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EAR Acute Classic - has anyone heard or tried it

EAR just released a new cd/dac single unit: the EAR Acute Classic  http://www.earyoshino.com/Acute-CD-Player/

Has anyone heard it or tried it?  I previously had the EAR Acute 3 but sold it a few months ago.  I really loved it but thought the DAC portion could have been better, but it was a little dated (came out about 5 years ago).  I'm really interested in this unit and would appreciate if anyone can offer any feedback on it.  I don't have a local dealer near me so am reaching out to others who may have more experience with it.
djfst
fischer3966's avatar
fischer3966
28 posts
 
Samhifi,

the dealer I work with just go the Dac 4 and is running pcm, hi res, and dsd files through it.  He will be getting the acute 4 cd sacd transport as well.  Let me know if you want his info and he can give you his feedback.  He is a super nice guy, honest, and great to work with.  Just send me a personal message.  I'm assuming you are in the United States?  But maybe not.

i had the acute 3 as well but sold it.  I am looking to get the acute classic since I'm not in need of dsd.  


samhifi
4 posts
 
Hi fischer3966

I'm in the UK and the nearest EAR dealer is a long way from me. I would be most grateful for any feedback and if they have previous experience of the Acute 3 that would be even better. I am seriously thinking of the new Classic so we shall see what the opinion is.
jafant
18,804 posts
 
So, has anyone upgraded to the Acute Classic? Dac4 w/ matching transport?
djfst OP
169 posts
 
I will be placing an order for the Acute Classic in the near future (hopefully in the next month).  There has been some issues with the DAC 4 and using DSD - it is pretty temperamental and has a loud pop when going from DSD to PCM tracks (that was my dealers experience).  He thought the PCM tracks were fabulous though.  Being I have no DSD, I will be getting the Acute Classic.
bellemusique's avatar
bellemusique
66 posts
 

Acute Classic has replaced my LampizatOr Big 7 DAC (balanced). It is VERY musical and magnificient CD player & DAC ! In comparaison, the Big7 has wider stage and is more precise, but musicality and analog signature are what I was looking for in the first place. In this regard, Acute Classic is simply better. Paired with electrostatics (Tim de Paravicini was an ESL fan), and some nice tube amp, you will abandon your nostalgia for the turntable. I would say that this CD player sits on the very top of audiophile experience. The DAC section is not compatible with DSD format, so if you are looking for streming DAC capable to stream modern formats, you shall look for DAC4 which is the top of the line in EAR product list. It is also Tim de Paravicini's chef d'oeuvre and state of the art.

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