Romulus CD player--

What tubes did you decide on for more of this air and sparkle? Thanks

Lula, I loved the Lampi. I wanted to go to a one box, old school CD player. I enjoy the music equally through the Romulus.......perhaps more:-)

Lula, I plan on doing some of the Signature mods myself. The Vishay resistors and cap upgrades. I will use Jupiter copper caps however for coupling, not Dynamicaps. I will use the Dynnmicaps for output like the Signature as they are large 4uf and 8 of them are needed!

AudiogoN. I have seen three for sale over the past two months as an FYI.

Best digital I have yet to hear. I love this CD player. So musical and utterly engaging. I climbed the ladder to the best computer based digital rig I could assemble and like this player better. Ya, simple, old school CD spinning and this player.

Lula, when I say the bass is improved I mean compared to my Lampizator
4/4 with computer front end. All my sound quality statements were vs. the
Lampi/computer combo, not the Signature Romulus.

The Signature Romulus has a different digital board and the differences
are all centered around the DSD ability. My unit was upgraded by myself to
match or better what the Signature upgrade does to the analog board. I
installed Vishay resistors and 8 of the 4 uf Dynamicap outputs caps just like
the Signature.

Instead of using Dynamicaps in the coupling position as done on the
Signature mod I decided to use the new Jupiter copper foil caps which are
better and also more expensive. The upgrade replaces four .22uf Rel Caps.

All I can speak to is how this upgrade differs in performance vs. the stock
Romulus.

- increase resolution and air
- more extended highs
- improved imaging
- more micro detail emerge

The parts are still breaking in and I will report back in a while. The stock
unit is heaven and there is no need to change anything out, the above
improvements simply made the unit a little less dark sounding.....not day
and night. Once the parts and soldering are fully burned in I will report
back.

Hope this helps

The only reason I even tried another CD player was because I am not a computer guy, but forced myself to learn all the in and outs. It came with a lot of frustration and effort. Yes, I learned and I am proud of my efforts.

In the end I grew weary of all the downloads, ripping of cd's, sporadic computer issues etc....that I longed to just put a cd in a drawer and play music. I am a simple guy and want to get away from computer hassles when out of work.

I like handling CDs and the simplicity of my hobby is now back. I once thought looking for a cd was a hassle, well not compared to having to interact and wrestle with a computer. I really cringed when it was time to download new music from the net or when the computer would act up.

In terms of sound my computer digital set up was the best sound I had experienced in a front end. I was ready to trade sound quality for the ease of CDs as I longed to go old school and ditch the computer. What I was not prepared for, or even believed, was a cd spinner could actually sound as good.

My experience with CD players and dac/transport combos in the past suggested my computer rig was far superior. Well, the Romulus changed that reality. Fact is I like the Romulus more. I am saying I like the sound better. My music is just more satisfying and pleasurable now. That is the simple bottom line.

I did not want to post all of this on the Lampi thread as I greatly respect the Lampi and the folks who own then. No need to rain on that party!

Jwm, well that is a guess at best. It may or may not have sounded as good as what I have now or had. Speculation.

I wanted a one box simple solution. No need for a second power cord, digital cable and second box. A one box CD player was my goal.

I think the Romulus is special as I have had more high end players, dacs and transports than I care to recap here. As for the PS audio/Lampi combo, well I have paired the Lampi with high quality transports and preferred my computer and now the Romulus. Would the PS/Lampi combo be more special than the Romulus....who knows.

I am not that sold on DSD yet, but I did upgrade my Romulus to the
Signature level on my own on the analog board. I put in the same parts
they do to upgrade it to the Signature level. The DSD ability is all my unit is
lacking compared to the Signature.

I am not going to use the USB input so DSD is not something I really cared
about.

The unit sounds amazing. I have not shared this as yet, but I do prefer it
over my tricked out computer based rig with the Lampizator and Empirical
Audio stuff. I did not think this would be the case, but as it turned out I
prefer the sound of the Romulus. More musical and refined. Less up front
or forced sounding is the best way for me to describe the differences.
Larger stage and much improved bass.

I just want to listen to the music more than the sound with the Romulus.

I still need to tube roll to see what is possible, but I love the unit.

Should I ever decide to play music from a computer again, I will look to
upgrade to the DSD board. Right now I want to run from computers:-)

This recent article from Absolute Sound does a pretty good job
summarizing where DSD is at. Not sure it is the magic bullet just yet?

"Conclusions
So where do things currently stand for DSD file playback?

First, although the situation is improving, there still aren’t a lot of music files
in the DSD format available for purchase, and most of the ones available
are classical. That makes sense; most existing DSD files were recorded to
serve as masters for SACDs, and most SACDs were classical. But that’s
about to change now that Sony Music, Universal, and Warner are opening
their vaults; with HDtracks and Acoustic Sounds offering DSD downloads, I
expect a much wider variety of music to be marketed, which should
increase interest in downloading DSD albums. Several of my audio buddies
have expressed increased interested in DSD now that more non-classical
material is available.

Second, although lots of hardware is available that will play DSD files,
we’re still on the leading edge of development, and as several of my recent
struggles to use DACs and servers with DSD capability have shown me, it’s
still not a plug-and-play operation. A good dealer who can help you set up
your equipment is worth his weight in gold.

Third, by far the most common format for DSD recordings is the DFF file.
DSF files may hold more metadata, but DFF files are probably a safer way
to go if you have an option when purchasing.

Fourth, many DSD files available for purchase are priced at a premium
level. I hope/expect their prices will go down at least to the level of high-
resolution PCM downloads, but who knows? SACD prices never went
down to the level of CDs; if they had, the medium might have succeeded.

Fifth, DSD is not a magic bullet. It does not guarantee that a recording will
sound good. Many factors in the recording environment affect the sound
quality: microphones, the acoustics of the recording venue, the performer’s
ability, cables, and doubtless other things all contribute to the quality of a
recording. To my ears, a really good DSD recording can sound quite
special, but not all DSD recordings are really good.

Sixth, downloading music files may require customers to perform some
computer operations to create folders on their server’s music-storage
drives, extract files from a compressed zip file, and transfer them to the
new folders. While those are not difficult tasks, they may be beyond some
customers’ abilities. Several advanced audiophile friends told me they
wouldn’t be able to perform the operations necessary to handle
downloaded files. This isn’t just a DSD problem; it exists for all computer-
audio downloads.

For now, as with any new development, if you’re willing to pay premium
prices and go to a little (or maybe not so little) trouble to set up your
hardware, DSD music files provide some of the best sound available. This
should be no surprise; it always costs more to be on the leading edge of
technology."

Charles you are spot on.

I purchased mine used and with the upgrades spent $4200 as an FYI. Far less than the cost of a dac, computer, USB to spdif converter, extra power cords, digital cable.........

They show up used once in a while....

Putting on a Sistrum stand. Charles. ..... Right again!

No idea?

Sunny you said a lot above and here are my thoughts.

First I have owned/listened the Apollo, Ayre top of the line player, Cary 306,
Marantz 7s1, one of the top Esoteric models, and several other top end
players. Some I owned, some I sold for audio friends and had them in my
rig for awhile etc....

The Romulus is the best I have owned in terms of drawing me into the
music and not offending with glare.

Now Aesthetix may be small, but that plays a smaller role than you think in
my opinion. If by small you mean people, then I agree. They sell a good
amount of gear however and may have large outside companies making
their boards etc..... You are really paying for the engineering and design.

They are skilled designers, Jim White, and know how to make musical
sounding gear.

That is what you and I pay for. I don't know if they populate all the circuit
boards or if they come from an outside supplier in or outside of the USA. I
just don't know and don't really care. The parts quality and build quality is
very good.

The power supply in the Romulus is something to behold and one of the
reasons it sounds the way it does. I love the design and the designer
knows what he is doing for sure. Ya, we pay for Jim and his knowledge and
electronic innovation.

The building of the unit is just one part, one expense really.

I am not a long time "fan" of the company or anything like that, but know
enough about gear to know this unit is special and well designed.

Is it worth $7,000 to $10,000? Ha! That's really not the question. Fact is it
must be priced this way or it would never be available to audiophiles. We
audiophiles make up a small total population and basic economics demand
a high price must be paid to sustain an esoteric business endeavor like the
Romulus.

Yes great players can be made for less, but they cannot be sold for much
less as the company will not stay in business. The selling price is based on
demand......which is very small. Lowering the price will not bring about
enough new business to offset the loss in margin. No, total net margin
dollars will shrink.

So yes the Romulus is worth it because the business math is the truth
barometer here. Now it is worth it to you or I or Joe next door, well that is a
question only the individual can answer. There is no universal answer for
this question.

FYI = for your information.

The used units were found here on Agon.

I don't know, but it seems to work pretty well. If one could find any fault with this player/dac, I could say it is a tad dark. The Signature mods help address this somewhat however. I think a Sistrum Apprentice stand will also help and I have one on the way soon.

Better tubes sound more like tubes:) more air, 3d stage etc....

Well the Romulus has had time for the upgraded Signature parts to burn in. The Vishay TX2575 Z Foil resistors, Dynamicaps, and the stellar Jupiter Copper foil caps. The music is even more engaging and inviting.

Anyone with the standard unit would be well served to make these upgrades if they are handy or have a tech who will do it for a reasonable cost. The parts I used are listed here;

4 Jupiter copper foil .22uf caps
8 Dynamicaps 4uf
4 Vishay TX 2575 Z Foil resistors 36 ohm .... These are special order direct from Texas Instruments. All 4 cost $60 shipped and took a week.

Last thing I will do is place a Star Sound Sistrum Apprentice rack under the player. I get it Monday!

I don't use a computer and DSD is not important to me at all. Yes, the 12
caps and 4 resistors do make a significant improvement over stock.
Suggest this be done to stock players for better music!

I would never go without a great preamp so the volume would be a waste
for me and many others. I have tried direct and passives so many times
and they never matched the full scale authority, body, richness of tone, and
meatiness of my tubed preamp.

I will report back after the Sistrum stand as I know from experience it will
bring more musicality to the Romulus.

Kana, we disagree on this. No problem as we all have different tastes.

BTW the Signature version does not have to come with volume. One can have a Sig version with no VC. One can send a non VC unit in and have the Sig upgrade done.

I have owned many top end players with built in volume and no go in the end. More simple, as you say, does not automatically equal better sound. I suppose your reasoning would make an integrated amp, or better yet a receiver with dac the top of the audio chain:-)

I have owned the best direct and tried it many, many, many times.....it will
never do for me. I must have a top flight TUBE preamp or too much is lost
IMHO.

I am reading that DAC thread. I see G sold his top flight SS pre and that is
good for him. He likes a certain type of sound that may well be different
than my preferences. I don't like Class D amps and he seems fond of them.
I would see why he likes going preless.

Wig, great system! Love the look of your speakers.

What's interesting Charles is I thought I liked the DP1 DAC direct more than going through my Dude preamp and made the worst audio decision of my life. I learned that sounding different (change) can often be appealing at first - for a time.

After a couple of months I missed the music and longed for my Dude. I had to go through the time and expense of buying another Dude. Once the Dude was in, the music was alive again. I think change can fool folks as it fooled me for a season.

Ok you Aphiles. The Star Sound Apprentice 103 stand with 1.5 inch cones is just simply delicious under the Romulus. Hard to believe a simple stand/footer could make such a sweet improvement in my music.

Less electronic or reproduced sounding music.....notes float in a space as if the speakers were not there at all. Music has a delicious richness and tone that is more intoxicating. Precise imaging with a noticeable absence of haze, smearing and noise you never thought was there.

Ya, I like the stand a lot :-)

Kana you need to back down man. You have no idea how the units differ as you have not heard mine. Is it possible the Star Sound rack is better sounding than the HRS? Is it possible the Jupiter caps are better sounding than the Dynamicaps? They are. Is it possible the 70 pound tube regulated Dude is better sounding than the 4x4 inch circuit board card that is the VC in the Romulus Signature? Oh my it most certainly is possible.

Is it possible one's complete system and room are tuned to get more out of a given player? You bet it is.

Do some not want to deal with a computer as a front end transport? Many do not.

Is it possible that my unit is 90 plus percent of the full Signature? Certainly.

You make the stock unit sound like a distant relative. For $7000 it better not be.

My guess is you're not an experienced modifier and don't know the kinds of gains that are possible with effort and experience. I have both.

Not sure what your motivation is, but you seem to be narrow minded and rather myopic on this topic.

I like the Aesthetix company and Glenn has been helpful as we talked through these upgrades. Is there more I can do? Why yes and that will come in the future.

No unit or brand of DAC is so fully baked that careful upgrades couldn't yield additional sonic improvements.

I don't have a Signature model, no I have a unique hybrid unit placed in a well tuned complete system that you have never heard. Stand down Kana.

No absolutes in this hobby. None. Impossible to know what a given unit sounds like in the context of a complete system. I pointed out just a few of the variations above. The totality of my Romulus, in my system vs. a Signature in another system with no Dude, no Apprentice rack, no mods is impossible for you to judge.

Kana I give up with as you just like to argue. This site has a few like you and I took the bait. Too bad. Enjoy your system and I will mine. I am sure we both have more important priorities.

Those interested in a world class stand/footers for you gear, these Apprentice stands are an excellent choice. I will order a couple more for my preamp and amps. The whole topic of mechanical grounding is most interesting and these stands incorporate state of the art wisdom in their design and materials choice.

And the biggest point is I like it:-)

The standard and Signature have the very same power supply which is sooo important and greatly adds to the magic of this player. Outstanding power supply. Same case work and shielding. Now my analog board is the same or actually better IMHO because of the new Jupiter caps.

I don't have DSD and the Sig does. But my CD collection, and I only listen to CD's now, is mostly redbook. On those redbook disc's I certainly have heard the Signature.

I do not have a full Signature and never said I did. All I ever said is I like it and I did some mods approaching the Sig for little money and it was fun. When and if I want DSD I will ask for that board. Aesthetix may or may not let me put it in, but I will at least ask.

I have owned their preamps in the past as well as the Altas hybrid amp. I liked all of these pieces and think the designs are very, very good.

I imagine Aesthetix knows many owners of their gear prefer using one of their actives to the sound card in the Romulus. They do make several very expensive and well regarded actives as we know.

I forgot to mention. To owners of the Romulus or Pandora dac, tube rolling also yields nice results. I replaced the stock tubes with some nice NOS types with great results. Sylvania Gold Label and some EI NOS tubes. More air and illuminated top end were the biggest gains.

I decided on the 5751 12ax7 varient with the Sylanvia Gold label. Slightly lower gain, but that is a good thing for my system.

Thanks Winson. Yes I moved from the Lampi which was bested by the Romulus to the Yamamto that will stay. I like the Yamamoto more than any $10,000 dac I have heard including the mighty Lampi family.

The Yamamto is a very simple and special dac. No need to compare to other players as it just pleases. Makes one not care about this or that Aphile attribute or those big $$ dacs.

Sorry about the typos....Yamamoto. Those other dacs I owned certainly did some Aphile tricks better, but none could quite match the simple musical pleasure of the Yamamoto. The Romulus was very musical and perhaps if I mated it with the Perfect Wave transport I would still have it. The Perfect Wave transport is magic with the Yamamoto dac.

The Yamamoto dac may also be a better match with my DHT SET amp and sound. It seems to be cut from the same sonic cloth as a great DHT amp.