backed up in a portable USB drive (FAT32 format). Not sure if Aurender is capable of reading music from USB drive. I guess I will find out once I have the Aurender in-house. |
Hello again,
What a relief to know that I can capture all the music off my olive and transfer it to Aurender.
After reading your feedback, it's given that you cannot eliminate pc or Mac from a typical setup if you want to manage your music library. I am sure it will all make sense once I have all the hardware together.
I am leaning towards Mac-mini solution for its small size and aesthetics. I love the apple look. Mac mini and USB drive will look cool with rest of my 'silver' components.
I found this article at ps audio - http://www.psaudio.com/ps_how/how-to-build-a-music-server/
Check out the JCAT USB cable.
Thanks again for taking the time to demystify the complexities of digital world. |
Fsmithjack,
My entire rig is on Audience Au24SE cables. I find their cables very neutral, transparent and frill free. Their newest entry, Au24 USB got a steller review from Robert Harley recently. I will check out Tellurium Q as well (and i heard of the brand before). Since I bought Audience cables, i never had the need to look at another brand (trust me they are that good).
Thank you, |
Fsmithjack,
I will give it a shout to tellarium Q Black U.S. Distributor for a home audition. Audience cable already come with 30 day home trial.
Thanks again for a candid feedback. |
