aplhifi

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EMM Labs Vs Killer DAC
I have used passive preamps before and I think you are mistaken if you think it doesn't colour the sound.When it comes to passive attenuation, the only coloration comes from inferior switching or potentiometers. If resistor ladder is used, the qua... 
EMM Labs Vs Killer DAC
Except the XDS1 is a DSD DAC and there is no proper way to do digital volume control in DSD spaceTrue, however, you can use a number of passive attenuators that the XDS1 can drive with ease. But you'd really like that added coloration/lushness fro... 
EMM Labs Vs Killer DAC
Alex I think you just had a contradiction in terms. The only compromise I made was using the XDS1 with an Audio Research Ref5SE tube preamp to get the extension and midrange/soundstageWell, with 150 Ohm unbalanced or 300 Ohm balanced, the XDS1 can... 
EMM Labs Vs Killer DAC
I believe the Killer does roll off the highs and lows, so the XDS1 showed a room bass node that the Killer did not.I believe it - it sounds like a NOS D/A converter. :-)Seems to me there are two solid camps of audiophiles: 1. Would like to hear a ... 
EMM Labs Vs Killer DAC
Hi Bill,Fair enough; we share similar views.Just like you, I am always willing to lend my gear, whenever possible. If someday there is a chance, I'd be very interested to hear your opinion about my reference APL DSD-M D/A converter. Best wishes, A... 
EMM Labs Vs Killer DAC
You know Bill, around 24 years ago, I owned Sony and Philips CD players with TDA1541, and they sounded so great that I continued playing with those D/A converting chips until recent. However, the TDA1541 has been far outperformed by newer D/A conv... 
Digital volume control question...
Probably will be a good idea choosing an amp that has a low input sensitivity. Given the DAC will output around 2V, you don't need an amp with 0.5V sensitivity, for example. Furthermore, given you should avoid anything lower than -18dB (max) digit... 
why dsd
Speaking from a long-term experience with PCM and DSD converted to PCM, I must say that the only way of approaching Analog is with DSD. Both PCM and DSD are fine in the digital domain, and both have their problems when it comes to converting them ... 
What is behind a "warm" or "vinyl"sound?
Interesting indeed! However, DSD is the closest I've ever heard to Vinyl.DSD sounds warm, inviting, natural, easy flowing, you name it, just like a high-end Vinyl rig does. Interestingly enough DSD is perfectly capable of square wave reproduction.... 
Backup SACDs with PS3 Playstation 3
Here are the instructionsOnce done, you can rip your SACDs to SACD ISO. This is great since you can play it direct in JRiver MC, or convert to any DSD or PCM format you like. Works like a charm. :-)One very important thing to remember is that thos... 
Worlds best DAC
I found this link of the Trinity Dac, showing an inside photo.Is this some sort of speculation with the internals of the Trinity DAC, especially @ 40k Euro? Thanks!Alex Peychev 
Worlds best DAC
Digital does indeed suck. There is always something ever so slightly askew. I don't own a vinyl rig, but in those escapist moments, my subconscious mind dreams of some big brass platter. A lot of the "solutions" for sale seem to fall short and som... 
Worlds best DAC
OK - I also took on over my Playback Designs MPD3, which, prior to the Phasure, was the best DAC I had heard via DSDIn my experience, PCM to DSD converters are very tricky and can vary dramatically when it comes to sound quality.Can you do an expe... 
Worlds best DAC
Well said Alex. Can we infer then that the Phasure dac is not eating your dac alive? Are you using the all-important software and computer as a pre-ampless transportIn my opinion, PCM1704-based DACs always have certain sound character, regardless ... 
A Possible Reason for SACD to be Superior
Going back to part of my original question, if two recordings were identical with the exception of the output level, would it be expected that the one with the lower output would sound better when played at an equal volume?My answer will be No, si...