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  1. #51
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    And, we all enjoy having a nice piece.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    It is a very nice piece.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
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    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  2. #52
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I have heard the T+A DAC and at 8x DSD with HQP it is hard to beat at almost any price. I have heard a few $1K dac's and none compare. Of course I have not heard every $1K DAC. The T+A sounds good at lower resolution but at 8X DSD it is off the hook as far as sound is concerned. But you need a computer that can do 8X DSD with HQP.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  3. #53
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I assume you mean $10k, not $1k?
    Rob
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    Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
    Adona rack, ​​​​​Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories

  4. #54
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    T+A is a good DAC when feed with DSD512 datastream. My friend owns one and we compared with many other DACs a while back. The only quirk with T+A is you need a beefy computer and need to use HQP to upsample, so add these cost to the total price as well.

    To use the best filters/modulators with the latest HQP, it needs close to 5GHz processor speed and multiple cores as per Jussi (Hqp developer). This actually puts a lot of pressure on the power supply, especially if you are using linear power supply whose efficiency is anyway far less. I have a 12A dedicated rail for the CPU and still it struggles. The other issue is if you are using passive cooling, you need to figure out the way to cool > 100watts which is not an easy feet. All these will automatically generate an inherent noise in the system and if the server is connected directly to the DAC, its very detrimental to the sound. Many users solve these drawbacks by splitting it into server & streamer combo but that has it own drawback of network related noise and other complexities.

    I have experimented with all these at lengths and for many years and now prefer DACs which doesn't need to be feed with upsampled data to sound best. But if you are up for it, then T+A is an excellent choice. Another DAC along those lines is Holo Audio May DAC. This DAC does DSD1024 but many user review says it sounds excellent without a need to upsample and OS mode.

    For regular DACs with 10k, you can take a look at Lampizator, Denafrips Terminator (+), Matrix Audio Element X. No DACs are perfect, so its a matter of taste and system synergy finally.

  5. #55
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    A good computer can be had in the $2k-$3 range +/-.

    Remember it does not need all the frills although I do highly recommend a couple things. M.2 drives for storage (no heat, no noise, fast), Gold Standard Power Supply (just better), HQ Player uses multiple cores... so I use an 8 CPU machine (8 separate cores, not threads) and HQ Player drives them all but that that badly (30% +/-)... and one thing to consider is self contained liquid cooling. Works good and quitter. I was able to un-hook some extra case fans. My machine has 8 cores that run at 3.6 GHz but can spin up (Turbo) to 4.9. HQ Player is not bother what so ever for it. The machine does nothing but Roon (core only not the full GUI) and HQ Player. I also have a Wyred 4 Sound Recovery in line to re-clock the USB signal which does what it is supposed to do.

    Some HQ Player filters may required a faster machine so I would think this is why Jussi recommend a 5 GHz processor.

    BTW- the machine does also work wonderful not up-sampling, DSD files are nice, especially DSD256 and DSD512, or using Roon up-sampling which is not as hard on the processors. However I also feel that HQ Player does sound just a little bit better (I actually compared them the other day).
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  6. #56
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    I assume you mean $10k, not $1k?
    My $1K was a reply to the post by U-Sound who said that the T+A DAC is old and there are $1K DAC's that sound better. Although, I have heard a few DAC's around $10K and I liked them all. Each different but good. When it comes to DAC's you get what you pay for although some perform way above their price points This applies to all gear not just DAC's. Can you get good sound for cheap, yes but for great sound it is going to cost you some coin. The most satisfying system that I have heard was the $250K Boulder room at RMAF last year.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  7. #57
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I get the feeling that hi-end audio is like art ... you fall in love with what you fall in love with ... whether you can afford it or not is a different matter. You alone have to decide if a singular piece is worth the investment (and return).
    Electronics: Pass Labs XP-22, Pass Labs X250.8
    Digital: T+A DAC 200, Auralic Aries G1, Sony UBP-X800M
    Analog: Pro-Ject X2 w/ Ortofon 2M Black, iFi Phono3 Phonostage
    Speakers: Janszen Audio Valentina P8, SVS SB13-Ultra
    Other: David Laboga Custom Audio/Shunyata/Audioquest cabling, PS Audio PowerPlant 15

  8. #58
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    A good computer can be had in the $2k-$3 range +/-.

    Remember it does not need all the frills although I do highly recommend a couple things. M.2 drives for storage (no heat, no noise, fast), Gold Standard Power Supply (just better), HQ Player uses multiple cores... so I use an 8 CPU machine (8 separate cores, not threads) and HQ Player drives them all but that that badly (30% +/-)... and one thing to consider is self contained liquid cooling. Works good and quitter. I was able to un-hook some extra case fans. My machine has 8 cores that run at 3.6 GHz but can spin up (Turbo) to 4.9. HQ Player is not bother what so ever for it. The machine does nothing but Roon (core only not the full GUI) and HQ Player. I also have a Wyred 4 Sound Recovery in line to re-clock the USB signal which does what it is supposed to do.

    Some HQ Player filters may required a faster machine so I would think this is why Jussi recommend a 5 GHz processor.

    BTW- the machine does also work wonderful not up-sampling, DSD files are nice, especially DSD256 and DSD512, or using Roon up-sampling which is not as hard on the processors. However I also feel that HQ Player does sound just a little bit better (I actually compared them the other day).
    If you are using that machine directly connected to the DAC (even with W4S Recovery in between) with that SMPS ATX power supply, no matter how Gold or Platinum or Titanium it is, you are loosing quiet a bit on the SQ with T+A. If I were in your shoes, I would seriously consider investing either in a server/streamer solution if you want to continue using the same PC as you have now or invest in a fully custom built with linear power supply. Most using the T+A employ the former solution with various streamer available in the market and Hqp NAA is free.

  9. #59
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    OK, I can sort of understand about the linear power supply, although not sure how that would truly improve the server. I understand the theory behind a server/streamer but in actuality I would be surprised if it would improve much. All of my digital music is stored locally on the PC/Server (2x M.2 drives for all DSD files, and 2x SSD secondary drives handling FLAC downloads and CD rips) and nothing is being streamed across the network. I could understand the linear power supply but changing out the computer for another streamer device would sort of defeat the purpose. Especially when you consider that a Windows PC is required to achieve Native DSD512 and is also required for the T+A.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  10. #60
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    You sort of missed the entire point

    The suggestion was not to change out the computer for another streamer but to add the streamer and use Hqp NAA. Jussi develops and listen exactly in this configuration. It really doesn't matter if your music is stored locally or anywhere else. The noise that gets generated by the computer you are using is far more detrimental than words can express. There is a reason why manufacturers has been building SOTA servers and streamers instead of supplying a PC/computer and sticking a logo on it. I have been there several years ago

  11. #61
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    there are many ways to get great sound from a digital source. i would just recommend deliberately designing the entire digital chain so that all components work in a complimentary fashion.

    to reiterate:

    1) you can upsample PCM and DSD files to DSD512/8x with roon as well as HPQ
    2) you can send up to DSD512 to the t+a dac8 dsd using a linux OS* as well as windows
    2) you can do so with an inexpensive computer/server with an appropriate processor**
    3) you can employ passive cooling***
    4) you can inexpensively eliminate computer and network noise using optical isolation

    i do this every day -- it is stable and rock solid w/o issues ...and, i am quite happy with the SQ

    ________________________________

    * the t+a USB receiver firmware need to be upgraded
    ** roon uses at most 2 cores for DSP, thus, select a processor with a high base rate (~3 GHz) rather than a large number of cores
    *** the TDP of the chip just needs to match the passive cooling capacity of the chassis
    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
    alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii

  12. #62
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    All of these things mentioned in the previous few posts may be true, and I am sure work excellent in certain applications, but certainly may not also be completely necessary. People setup and design their digital for their needs and there are different paths to reach their goals.

    A well designed PC can accomplish most everything mentioned without all the detrimental noise that keeps being mentioned. I don't hear any noise from my system what so ever. Yes Roon use much less processing power, but it can use more cores if available. I have tried and know that it does use all eight cores, at a lower percentage usage than HQ Player. HQ Player uses much more processing power and loves the extra cores even more. I have tested back and forth (just the other day) and although they are close HQ Player does sound a bit better.

    Without a firmware update T+A can only process DSD256 and DSD512 from Windows as stated in their manual. A firmware upgrade requires sending the machine back or owning the MP 8. It sounds so good in my system that I choose to not send it back. Also I trust Windows more than an open platform. Personal choice but I am not a fan of Linux OS and believe their are other negative aspect. I do configure my machine to have a minimal software footprint and is dedicated to only being a music server. I run only Roon core on the server, not the full application GUI and all.

    I would never not have my files stored and played locally because I believe that there are more issues with the signal going across my network (Noisy NAS, router, switches, ethernet cables, etc., etc.) than any that could arise from the PC itself. I definitely would not want to add additional components in my system to handle all of this when it works so well now as it is (Streamers, Audiophile Switches, etc., what I've seen others refer to as digital dingleberries ).

    The bottom line is I have compared DSD512 files up-sampled to 48/DSD512 (24.6 MHz) directly against the 45 RPM vinyl version of the same album in my system and I doubt anyone could tell which one is playing (well maybe if a pop and click or two sneak through ). They are that close and both are that good.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  13. #63
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    My own limited experience is consistent with those who advocate replacing any SMPS in one’s A/V system with a LPS.
    Rob
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    Tascam BR-20; Technics 1506 with tape path upgrades, FM head, DeHavilland 222 tape head pre; Modwright Oppo 205 full tube mod w/LPS; Euphony Summus server, EtherRegen, HDPLEX LPS; MSB Discrete DAC (dual PS, ISLPro, balanced out); Pass Labs XP-12, XA60.8 (pair); Daedalus Audio Apollo 11’s, VMPS Larger Sub; Daedalus/Wywires, Acoustic Zen, Sablon Audio, Wireworld, Shunyata Research cables; Core Power Equi=Power;
    Adona rack, ​​​​​Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories

  14. #64
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    My own limited experience is consistent with those who advocate replacing any SMPS in one’s A/V system with a LPS.
    As far as I know this is not a bad thing to do when possible, although I doubt it will make a big difference. I did replace the power supply on my Recovery with a LPS. I believe the difference was minimal at best, but certainly did not hurt anything. I did choose the best power supply money can buy for my computer, which should be good enough ).
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  15. #65
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    just to point out a slight nuance to anyone following along with the t+a drama here...

    a t+a dac8 dsd firmware update is not the same thing as an update to the amanero USB receiver firmware. the later is the amanero firmware running only the USB input -- it can be updated without either an mp8 or sending the DAC into a t+a service center.

    i have done the USB receiver update myself and can now send native dsd streams up to dsd512 to the dac8 dsd from a linux OS (roon ROCK). you do, however, need a computer running windows in order to make this update.
    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
    alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii

  16. #66
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    This is a cut of what Mojo Audio does. They don't play with the signal and add euphoric sound shaping. They give you the native signal in the best fashion possible. That to me makes this dac the most natural, real and close to live I have heard in my system.

    A bit closer to live music

    Our ultra-purist R-2R topology has no digital filters, noise shaping, upsampling, oversampling, or error-correction. Our direct-coupled analog output stage has no output capacitors or transformers to limit bandwidth or color the sound. For optimal performance we use multiple LC choke-input power supplies and ultralow-noise ultrahigh-dynamic discrete regulators that isolate each type of chip or clock.

    Our unique 2-piece ultra-rigid polymerized ferrous chassis has extremely low mechanical resonance and incredible shielding from RFI and EMI. To further minimize mechanical resonance we mount our circuit boards on Sorbothane standoffs and offer a range of high-performance anti-resonance feet. Thick ferrous and copper barriers shield sensitive signal path components from power supply and digital from analog signal path. We also offer a range of advanced shielding options to lower noise floor even more.

    We employ advanced grounding topologies. Circuit boards use hybrid star-plain grounding. Shield barriers and shielded connectors are daisy chained to Earth ground with low-impedance silver plated wire. To optimize system integration the DC signal ground can be floated from the AC, Earth, and chassis grounds with the flip of a switch. We even include a grounding lug.

    All of these topologies result in an incredibly low noise floor, and the lower the noise floor, the more subtlety and nuance you can hear in your music. The result is the most natural time, tune, tone, and timbre possible from a digital source. Effortless micro-dynamics, incredible micro-detail, and organic harmonic structure.

    Our technology brings you closer to the original musical performance.

  17. #67
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I will reiterate one more time - folks who are using a computer using smps Atx power supply and directly feeding a DAC, you are missing a whole lot. It doesn’t matter if you upsample, it doesn’t matter if your music is stored locally or somewhere else, it doesn’t matter if you have a Titanium grade Atx, it doesn’t matter how fast or slow your processor is. In my experience, they just sounds bad. If you used an LPS and found they sound as good (or as bad) as your SMPs, your LPS is a cheap quality one with high ripple and output impedance.

  18. #68
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I guess my Falcon Northwest just blows then, but it sounds pretty fantastic to me ... but hey you are right my ears must just suck.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  19. #69
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I built a custom audio computer for about $1100 buying parts on sale. All my cables are short and shielded. I use mostly SSD's M.2, a high end low noise, low ripple power supply and a motherboard with high grade caps. Most of the cables run behind a metal plate on the right side wall shielding them. I can't imagine the background getting any blacker or quiet. It was a huge improvement from the high end laptop I was using. I don't doubt that there would be some improvement with a LPS but I don't think that it would be dramatic. I have tried linear PS's with other gear with mixed results, some good and others no improvement.
    My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.

  20. #70
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Randy, you are free to choose whatever sounds best to you and I have no problem. Moreover, you haven't experimented powering the computer with different supplies but I have and yet you are advocating something you have zero experience with. Many folks who are reading this thread will be lead to believe it. Unless you have an equivalent to a medical grade ATx supply (like the ones from Sanken and alike), it's not going to cut it, no matter what you do or how hard you try.

    Why do you think companies like Aurender has incorporated a battery operated power supply or Taiko or Innuos has incorporated a SOTA LPS inside ? Do you think they are just for gimmicks and trying to fool us ?

  21. #71
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I do believe I have a bit of experience with computers, but whatever. It sounds amazing and very very comparable to my turntable in sound quality. It is dead quite, I hear no noise what so ever, even through my $4000 headphones straight off the DAC. Any improvements you are referencing would be long lost streaming through my network and certain through the Internet. I know power is important but it is not the be all end all of sound quality in a system, be it vinyl or digital.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  22. #72
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I'm gonna be blunt. I 100% agree with Devg. You can't build a computer that performs anywhere near a server by Mojo, Antipodes, Innuos, Aurender etc. The hardware, case work, selection of components is way beyond what you get at Eggnest or wherever you shop.

    And then there is software. The improvement in performance from purpose built software by these companies is stunning in and of itself. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not talking the Roon or whatever interface you see. I'm taking the Linux OS they purpose build you don't know is running in the background. Your source feeding your DAC will make or break digital playback. Its profoundly important.

    Not being able to imagine is worlds apart from experiencing.

  23. #73
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I Any improvements you are referencing would be long lost streaming through my network and certain through the Internet. I know power is important but it is not the be all end all of sound quality in a system, be it vinyl or digital.
    No it wouldn't be lost. I have been there too under tutelage from Alrainbow. I modded 3 older model servers that were already better than what you run. When I moved to a server done right the improvement was jaw dropping. My streaming is so so so much better. As you get better PS, casework, shielding and software, the differences between streaming and off the internal storage become smaller. Streaming is shocking good on my system. I spend most of my time streaming . But admittedly play vinyl or open reel tape when I want to really dig into my favorite music.

  24. #74
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Emmm, Falcon Northwest is not Eggnest or whatever. They are the oldest and to this day finest manufactures of custom computers. I purchase my machines from them because they have access to a much higher level quality and hand pick level of parts, that one individual can get. And yes, there is a difference in the parts, even with same model number. I can assure you there is no finer built computer accessible to home users anywhere in the world. They custom build what I wanted and I made sure that the software is the most streamline as possible.

    Linux is open source, many/most use it because it is free. It is certainly not a bad thing, but I prefer an OS built by an established company , than whatever random people adding mods to the open source. Yes then claim they can customize it, and some definitely do; not all.

    Taiko Audio SGM Extreme, probably the best of the best dedicated pre-built music servers use Windows also. Therefore I am comfortable continuing to use my Windows machine. I would not try and say that my computer is as good as the Taiko, but I am willing to say it is as good as you can get with out spending $20k + on something like the Taiko.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    I have seen your falcon. Just adressing the PS. Is it anything like this:

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    And your bagging on linux but saying you like a closed source software with a back door and many process you cant shut down running in the background.

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    And just because Taiko is a boatload of money and uber wealthy people own them does not mean they are the best. I bet they are darn good. But others might be better. The best Aurender, Innuos and Antipodes all push the $14k to $20k if you want to throw money around. But a $7000 unit from any of them is built with better parts then a Falcon.

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    these are powerful gaming pc s as far as i can see, lol

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    what custom built parts does Falcon Northwest use that are good for Audio ?

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    considering this dac from Audio-GD HE-7 It weighs 17 kilo’s, and the reviews are amazing. But struggling a bit because not an official Roon Ready. Does this work with Roon?

    AUDIO-GD HE-7 Balanced ACSS DAC 8xPCM1704 24bit/192kHz AMANERO - Audiophonics

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Alkyogre View Post
    considering this dac from Audio-GD HE-7 It weighs 17 kilo’s, and the reviews are amazing. But struggling a bit because not an official Roon Ready. Does this work with Roon?

    AUDIO-GD HE-7 Balanced ACSS DAC 8xPCM1704 24bit/192kHz AMANERO - Audiophonics
    Head-fi is the best place to check for Audio GD DACs.

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kingrex View Post
    But a $7000 unit from any of them is built with better parts then a Falcon.
    Even a $3k Innuos Zen or Auralic G1 will outperform a Falcon when it comes to feeding the DAC directly with native resolution.

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Trying to see how many one/two line post you can make. You two really are proving how cool you are. Like little kids that think if they keep talking people will listen. Guess what Devg and Rex, we stopped listening to you 8-15 posts ago.

    Of course I understand that you two know more about everything then everyone else. So of course it is impossible to ever have a civil discussion with either of you.

    Have a good life. bye bye now.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Trying to see how many one/two line post you can make. You two really are proving how cool you are. Like little kids that think if they keep talking people will listen. Guess what Devg and Rex, we stopped listening to you 8-15 posts ago.

    Of course I understand that you two know more about everything then everyone else. So of course it is impossible to ever have a civil discussion with either of you.

    Have a good life. bye bye now.
    Randy, I know you too well to have you get your undies that crumpled up in a bunch. So I don't respect your server. Big deal. I only make the point as I'm pretty passionate about digital as I have been in it since the days of hot rodding Mac Minis. I have gutted and rebuilt my fair share. And I gave up with that fling when it became quite apparent the professional building them were eclipsing anything the DIY guy can do. A Falcon is a fast gaming computer. That does not make a music server. Its a fine machine for the budget you have. I noted earlier I did not upgrade mine to the latest and greatest. I have a budget too. We all do. We get what fits in it. But its untrue to say your Falcon meets the performance levels of machines built by experts in digital audio building a single purpose device. Your misleading buyers.

  35. #85
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kingrex View Post
    Randy, I know you too well to have you get your undies that crumpled up in a bunch. So I don't respect your server. Big deal. I only make the point as I'm pretty passionate about digital as I have been in it since the days of hot rodding Mac Minis. I have gutted and rebuilt my fair share. And I gave up with that fling when it became quite apparent the professional building them were eclipsing anything the DIY guy can do. A Falcon is a fast gaming computer. That does not make a music server. Its a fine machine for the budget you have. I noted earlier I did not upgrade mine to the latest and greatest. I have a budget too. We all do. We get what fits in it. But its untrue to say your Falcon meets the performance levels of machines built by experts in digital audio building a single purpose device. Your misleading buyers.
    Rex, I only respond because I have considered you a friend. The thing you are wrong about is saying I am misleading buyers. What? I am not selling a darn thing, we were giving opinions and having a discussion until Devg started getting personal, which he seems to do in any discussion he joins. You adding on, piling on if you will did bother me.

    I know you are all about the power and that is cool. It is important but it is not the only thing. Enough said there.

    Yes Falcon makes the best gaming rigs, but they do not only make computers for gaming. I know the guys well, and have visited their offices in Medford so I do know a bit about them. They make computers at a higher level then the other guys. I know of one company that purchased 25 machines from them, not for gaming.

    They do have access to a higher grade of parts (they get the pick of the liter so to speak) and design and build their own cases, better than most. That is what you get when you have been custom building computers for 30 years. I also have been a computer professional for about 40 years. I have an idea of what makes a computer tick. At this point I will leave it at that.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Trying to see how many one/two line post you can make. You two really are proving how cool you are. Like little kids that think if they keep talking people will listen. Guess what Devg and Rex, we stopped listening to you 8-15 posts ago.

    Of course I understand that you two know more about everything then everyone else. So of course it is impossible to ever have a civil discussion with either of you.

    Have a good life. bye bye now.
    Huh ? I thought we are having quiet a civilian and technical discussion. Does anybody think otherwise ?

    This thread was going healthy until you posted your nonsense. It's not about us knowing everything, it's about what we have experience with. Unlike many, I don't post in each and every thread where I have ZERO experience.

    I have to say you have very novice experience at best with anything related to computer audio and your post speaks volume of itself. Some of us are hardcore DIY'er and have spent countless time and money over years. When others advocate nonsense its very clear. All you can do (and as you have done in the past) when you can't technically argue, is to put the blame on others and start derogating comments and name calling

  37. #87
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I am not selling a darn thing, we were giving opinions and having a discussion until Devg started getting personal, which he seems to do in any discussion he joins. You adding on, piling on if you will did bother me.
    Humm..I tried to help improving your computer audio but I didn't realize some would take it personally if someone pointed out the drawbacks.

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Yes Falcon makes the best gaming rigs, but they do not only make computers for gaming. I know the guys well, and have visited their offices in Medford so I do know a bit about them. They make computers at a higher level then the other guys. I know of one company that purchased 25 machines from them, not for gaming.
    How is this remotely related to Audio ?


    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post

    They do have access to a higher grade of parts (they get the pick of the liter so to speak) and design and build their own cases, better than most. That is what you get when you have been custom building computers for 30 years. I also have been a computer professional for about 40 years. I have an idea of what makes a computer tick. At this point I will leave it at that.
    I will ask again - what custom built parts does Falcon Northwest use that are good for Audio ?

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Not sure what any of this nonsense has to do with Jeff's original question which was strictly about DAC's and had nothing to do with streamer technology which he made very clear a while back. He has one and doesn't intend to change or add.

    This other stuff had been beaten to death on multiple occasions by the same group in more thread jackings than I can count and always ends up the same way.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    You are right Jack, we were discussing DACs and some questions were asked that led down other paths. I got sucked in and therefor I do apologize to the OP.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    much higher level quality and hand pick level of parts
    not even the NASA my friend.
    maybe they sold you that and are still laughing about the guy who came from far away

    best you can do is to configurate a very LOW grade machine (small processor etc)
    for example a fanless pc with solid alu case. no vibration and dead silent, external power supply
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  41. #91
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    Not sure what any of this nonsense has to do with Jeff's original question which was strictly about DAC's and had nothing to do with streamer technology which he made very clear a while back. He has one and doesn't intend to change or add.

    This other stuff had been beaten to death on multiple occasions by the same group in more thread jackings than I can count and always ends up the same way.
    when folks are asking about DACs and people are recommending T+A, which in turn needs up-sampling to sounds its best, it is extremely important to discuss what encompasses around it. I have heard the T+A in my system and without up-sampling from HQP, it sounds pretty ordinary (at least to my ears) and in today's market there are far better sounding DACs which doesn't need up-sampling. Another friend bought T+A some years back and based on a forum discussion like this and nobody pointed out that he needed an up-sampling sever and his Innous does not have the capability to upsample to DSD128, let alone to 512. The guy struggled to get a good sound and finally had to sell it.

    It has nothing to do with streaming and nobody suggested anything remotely. So I don't think its a nonsense at all. If you can't feed the DAC with a signal that it expects and designed for, all bets are off.

  42. #92
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    You are right Jack, we were discussing DACs and some questions were asked that led down other paths. I got sucked in and therefor I do apologize to the OP.
    I brought it up much earlier as digital music is not just a DAC. It needs a good signal. Your existing DAC may actually be pretty good. It might suffer from an insufficient source. Changing to a better signal/server may give more bang for your buck than getting a new DAC. I was only trying to bring into focus the whole of the picture when it comes to digital music.

    I am happy to leave this all at that too.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    But that's not the point of this thread Rex. The OP is having issues with just the DAC functionally and wants to change his DAC. He made that clear but this nonsense starts every time someone asks for a simple DAC recommendation based on other members personal experience. All you had to do was recommend a DAC you own or have owned and move on.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Dev

    Jeff made it pretty clear in post #21 that he new what was required for the T+A and was not interested. He doesn't appear to be a novice who acts blindly without doing his research.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    Dev

    Jeff made it pretty clear in post #21 that he new what was required for the T+A and was not interested. He doesn't appear to be a novice who acts blindly without doing his research.
    Jack, yes I agree and I was surprised that folks was suggesting T+A in-spite of Jeff explicitly saying that he doesn't care about up-sampling and neither has plans. So I wanted to make it clear for the sake of future readers what it entrails. I know it went a bit off and I do apologize for it.

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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Threads here that stay on topic tend to quickly die. IMO this one is staying more on topic than most, and the issues discussed are relevant. Like most components DACs don’t operate in a vacuum. Who would try to claim that one amp works best for any speaker system, or vice-versa? A big reason there were dedicated servers even before streaming became popular in the audiophile world is simply that personal computers, whether Windows Mac or Linux OS and hardware, are not designed or built for that task and unsurprisingly don’t function for it as well as a purpose-built component. It’s not clear to me why there should be controversy about it?

    If you want an audiophile forum where threads stay on topic more than most try Audionirvana; except for the music threads, very few are more than 2 pages (most are only 1)
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    If you want an audiophile forum where threads stay on topic more than most try Audionirvana; except for the music threads, very few are more than 2 pages (most are only 1)

    Please note that this post is only an addendum to the post directly above and should not be read or quoted otherwise.
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  48. #98
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    If you want an audiophile forum where threads stay on topic more than most try Audionirvana; except for the music threads, very few are more than 2 pages (most are only 1)
    Seriously? I work hard to build and promote my forum.

    Unfucking believable.
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    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Seriously? I work hard to build and promote my forum.

    Unfucking believable.
    Mike you and this forum are very special and very much appreciated. This is by far the best forum I have ever encountered. Yes I admit I get my dander up sometimes, but I do try to put both logic and thought behind what I post. I also try extremely hard to always have respect and consideration in my posts (and for the most part I have been successful in this endeavor). I do apologies for the times I have been derailed but that has never ever been to have any negative affect on this amazing forum you run (pretty dam good audio seller also ).
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  50. #100

    Re: Standalone DACs under $10k?

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    As far as I know this is not a bad thing to do when possible, although I doubt it will make a big difference. I did replace the power supply on my Recovery with a LPS. I believe the difference was minimal at best, but certainly did not hurt anything. I did choose the best power supply money can buy for my computer, which should be good enough ).
    I thought your computer power supply is a SMPS.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

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