Higher End DACs

not yet - I am getting some other components installed and want to break those in a bit before demoing some of the DACs that have interested me - definitely going to need something going in though

thanks for the thoughts, so far, all.

many of these brands don't have local dealers to me - when you get into this class, are dealers willing to ship units to you for you to listen in the context of your own system?  Curious how else one goes about narrowing the field and/or making a significant purchase decision, given I often see system synergy being a deciding factor for making an informed choice.

thanks for these thoughts.  I had started to come across streamer brands like Ayre and Innuos.

I guess some additional points/context of where I am coming from and sorting though from a cross forum posting:

In general, it looks like there are 3-4 potential price points that I am looking at (+/- 5k, 10k, 20k, 20-30k). I am fairly comfortable up to the 20k point, assuming meaningful benefit over the lower price points. I suppose if there really was a marked difference in getting a true game changer at 20k+ or so that could be done, as well. I was just going to do a D1100 to fit with the rest of my system...but I am just hesitant about it. Not sure digital is the brands forte, the specs look decidedly less than other brands (even at significantly lower price points), not thrilled with some of the functional implementation (e.g. muting, popping, etc).

I should also add, the higher the price point the more interested I may become in getting a streamer/dac combination - again, unless the SQ benefits just dictate worrying about the streamer separately...in which case, i might be inclined to take a longer acquisition path (ie more expensive standalone DAC, interim streamer solution, upgrade streamer at later point, etc.).

I am not positive at what price points diminishing returns truly kick in, what point the context of my system would dictate not being worth going higher, and/or just given the rapid evolution of the segment it doesn’t make sense to outlay more.

These are some of the current thoughts running through my head (ie system context, meaningful gains in SQ, at least a decent period of time to ward off obsolescence).

Anyone have any US dealer recommendations for DCS/Esoteric and the like?

@mikelavigne thanks for weighing in, here!

so, that is interesting. I was under the impression that if one were to prioritize one component over another (recognizing the ’chain’ dependencies in play) it would be the DAC over the streamer.

But your direct experience suggests otherwise?

@david_ten yes, i need to narrow the field somewhat, at least starting out so that i can reach out to associated dealers and get the demo pipeline going.

is there another brand or two you would otherwise start with - and why?

@djones51 yeah, that sort of what i figured..so much love for those transports though lol

Guys - wow, really appreciate all the thoughts and perspectives here!

just a couple points to clarify:

- i don’t have any (and don’t really anticipate having) ripped music files...so, as fat as i understand it, don’t have the need to get into NAS/server mediums?

- i fear this may open a whole other can of worms...but what are folks’ thoughts on SQ of playing cd thru a high quality transport vs streaming high rez through something like Tidal?  I know the spec is potentially better thru DSD/MQA but also not sure how much of that spec is theoretical vs discernible thru human ears?

- reason i ask about cd SQ vs streaming is one of the brands I am heavily interested in is Esoteric...and I suspect the best bang for the buck there may be going with one of their cd players (i know they have the N line - but i view their strength and differentiator is thru the cd transport and associated DAC?)

i don’t have a current collection of cds...and was originally not even thinking along those lines, as i figured if wanted to play a physical disc it would be vinyl...however, im wonder if i should keep vinyl as more a niche thing for myself (given less availability and my focus on particular pressings which lowers availability even more).

so, perhaps i should think about cd or is that just silly at this point in the evolution of things?

- obviously, if i don’t go the cd route im going internet streaming.

- i need to narrow my focus so that i can try working with dealers to get some demos...of course, there are a ton of brands but im going to focus on 2...

esoteric (for the cdp/dac combination) OR

esoteric (for the streamer/DAC) and DCS (for the network streamer/DAC and/or DAC only)...

any fatal flaws with focusing on these 2 for the purposes above - im hoping they are both mature, stable, quality enough that it wouldn’t be a bad choice going with either of these and can just let my ears decide?

Thanks, again, for the suggestions everyone

@ldmr888 curious what is it about dcs that you prefer to the esoteric signature?

Thanks, what else do you have in your system?

appreciate the thoughts

@ldmr888 thanks!! sounds like a great setup

@thelostdutchman i wonder how substantial the incremental gains are across the dcs line - ie Bartok to Rossini to Vivaldi?

Absolute Sound in January issue just had a really nice write-up on the SDV (and associated transport) - it was great timing for me as I am deliberating this decision and was not familiar with T+A.

I am still quite curious if anyone has had meaningful opportunity to check out a single brand - but across the line:

DCS - Bartok vs Rossini vs Vivaldi

or

MSB - Premier vs Reference vs Select

Esoteric - K-03(x) vs k-01(x) vs k1(x) (i realize these are player/dac)

etc...

at what point do the diminishing returns really kick in for above?  Of course, there is the diminishing return factor to even get into the ‘base’ models of those brands, as well! Lol

@thelostdutchman @mikelavigne 

thanks for the comparative thoughts within DCS and MSB...

are there general sonic qualities (ie house sound) across brands with this stuff?

@mikelavigne

thanks for the further thoughts on MSB - I am starting to pick up they may be in a separate class.

you actually raise another point - should i be strongly considering running a DAC with incorporated preamp directly into power amp vs using my c1100 as a preamp.

and - Here are some further thoughts i am wrestling with that i posted on another forum as well (essentially whether i should just drive cd playback considerations completely out of my mind and for those that have invested heavily in their digital capabilities have you similarly invested heavily in your analog/vinyl playback):

- The idea of a CD player/transport is still hanging around...I dont have a large cd collection at all (pitiful, tbh)...but for some reason, whether it is the physical medium/ownership/familiarity from my youth) I keep wondering if I should think of getting a 2-box transport/DAC or an integrated player/DAC, rather than just a DAC and streamer.

- Originally, after getting my Mac setup, I was going to get a vinyl setup. Once I started to understand how high the costs could go on a really great vinyl rig, however, I decided to postpone and just go digital with its convenience and lower cost outlay. As I have been delving more into the digital research, I find myself sliding into more expensive areas than I was originally thinking of negating some of the benefit of going the ‘lower’ cost solution vs analog...

I still think the digital pieces I am thinking of are still less than the outlay for the phono (I was thinking like CA Master Innovation/ goldfinger just to give a sense of outlay) but its not as big a price difference as originally if I am thinking about something like Vivaldi or MSB or 2-box transport/DAC...

Any thought on making a BIG investment in the DAC (and potentially player/transport/streamer) setup vs REALLY BIG investment in turntable/arm/cartridge vs REALLY BIG investment in on top of the line digital like MSB?

Obviously, these are very first class issues - however, I am not fortunate enough to be so well of that I can view these outlays as immaterial spends...they represent true investments that require sacrifices for me (albeit sacrifices of other disposable spend, likely lol)...but, at any rate, not really in a position to view the spend as simply ‘sure, why not’.

Guys, again many thanks!

these comparative thoughts are fantastic on giving me some indication of what’s out there.

i will keep everyone updated on tests/decisions/etc.

one additional nuance popped up to me - it seems the DCS top of the line is at a very different price point than MSB.  Might that have anything to do with the modular nature of MSB (and expected lifespan of the product).  I recognize DCS has software upgradability but, perhaps, the modular hardware on the MSB lines bring that to an even higher level of future proofing?

@david_ten @mikelavigne

David, there are several permutations I am thinking of but at least directionally (i.e. for discussion purposes) its sort of as below:

1) Combination Player/DAC (around 25k-35k)

- something along the lines of Esoteric K1 (maybe the newer X model)
or the new N-01x.

obviously, the big decisions here are whether to go in on CDs (though I don’t own that many but like the idea of ’owning’ and the physical media) or whether to bypass the CD and just go directly to high rez streaming.

2) Standalone DAC

- most likely something from the subset of Rossini - 25k, Vivaldi - 35k,
Reference - 40k, Esoteric D1x - 50k....I would have to think long
and hard about a Select - 80k....I also recently found about T+A so I will have to do more digging on them, particularly in comparison to MSB which I am getting really interested in.

I would still have to think about whether I want a CD transport (would be tempted to do something pretty nice if I had the standalone DAC) or a streamer.

Depending on how much I blew on the standalone DAC, I would have to consider doing an interim streamer solution (like a Lumin U1, Aurender A10, etc) and then upgrade with a more premium CD transport (Esoteric P1X, etc) or a nicer streamer.

3) Vinyl (potentially 35-60k, including tonearm, cartridge)

- I am intrigued by the ClearAudio Innovation line - and also thinking
about the Master Innovation, hence the fairly wide price range.

When I originally got my current setup of C1100, MC611, and B&W 800s I was going to do a vinyl analog setup. I still like the idea of that but am starting to wonder if that should be more of a ’niche’ source and not my primary, given the ease and volume of streaming content.

However, Im also not sure if the Mcintosh setup above is oriented and/or high enough resolution to fully realize the upper end models of the DACs, transports, and players I referenced above.

So, as you can see I still have a lot I am working through - including which source to prioritize, how to get something high quality (that hopefully still will have good synergy with the Mc setup) and that still allows for upgrade paths going forward, and what price range(s) to come in to accomplish those goals.

I should also mention the above prices are of course just for the units - I am really not sure how much cables and connects are likely to run me for each of the scenarios!

@david_ten 

yes, the T+A SDV 3100 really looks a great unit...cutting edge capable.

to be clear, you find some similarities between DCA and T+A house sound?  How would you generalize?

@mikelavigne 

mike, thanks so much for the detailed breakdown.  As I understand it, if one does not need to stream home-based/NAS files, one can forego something like the Extreme? Further, if digital is really going to be streaming, there is a network module that can be used in the MSB lineup to forego a separate streamer?

If you 'had to do it all over again from scratch' would you pursue CD/SACD at all or simply stream digitally?

I am also a lover of classic rock (being a guitar player, myself) and so the IDEA of vinyl is immensely attractive to me...however, I suspect its a huge rabbit hole in and of itself...and maybe the better thing to do is prioritize the digital setup and address the vinyl when and if I still feel as needed.

Any thoughts on the synergy (I suspect its not ideal but is it still imminently feasible and still capable of squeezing the added benefit out of something like MSB) to build off my existing Mcintosh/B&W system?

@mikelavigne

thanks so much for your kindness and time in helping me think through these decisions - ill be sure to reach out via email (thanks, again)!

I understand exactly where you are coming from on the CD vs file/streaming, as that’s where I am sort of coming down in the digital domain too.

I think I want to optimize, say, 25k-50k in a digital source/front end that gets me overly excited now and allows for logical upgrade pathways (should I feel the full bite and want to pursue further) in the future.

@david_ten

thanks for the further clarification - and I DO realize its all personal preferences at a certain point vs absolute truths.

What I find interesting is I have found basically very positive comments about the DCS range, however, when there do seem to be less than stellar comments they line up with essentially what you were indicating from your own experience.

Perhaps those are just the characteristics that tend to not work for someone when they don’t love a particular brand and its just inherently what brands may potentially struggle with when it comes to digital (ie more a potential inherent aspect of digital that some brands do better or worse for a particular individual’s ears).

The thought has crossed my mind that perhaps my Mcintosh amps are not the most revealing and transparent - so, maybe from a synergy perspective a more articulate and detailed and clean source might actually be a really good fit...something more for me to think about!

Are there any reasons why, for only 2500 more, one shouldnt go ahead and get what many seem to think is a great preamp?

Not sure I understand the T+A SDV can be configured with the preamp or without...or that you are essentially getting a ‘free’ preamp...

does the cost not vary based on the configuration?

@djones51@rego

thanks guys - i was confused by the nomenclature...

but it looks like the streamer+DAC+preamp is only $2500 more than the streamer+DAC (at least according to a review)?

@4425 

a little off topic but because you brought up value retention/ease of resale...

what are suggested/effective outlets to sell used high end gear?  i have never really had occasion to do it...i did some browsing on audigon but didn’t see a lot of these higher end DAC items and wasn’t sure if that was more attributable to not many being on the market or that they tend to get moved via other means...

@4425

@thyname

thanks for the secondary market thoughts!

would you expect the Lumin X2 to hold secondary value pretty well (ie like the Rossini) or not as strong (like the T+A)

I have enjoyed reading various reviews of these higher end DACs (recognizing the limitations, biases, imperfections, etc. that inherently accompany listening to someone describe what they are hearing).

To be sure, there are very positive reviews of the T+A SDV 3100.  I do have a couple concerns, though:

- on one review (HiFi News) it appeared as though perhaps the takeaway of the presentation was it was not as lively, transparent, energetic (perhaps) as others:

"it rapidly became clear that what's on offer from this imposing two-box player is a sound of great substance, warmth and maturity. OK, at times it may not offer the very last word in sheer bite and impact, but there's nothing remotely mechanical or – to make a sweeping generalisation – 'digital' about the sound here..."

"More raw material, such as Atlanta Rhythm Section's live Are You Ready! set [BGO BGOCD1052], can sound a tad too polite, yet this doesn't this rob the music of its enjoyment"

"It's as future-proofed as you might hope for, and while not exactly red in tooth and claw, it transcends mere sonic fireworks by reproducing the most bombastic musical events with unmistakable style."

I realize the quotes above are all on the whole positive, however, I do also detect the potential for conclusions that the component may be overly relaxed, refined, polite, restrained, etc?

- the other concern is no MQA.  I recognize why...and I recognize that MQA is not the end-all-be-all, at least right now...however, it does strike me as a consideration that one of the differentiators of the T+A is it being 'future proofed' (as much as anything in the this world can be) - and yet it does not cover one of the growing formats that several other manufacturers are going through various updates in order to support.

- lastly (and not really a 'concern' vs consideration of value), I realize the specs (outside of the MQA aspect) on the T+A is through the roof...but in practical terms what is the availability of content at those elevated resolution levels.  I know that shouldn't really matter, all things being equal, because as long as its not sacrificing lower resolution quality who cares that it is capable of playing even higher...but, for example, I think I'd rather have the MQA than a capability that never gets used.

Anyway, still doing reading, etc. but these are some thoughts running through my mind on T+A.

@4425 thanks for the additional thoughts on retention of Luminary's vs DCS....confirms what my inclination has been, also.

@asiufy thanks so much for weighing in (even if late lol).  I assume you have exeperience across the MSB line?  Where do you think the sweetspot is in terms of really pushing into diminishing marginal returns?  Are there one or two levels that represent clear/marked increases relative to a lower model that you would throw out there.  My initial feeling is that maybe one break is at the Premier vs Reference (that is to say, a significant increase in performance between the two that maybe isn't quite as dramatic as Discrete to Premier or Reference to Select...though, truth is, perhaps the Reference to Select is significant...but that Select price point....breathtaking :)).

Im also curious to hear your thoughts on the relative value proposition of the Dual Powerbase vs Monos?

thanks all!

all positive and constructive, though...

I've learned a lot about digital just on this thread, alone!  Really appreciate the viewpoints and knowledge being shared.

this was my inaugural posting, here! lol

@asiufy makes total sense and thanks for the additional input!

if I could pick your brain some more, since I particularly liked your suggestion (including upgrade path)...

if I also wanted the ability to spin discs - would you suggest adding a Reference Transport to either the Premier or Reference DAC?  A Select transport, leaving one open for the matching DAC if deciding to update at a latter date?

I had also been thinking about the Esoteric K1x, primarily for the transport, and then using its DAC with outboard streamer...and later on deciding if I wanted to a standalone DAC, though I guess I would be overpaying for a DAC in the K1x that (at best) was only used for spinning if I later on had an MSB DAC...

how would you say the MSB transports (and something like Premier/Reference DAC) would compare to the K1x?

@asiufy @audiotroy 

I would be curious what 'level' of DAC would you say is commensurate with my general Mcintosh system of c1100/611 and B&W 800 d3 speakers?

is the MSB line/T+A 3100 overkill?  is it the next step up that would be lost in my current system, above?

@4425 

originally, I was sort of looking at the Esoteric K1 transport and had started learning more about DCS and the reputation of their DACs and so my original question was really in relation to those two, which generally had a price point around 20-35k, I guess.

But I was not as familiar with other brands like T+A, MSB, etc - or necessarily well versed on various price vs return equations etc...so, its all good I guess! lol

@asiufy @djones51 @rgmd11 @kren0006 @lalitk @thyname @4425 @hgeifman @audiotroy 

(and everyone else who has taken the time to post on this thread!)

thanks so much for the responses to my latest post enquiring about 'fit' of many of these units with my existing system.

I REALLY appreciate how respectfully and considerately some of you are raising current 'limitations' (maybe I should use the term 'considerations')lol) of my components wrt to some of the higher end DACs and players discussed.

Of course there are several factors that have driven my current setup, ranging from SO aesthetic approval, familiarity over the years with those brands/models, hearing them sound very pleasing to me with various analog sources, etc.

As part of the spirit of my post was to learn more - I would be curious to understand which Mcintosh components (or if its all a mismatch with my B&W 800's) I have that would be considered the primary mismatch (perhaps its all of it, as the ethos is just fundamentally different between Mcintosh/B&W and transparency/detail/resolution that the highest of the high end sources are looking to achieve) - and, particularly, what is it about them each that would be considered 'limiting', in this context?

Is it they are overly rounded off/colored?  for the amps, is it they lack power/headroom?  I would love to understand this better.  For example, it was noted the T+A SDV 3100 preamp might be a 'better' fit than my existing than my c1100 - why?  what characteristics make it a better fit?  if the 611 power amps are not great for this - why?  I am not arguing at all that the Mcintosh components are the right for this level of digital, just trying to sincerely understand why they are not.

Also, this part of the discussion got me to thinking - one of the things that people seem to potentially like in the analog world is 'musicality', sweetness, warmth, etc....is it fair to say that components that may be excellent with even some of the nicest turntables and tonearms out there aren't necessarily going to excel in the world of digital playback - and vice versa?

Or is the audiophile principle of 'transparency' just a universal truth and a set of downstream components from various sources (whether they are digital or analog sources) that achieves that transparency is what one wants for both analog and digital.

Finally, I just would like to thank everyone again for such great perspectives, considerations, and input....This IS a journey for me.  Some of my specific questions above are also about understanding where I am with my current system, what level of digital component quality and spend offers me as phenomenal performance as I can get with my current system, if I wanted to evolve beyond current limitations how I should view what those limitations are, what would need to change to overcome current constraints, and how something that 'fits' now and offers that 'as phenomenal performance I can get' within my current system and yet still provides a tangible pathway for upgrade if I got that route (without feeling like I 'wasted' money on a lesser component, now, that doesn't match with a potentially upgraded system later). 

@kren0006 really great analogy!

I follow how you laid it out.. So, I gather (lets not quibble about the absolute numbers) Mcintosh would be considered on the warmer side of things - both the preamp and power amp?

I also agree that my speakers are neutral-to-analytical for me.

Given that, I agree a neutral-to-revealing DAC might be the way to go.  I gather from various reviews, etc. that MSB and T+A might be on the warmer side of what we have been talking to here - at least, T+A seems to be regarded that way, maybe not so much MSB.

Would we say MSB/T+A, although maybe a touch warmer and refined than DCS, would not be overly 'soft' with my system?

I recognize only my ears will ultimately decide but would like to think about things a little bit before seeing in practice.

@hgeifman thanks so much for chiming in so extensively!  Part of the issue is I don't have a current digital setup, so not a benchmark in my own system, yet.  I don't really have a dealer around me for most of these brands - and definitely not one that crosses several of them.

So, my plan of attack is to narrow down to 2-3 and see about getting demo/loaner units (shipped out of state if I need to) so that I can try them in my own home/system.  just in terms of logistics/practicalities, I am trying to narrow that first pass a little bit before ultimately letting my own ears decide!

@audiotroy 

I would be curious on your thoughts on the T+A being overly warm with my components - and also how you view the lack of MQA (not so much the relative merits of the format itself - maybe, lets just assume that some things have an increase in SQ when put thru MQA) in the unit?

also, for everyone, Bartok has been thrown out a couple times subsequent to my identifying what I've currently got...I am curious (if I could swing the incremental cost) if folks think I would have practical improvement in doing a Rossini in my system vs a Bartok (and/or if it would be worth going up to the Rossini for future purposes)?

As it stands right now, I think I would like to try an MSB Premier, DCS Bartok (or Rossini - probably need to decide which one), and something at a bit lesser price point to see if can detect the added bang for the buck (either a Mytek or maybe Luminary's t2)...im really intrigued by the T+A 3100 but the 'politeness' and the MQA still has me worried.

@jworth thanks for chiming in!

im a guitar player myself and, in addition to classical, i predominantly lean toward blues, classic rock, bit of hard rock myself (you know, guitar-centric stuff lol).

i’ve heard good things about the Dave.

@asiufy i hear you - ive been very fortunate to benefit from everyone being kind enough to share their opinions and knowledge on this thread and am very grateful.

of course, I also recognize the inherent limitations associated with trying to gather thoughts on something that is ultimately subjective - and trying do so on a forum!

I am in communication with a local dealer, now, to see if he can make some connections with MSB and DCS (which he currently doesn’t have) - ideally, i can work with someone locally but if that doesn’t pan out I will definitely reach out and take you up on your kind offer!

@thyname  good point on the DCS/MSB equivalence.

I guess, honestly, I am wondering if the Rossini and/or Premier would be wasted too much in my current system because (if not) I'd actually prefer to come in at the Rossini/Premier level.

I suppose if the Rossini/Premier are just going to make no difference with my current components, I probably should do the Bartok to Discrete comparison, instead.

Ill give Vince a shout out...I think they may be around the South Bay?  Im actually in the East Bay Area so maybe something could be easily arranged.  I will PM you, if I can figure it out (not very familiar with this forum functionality...its already strange to me not to be able to 'like' or quote, directly lol).

@kren0006 thanks again for the input!

@4425 I know this may not make sense...but, honestly, if I did the Bartok I would not get the clock...if I did the Rossini I would either eventually get the clock (or potentially upgrade the entire system and to a Vivaldi, depending on how bad I was bitten lol)....irrational, I know :)

Right, exactly!

@4425 as of right now, I'm actually leaning toward the Bartok also....I am not sure if I really want to A/B with a Rossini...perhaps I should set the 15k or so the Bartok runs as the ceiling and only listen to that level of price or lower (ie to ensure I can tell I am getting something compared to something like a Mytek price point, etc.).

It would also leave some cash for a TT analog setup, which I know might be heresy in this sub-forum lol

@audiotroy

I don’t mean this as argumentative as it may come across...

you said: "If you want the most advanced digital product in the market currently the T+A is the one to beat."

and yet it doesn’t have MQA ability - again, I am sure many would argue that the SQ, intent/purpose, principle of MQA is debatable.

the reality is, however, that there is a material amount of content out there in that form and a meaningful number of DAC companies that are supporting the format in their devices.

How can any supporter claim a component is the most ’advanced’ and not support a format that many other lesser, similarly, and higher priced devices do support?

Again, interested to hear your thoughts on how you reconcile that issue...I do find the T+A intriguing - but it is at a fairly high price point and if its differentiator is its advanced capabilities this omission seems to directly undercut at least part of its core value proposition?

also, in regard to your final paragraph...I think at least part of the discussion has shifted to the synergy/match of these DACs in my own system - and so I would be curious to know if the T+A is not just 'better' on paper and/or in a top of the line system....but whether its 'better' in context of my system components/speakers.

@lalitk

so, my local dealer (who ironically doesn’t carry any of those) has indicated he can get some demo units (at least for MSB and likely DCS...not as optimistic about T+A but given the MQA thing not sure that will matter to me)...

So, I basically need to tell him what I would like to try and he will work on getting what I want - I think this is dovetailing nicely into him otherwise wanting to establish some professional relationships with those particular brands as well.

if he can’t come through on an particular brand I would like to try, I will have considering going down the out-of-state path.

@djones51 @lalitk 

it was all REALLY good until page 6 lol

honestly, it might be appreciated if folks think they may be taking a thread off topic (at least enough so that they apologize and indicate that they don't want to do that) - that they actually not take the thread off topic.

Maybe just to confirm, I was most interested in Esoteric, DCS, MSB, T+A DACs and their synergy/fit with my Mcintosh components :0

but I also realize its usually nice to have fulsome discussions...

@david_ten 

thanks for giving me an oasis in the deluge of off-topic replies since I last checked in!

could you share a little more behind your thought process of not considering MQA limitations in your decisioning?  Is it the relative lack of content?  The uncertainty about its scalable future?  The inconsistency of its advancement over other high resolution formats?

thank you!

@david_ten 

thanks for the real world check on format and usage - appreciate it!

@audiotroy 

Sorry, i missed one of your recent replies.  Thank you for your reminder about T+A intention for the MQA update.

just out of curiosity - have they definitively confirmed it is coming?  Another poster I think had provided an email reply from them that I thought made it sound more vague (I will have to look back and see).

also, a general question - are software updates always limited to the first MQA unfold only and if you want the subsequent full MQA unfolding it would require a hardware upgrade? Or does the ability of a software upgrade to give a full MQA compatibility depend on the DAC implementation?

Does T+A’s implementation allow for full MQA thru just a software upgrade?

@bo1972 perhaps you should consider starting another thread on what a scam the hi-fi audio industry is?

as opposed to repeatedly espousing your views (unrelated to my query) continually on this thread?

@djones51i hate to be one to argue with the great, all-knowing BO but....

there are no winners here, anymore!

@david_ten thanks for letting me know how to go about cleaning up irrelevant diatribes.

i have flagged the posts...i cant quite figure out how to reach out to forum support to call their attention to the content at issue?

@facten @lalitk thanks for letting me know.

i reported several posts this morning.

i will also try the support link, though, to just maybe let them know a bunch of irrelevant posts that I reported earlier was coming across.