Brinkmann Nyquist DAC - technical jewel with marvelous sound

[DavidNC]

I had read this review which led me to believe I had not set up the Nyquist properly! It would have never bothered me as I would have always used the Antares.(although I'm not sure about the LCD-4 being harder to drive?)However,it's reassuring to note !

[Kuoppis]

I had read this review which led me to believe I had not set up the Nyquist properly! It would have never bothered me as I would have always used the Antares.(although I'm not sure about the LCD-4 being harder to drive?)However,it's reassuring to note !

I thought my comment about the HE-1000 v2 might be understood as a potential negative. Hence to clarify: being easier to drive is IMHO no negative for a headphone, I would argue it is actually the opposite. Being easier to drive makes the ‘phones more widely usable.

The HE-1000 v2 is one of my favorite headphones.


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[still-one]

Something like this could be a little ear punishing if there’s too much digital glare. Not the case here.

Now it’s just bliss and very nice music. The kettledrum in “Liberty Fanfare” really sounds like a cannon in my system, great dynamics as well.




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Sounds more like a large bass drum than a kettle to me!!

[Kuoppis]

Sounds more like a large bass drum than a kettle to me!!

Not sure what it is, but it sounds like a cannon to me .

Pretty sure it is not a bass drum of a regular drum set.


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[still-one]

Not sure what it is, but it sounds like a cannon to me .

Pretty sure it is not a bass drum of a regular drum set.


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I agree on the canon parts!

[DavidNC]

Vinyl-A quick word on Vinyl without completely going off thread.
I gave up on Vinyl many years ago when little fingers found Tone Arms more fun than Lego !
I gave up on having CDs cluttering the 'living-space' some years ago and moved on to the Meridian Sooloos System.
Interestingly,over on another site , on a Server thread, I mentioned the Meridian and said "why no love"?
Only got one answer and that was from a Lad who lives just down the Road from me(who I was not 'friends' with) who repield saying "Lifestyle product" and " going on to say "us Audiophiles". I note he's now going the same way!!!
We may never convince the 'Vinyl,Valves and Horns' Brigade that there's anything better but I feel it won't be long coming before they 'see the light'
Anyway,there are new digital products coming thick and fast,the Nyquist being one of them(and so poignant where that comes from)
I've mentioned a new Range of products called the Quiescent.

The reports I'm receiving are quite amazing !! (let's leave that there at this time as it's not worth quoting others)You will note Vertex's range of Dealers is small. The Quiescent may be even more 'restricted' . I understand they are adopting a new method of selling. The products will be on loan to the restricted Dealers who will receive a 'fee' for Demonstrating/Selling them!!!No massive mark up for the Dealer !! So, straight away this must tell you something?? I have been in contact with two of the Dealers who will have the products. One is a Classical Violinist and fully into the 'Traditional' scene. He had the initial run of products to demo and the reports are such that I'm ....exited !!. The other Dealer(also a Musician), well let's just say he sells what some regard as the best of the best, in Digital and Analogue. He's informed me that he challenged Quiescent to 'best' these products! I get to audition both in January !
Before anybody asks,it's early days, there are no 'professional' reviews and the only information available is on the new website. I've asked several questions and the replies have been informative and helpful.
There will be three ranges ,Q, T and X with the T being rolled out first,the T Streamer(two box) will be £13k (same as the Nyquist)and the other 'stand alone' units in the same series,that is the DAC,Pre and Power about £8k, there's also a 'Mains Conditioner' which I think comes in a little less. I say,that's not 'silly' money??this obviously reflects the selling policy?
If this 'range' tempts you.....I think much patients will be needed before it gets on your rack! and some outside the UK may have to buy 'blind' !!

I may never convince "us Audiophiles" but am I bothered !!!

PS,I have no financial interest in this Company!!

I just went to 'post this, and have been caught out again in that I'm not allowed to include 'links' to other websites until I have 10 posts.So, you'll have to search for Quiescent and Vertex by usual means-sorry

[Kuoppis]

I don’t understand this continuous blabber about those companies you mention and I am not in the least interested in them. This thread is about the Brinkmann Nyquist DAC, so please stick to the topic.

And btw, I am a total vinyl convert, so you are definitely talking to the wrong person here.


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[Mike]

I don’t understand this continuous blabber about those companies you mention and I am not in the least interested in them. This thread is about the Brinkmann Nyquist DAC, so please stick to the topic.

And btw, I am a total vinyl convert, so you are definitely talking to the wrong person here.


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Well said Kuoppis. I was going to write something similar, except more aptly worded “what a load of crap”. Shill comes to mind....

Back to our original scheduled programming...

Kuoppis - any thoughts on tube rolling in the DAC’s output stage?


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[Kuoppis]

Well said Kuoppis. I was going to write something similar, except more aptly worded “what a load of crap”. Shill comes to mind....

Back to our original scheduled programming...

Kuoppis - any thoughts on tube rolling in the DAC’s output stage?


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Thank you Mike for your support.

It’s a good question, but right now I don’t have an answer to that. The type of tubes used are kind of special, so I need to dig deeper into it. But it will not be as easy as with ECC83’s or something more common. I might need to ask others for advice first.

But that will come at a later stage, as I am right now very happy with the sound.

Congrats on the Select II btw, it must sound great. You described a similar ‘not digital, but more than regular analogue’ sound signature I have been experiencing.


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[Mike]

Thank you Mike for your support.

It’s a good question, but right now I don’t have an answer to that. The type of tubes used are kind of special, so I need to dig deeper into it. But it will not be as easy as with ECC83’s or something more common. I might need to ask others for advice first.

But that will come at a later stage, as I am right now very happy with the sound.

Congrats on the Select II btw, it must sound great. You described a similar ‘not digital, but more than regular analogue’ sound signature I have been experiencing.


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Thank you. I’m really looking forward to listening to all kinds of music and hearing what it can do as it breaks in.

I would love to hear the Brinkmann in a familiar system. I’ve only heard it at shows.


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[DavidNC]

[QUOTE=Kuoppis;224408]I don’t understand this continuous blabber about those companies you mention and I am not in the least interested in them. This thread is about the Brinkmann Nyquist DAC, so please stick to the topic.

And btw, I am a total vinyl convert, so you are definitely talking to the wrong person here.

Sorry,didn't know you had 'ownership' of this thread(even though I understand you initiated it)
I did not reply to you directly and as such was not questioning your choice.If I did,I apologise.

Yes,I agree the thread is about the Nyquist,I didn't initiate the association with Vinyl.
But, we can't talk about any item in isolation without mentioning related issues/products/formats etc etc !
So, we discuss the Nyquist as it relates to other similar products,Those I mention being obvious alternatives.
If this thread is a 'pat on the back' thread , then it's not for me!

[joeinid]

David,

looks like you can post links now. Can you start another thread where you mention these products? I’m curious about what is available and coming.

Thanks

Vinyl-A quick word on Vinyl without completely going off thread.
I gave up on Vinyl many years ago when little fingers found Tone Arms more fun than Lego !
I gave up on having CDs cluttering the 'living-space' some years ago and moved on to the Meridian Sooloos System.
Interestingly,over on another site , on a Server thread, I mentioned the Meridian and said "why no love"?
Only got one answer and that was from a Lad who lives just down the Road from me(who I was not 'friends' with) who repield saying "Lifestyle product" and " going on to say "us Audiophiles". I note he's now going the same way!!!
We may never convince the 'Vinyl,Valves and Horns' Brigade that there's anything better but I feel it won't be long coming before they 'see the light'
Anyway,there are new digital products coming thick and fast,the Nyquist being one of them(and so poignant where that comes from)
I've mentioned a new Range of products called the Quiescent.

The reports I'm receiving are quite amazing !! (let's leave that there at this time as it's not worth quoting others)You will note Vertex's range of Dealers is small. The Quiescent may be even more 'restricted' . I understand they are adopting a new method of selling. The products will be on loan to the restricted Dealers who will receive a 'fee' for Demonstrating/Selling them!!!No massive mark up for the Dealer !! So, straight away this must tell you something?? I have been in contact with two of the Dealers who will have the products. One is a Classical Violinist and fully into the 'Traditional' scene. He had the initial run of products to demo and the reports are such that I'm ....exited !!. The other Dealer(also a Musician), well let's just say he sells what some regard as the best of the best, in Digital and Analogue. He's informed me that he challenged Quiescent to 'best' these products! I get to audition both in January !
Before anybody asks,it's early days, there are no 'professional' reviews and the only information available is on the new website. I've asked several questions and the replies have been informative and helpful.
There will be three ranges ,Q, T and X with the T being rolled out first,the T Streamer(two box) will be £13k (same as the Nyquist)and the other 'stand alone' units in the same series,that is the DAC,Pre and Power about £8k, there's also a 'Mains Conditioner' which I think comes in a little less. I say,that's not 'silly' money??this obviously reflects the selling policy?
If this 'range' tempts you.....I think much patients will be needed before it gets on your rack! and some outside the UK may have to buy 'blind' !!

I may never convince "us Audiophiles" but am I bothered !!!

PS,I have no financial interest in this Company!!

I just went to 'post this, and have been caught out again in that I'm not allowed to include 'links' to other websites until I have 10 posts.So, you'll have to search for Quiescent and Vertex by usual means-sorry

[Kuoppis]

[QUOTE=DavidNC;224425]

I don’t understand this continuous blabber about those companies you mention and I am not in the least interested in them. This thread is about the Brinkmann Nyquist DAC, so please stick to the topic.

And btw, I am a total vinyl convert, so you are definitely talking to the wrong person here.

Sorry,didn't know you had 'ownership' of this thread(even though I understand you initiated it)
I did not reply to you directly and as such was not questioning your choice.If I did,I apologise.

Yes,I agree the thread is about the Nyquist,I didn't initiate the association with Vinyl.
But, we can't talk about any item in isolation without mentioning related issues/products/formats etc etc !
So, we discuss the Nyquist as it relates to other similar products,Those I mention being obvious alternatives.
If this thread is a 'pat on the back' thread , then it's not for me!

David, happens to all of us, getting excited and off on a tangent. Not to worry.

The reason why I was commenting was because, bare quoting prices and shipping cost, your text looked like a dealer’s pitch for another product to me. This impression is now even reinforced, as those products you were advertising for do not even come close to what the Nyquist can do. A bit desperate effort, as I find.


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[Kuoppis]

Thank you. I’m really looking forward to listening to all kinds of music and hearing what it can do as it breaks in.

I would love to hear the Brinkmann in a familiar system. I’ve only heard it at shows.

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I think you would enjoy the Nyquist in one of your systems.

It would for sure be an experience to hear the Select II in a familiar system as well, but I guess that would be very hard to pull off in Europe.


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[Kuoppis]

Here’s how the NOS Telefunken PCF803 pentode/ triode looks, kind of cool actually:







Does anyone of the toob specialists here know what might be alternatives to these?

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[Kuoppis]

One thing I particularly like about the Nyquist is its versatility: one the one hand it’s super-easy operation, just plug-and-play and it works like a charm. On the other hand it allows for the opportunity to explore a number of things deeper:

- getting to the bottom of MQA - what is it, how is it, is all MQA equal and doing a reference-level comparison
- expanding the home server setup - a Roon endpoint, it can be a segway to increasing the versatility of using the music catalogue
- streaming capability - exploring the benefits of connecting it via Ethernet, the quality was pretty nice when I was using a Linn Klimax in my system
- tube-based output stage - getting into tube rolling to explore sound options


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[wisnon]

Here’s how the NOS Telefunken PCF803 pentode/ triode looks, kind of cool actually:







Does anyone of the toob specialists here know what might be alternatives to these?

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No drop in direct replacement:
https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/124/p/PCF801.pdf

	Tube type: Triode-Pentode Frequency converter Controlling (mu)
Identical to	PCF803
Similar Tubes	Heater different: ECF803 Different connections: PCF801
First year	1963 Tube leaflet collection E.Erb Analysis by original leaflets
First Source (s)	Mar.1963 : Funkschau # 6

---

Base	Noval, B9A
Filament	Indirect / Series, AC/DC /
Description	Unterschied diese zu PCF801: PCF801: gemeinsame Kathoden PCF803: getrennte Kathoden Verwendung: Osillator/Mischer/ZF-Verstärker Text in other languages (may differ)
Tube prices	4 Tube prices (visible for members only)

	PCF803: Courtesy Bureau Belper (De Muiderkring, Bussum), Scan Frank Philipse Karel De Reus †

[wisnon]

I only see Telefunk and Seimens as ever making this noval television tube.

Being a TV tube means it should be a LOT cheaper to buy NOS.

The local tube Barn here had a LOT of PCC88 tubes but GROAN, he dumped them. I have pals who use them in their amps and are hungry for backups. Its a great tube.

[CPP]

I only see Telefunk and Seimens as ever making this noval television tube.

Bing a TV tube means it should be a LOT cheaper to buy NOS.

The local tube Barn here had a LOT of PCC88 tubes but GROAN, he dumped them. I have pals who use them in their amps and are hungry for backups. Its a great tube.

Don't forget Philips Noval series

[Kuoppis]

I had previously just seen the Telefunken and Siemens ones, but good to know Philips also made them.

Would be interesting to check what TV manufacturers like ITT, Schaub-Lorenz, Metz in Europe and RCA, Zenith in the US have been using in the 60’s. That might unearth more manufacturers. There may also be also some more from Russia, as the east block for sure was using their own brands (guess more military tech in those days though).


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[wisnon]

Don't forget Philips Noval series

I couldnt find Philips except for the pcf 801....not the 803.

[wisnon]

I had previously just seen the Telefunken and Siemens ones, but good to know Philips also made them.

Would be interesting to check what TV manufacturers like ITT, Schaub-Lorenz, Metz in Europe and RCA, Zenith in the US have been using in the 60’s. That might unearth more manufacturers. There may also be also some more from Russia, as the east block for sure was using their own brands (guess more military tech in those days though).


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They would have to be a perfect electrical and pinout match. Adapters, if they exist, could handle the pinout mismatch, but nothing to do about the electrics.

I dont think there are any equivs for this...I did the usual search and ..NADA.

http://www.jogis-roehrenbude.de/Lese...dio/PCF803.pdf

However!!!

This guy is claiming several brands:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ROHRE-PCF-803...8AAOSwzrxUuS8w
Tungsram, Philips, Hoges, Europa, etc.

ECF803 is similar...BUT different heater!

PCF803 tube used in Telefunken/AEG/Quelle TVS and Nordmende lab/Test equipment.

[Kuoppis]

interesting, but I found the guy’s advertising - hmmm, offering development potential.

But Telefunken and Siemens are at least two confirmed manufacturers.


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[Kuoppis]

Norman, have you found any sound comparisons between the Telefunken and the Siemens?

My guess is probably not, as this tube was designed for use in TV sets. Might be interesting to check user fora for the Brinkmann Edison phono stage though. The Edison shares the same tubes.

Overall, use of the tubes in the output stage is an interesting concept. If the intent is any similar to the RöNt turntable power supply, the vacuum in the rectifier tubes not only isolate their plates from the cathodes, but also the power line from the drive circuitry. That allows the tubes to work like a high class power line filter.


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[wisnon]

Seimens and telefunken often sound the same, as they are often the same tubes. Telef having the better rep and price, but Seimens actually being the better sounding tube and far better value.

[Kuoppis]

Seimens and telefunken often sound the same, as they are often the same tubes. Telef having the better rep and price, but Seimens actually being the better sounding tube and far better value.

Interesting, thanks. What makes you say the Siemens sounds better?

It appears there indeed are PCF803’s at least also from Philips and Lorenz SEL.


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[Jack]

It is very possible that all of the tubes in question were made in the same plant at different times and then sold off with different imprints which was not an uncommon practice. The difference in sound would be based on the different production runs.

[Kuoppis]

It is very possible that all of the tubes in question were made in the same plant at different times and then sold off with different imprints which was not an uncommon practice. The difference in sound would be based on the different production runs.

That appears to be correct, it is often stated that the Siemens ones were made by TFK (even though with Siemens imprint) and the Lorenz SEL ones seem to have a TFK label on the bottom in addition to the SEL logo.

It is interesting that different production runs do have different sounds. Why is that?


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[bmichels]

After many many DAC auditioning, I was about to (finaly ! ) purchase a NAGRA HD DAC, as soon as they release the DSD 4X new digital board, but... this Nyquist makes me very curious, expecially since it offer MQA and Ethernet input that the NAGRA don't.

So I will try to convince the Brinkman dealer to let me audition the Nyquist at my friend's place who has a NAGRA, to compare booth DACs.

Has someone compared already the NAGRA HD DAC and the Nyquist ?

[Kuoppis]

After many many DAC auditioning, I was about to (finaly ! ) purchase a NAGRA HD DAC, as soon as they release the DSD 4X new digital board, but... this Nyquist makes me very curious, expecially since it offer MQA and Ethernet input that the NAGRA don't.

So I will try to convince the Brinkman dealer to let me audition the Nyquist at my friend's place who has a NAGRA, to compare booth DACs.

Has someone compared already the NAGRA HD DAC and the Nyquist ?

Have not made a direct comparison, but the Nagra HD was on top of my list before the Nyquist arrived. If I would guess the Nagra might be a tad more digital sounding, but both are really top notch and absolute world class. I would be very much interested to hear direct comparison results in a top level system.

My choice fell on the Nyquist as it has this completely new, kind of analog but better sound signature, and because of its immense versatility. Most other D/A converters, even at a multiple of its price, are currently not able to support MQA or then via one port only and through some kind of interface hack. Others cost the same but can only render MQA. Yet some others do not offer discrete DSD DAC capability, which simply is prerequisite for top level DSD performance.

In my view, if you pay top dollar today, you should be entitled to expect full support of all the latest formats w/o interface or bandwidth restrictions, and streaming capability, as well as Roon readiness.

In addition to the best D/A converter sound I have ever heard so far, the Nyquist offers all that. That is simply top notch.


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[bmichels]

Thanks for your feedback. I am happy for you that you enjoy your Nyquist.
Could you comment on the headphone output ? Is it at the level of a TOL external headphone amp ? ( I have a BHSE for my Stax but I wish I could get rid of my other Amp EC445 for my dynamic & planars)

Thanks

[Kuoppis]

Here’s what Robert Harley had to say about the Nyquist headphone amp:

“The headphone output delivers all of this sound quality and more. Driving the stunningly great Audeze LCD-4 planar-magnetic phones through Nordost Heimdahl cable, the Nyquist was the best-sounding headphone amplifier I’ve heard (although I have not heard many top models). The clarity, transparency, detail, and transient response were phenomenal. Although I ran the Nyquist’s volume control toward the top end of its range on some music, it had plenty of drive on even the most demanding material. The Nyquist’s state-of-the-art headphone amplification section is icing on an already delicious cake.”


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[Kuoppis]

Thanks for your feedback. I am happy for you that you enjoy your Nyquist.
Could you comment on the headphone output ? Is it at the level of a TOL external headphone amp ? ( I have a BHSE for my Stax but I wish I could get rid of my other Amp EC445 for my dynamic & planars)

Thanks

I think, as Robert Harley wrote, the Nyquist headphone amp is very good. It is also using the tube output stage, so very nice and holographic sound as well.

Can you do better? Sure you can, with a very powerful external high-end hp amp you can drive any hp w/o limitation to very high levels.

Can you get better SQ? Only if you use the Nyquist as a DAC to feed the ext. hp amp.

In my MQA test (different thread) I was using the very demanding Senn HD800 to a great effect. What you need to know about those cans is that when driven inadequately they will sound thin and harsh. Only if you have a potent enough hp amp you will get a reference level sound. With the Nyquist I had great sound. RH was using Audeze LCD-4’s which need proper amplification as well, also to a great effect.


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[Kuoppis]

Overall, use of the tubes in the output stage is an interesting concept. If the intent is any similar to the RöNt turntable power supply, the vacuum in the rectifier tubes not only isolate their plates from the cathodes, but also the power line from the drive circuitry. That allows the tubes to work like a high class power line filter.

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Michael Lavorgna described another interesting benefit of the Nyquist’s hybrid circuit topology: employing tubes in the output stage, allows leveraging their "instantaneous response to voltage changes."

Read more at https://www.audiostream.com/content/...wmRUdtGePOG.99


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[bmichels]

I think, as Robert Harley wrote, the Nyquist headphone amp is very good. It is also using the tube output stage, so very nice and holographic sound as well.

Can you do better? Sure you can, with a very powerful external high-end hp amp you can drive any hp w/o limitation to very high levels.

Can you get better SQ? Only if you use the Nyquist as a DAC to feed the ext. hp amp.

In my MQA test (different thread) I was using the very demanding Senn HD800 to a great effect. What you need to know about those cans is that when driven inadequately they will sound thin and harsh. Only if you have a potent enough hp amp you will get a reference level sound. With the Nyquist I had great sound. RH was using Audeze LCD-4’s which need proper amplification as well, also to a great effect.


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Kuoppis could you please provide the link to your MQA test thread ?
Thanks

[Kuoppis]

Kuoppis could you please provide the link to your MQA test thread ?
Thanks

I was not the OP on the thread, just added my MQA/ PCM comparisons.

MQA Discussion
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sha...9&share_type=t



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[wisnon]

That appears to be correct, it is often stated that the Siemens ones were made by TFK (even though with Siemens imprint) and the Lorenz SEL ones seem to have a TFK label on the bottom in addition to the SEL logo.

It is interesting that different production runs do have different sounds. Why is that?


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Different construction or different methods of assembly. These seem like the same manufacturer OEMing to different labels.

The ECC40 had like 8 brands but were only 2 different constructions in the end.

[Kuoppis]

https://www.stereo.net.au/news/brink...-mqa-ready-dac


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[Kuoppis]

Very nice, found the English language review from Stereo Magazine. It’s a good read, outlines the amazing specs quite nicely. There is also a detail piece on MQA and a Bob Stuart interview on it.

Since this review the Nyquist is Stereo Magazine DAC reference.

https://stereo-magazine.com/index.ph...58da&download=


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[mhanc]

kuopipis - great thread!

i have been following this thread with great interest. it has really made me rethink plans for a vinyl upgrade. with the sound you describe and the features of this dac, it is a highly compelling proposition. particularly attractive are 1) the tube output stage which as you suggest might contribute to its sound and 2) ethernet connectivity which makes hi-rez digital much less of a computer science / hardware project.

other than being pricey, seems like a piece of equipment to carefully investigate... can't think of another dac with these features, characteristics and quality.

looking forward to further comments as you have more time with the nyquist.

[Kuoppis]

kuopipis - great thread!

i have been following this thread with great interest. it has really made me rethink plans for a vinyl upgrade. with the sound you describe and the features of this dac, it is a highly compelling proposition. particularly attractive are 1) the tube output stage which as you suggest might contribute to its sound and 2) ethernet connectivity which makes hi-rez digital much less of a computer science / hardware project.

other than being pricey, seems like a piece of equipment to carefully investigate... can't think of another dac with these features, characteristics and quality.

looking forward to further comments as you have more time with the nyquist.

Hi mhanc, thank you for the kind words. It is indeed easy to post interesting things about the Nyquist as it is so versatile. In the current market the Nyquist is pretty much the bees knees. Hence it has collected pretty much all available awards this year.

There are other hi-end DACs in the same price range or more likely quite a bit above, which also have a good sound. Whether the sound however is equally good, is yet to be seen. But even the most highest priced DACs do not come even close in terms of feature set: tremendous sound with all formats, new analog kind but better sound signature, full MQA support through all interfaces, discrete DSD DAC, 8 DACs per channel (2x8), user replaceable digital module, streaming and Ethernet capability, Roon end-point, tubed output stage, outboard power module included.

If you take any of those features, with most other manufacturers all of those come at an extra cost. All in all, I think the Nyquist is pretty much the best value-for-money hi-end DAC offering in the market.


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[Kuoppis]

Interesting design principles Brinkmann had set for themselves for the Nyquist:

- Quality
- Longevity
- Ease of use

While I subscribe to all of them, it’s longevity that sticks out. This is especially crucial in the hi-end segment, as no-one wants to be forced into short replacement cycles in hi-end.

Read it in the Brinkmann white paper, available from their web page.

http://www.brinkmann-audio.com/inhal...er/nyquist.pdf



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[Kuoppis]

Another question I had when investigating the Nyquist was related to the DAC chip implemented in it: ESS9018S. While that is a technically very advanced D/A conversion IC, it can be obtained e.g. through the rather good Auralic Vega (or my stylish Gemini 2000 for that matter) for less than 1/5th of the cost. And the Auralic implementation is already quite nice, as it has been voiced after the world-class analogue Neve recording console. That is however where the commonality ends.

First of all, it is a bit of a simplification to judge the sound of a DAC based on the onboard IC, as the actual implementation and customizable filtering affects the sound quite a bit. There is a sound signature though, if the ESS9018 does all the conversion work like D/A processing, PLL and digital filtering. But already in case of e.g. an Oppo or Auralic implementation the DACs do sound a bit different IMHO. Audible differences can be achieved in the basic D/A chip implementation and by customizing the filtering options as Auralic have done.

Second, as the ESS9018S has eight D/A circuits those can be allocated in different ways to serve the conversion process. E.g. in the Vega four D/A converters have been allocated to each channel. Alternatively, they can be assigned to serve one or both channels, i.e. a stereo or mono setup. This is is a specific feature of this D/A chip.

In comparison, in the Nyquist there actually are two ESS9018S ICs, i.e. one per channel with eight D/A circuits each, running in a double-mono configuration. The benefit of that is that their outputs are combined to lower the noise floor, randomize any conversion errors and create a balanced output signal. This does affect the conversion accuracy and noise floor quite significantly.

Further, as the Nyquist is a hi-end DAC and there is only so much that can be achieved with an off-the-shelve DAC implementation, the actual sound processing in the Nyquist is done completely outside the ESS9018S. As a matter of fact, only the actual D/A conversion is handled by the Sabre and all other of its advanced functions have been turned off. This is as better sound quality can be achieved through custom implementations. In case of the Nyquist a customized PLL, a dedicated DSP with digital filters and a separate re-clocking circuit have been developed in-house by Brinkmann. To minimize jitter, the clock does have very low phase noise and is sitting next to the D/A chip. Even the clock’s power supply is derived from the tubes, as the Telefunken PCF803’s operate as a power filter to supply cleaner power. The level of effort in this design is also exemplified through the fact, that there are 11 power supplies inside the DAC module alone. And as such, in the Nyquist the DAC chip does not affect the sound pretty much at all, as it is only used for the actual D/A conversion and all sound related processing and filtering are done in custom processors.

Going back to the beginning of this posting, we can see that while the same IC is used in more affordable products, there are fundamental differences in the implementation. To the extent that they actually do have rather little in common and correspondingly the products’ sound signature is very different.

This is also where I disagree with John Atkinson’s Auralic Vega review: the Vega is for sure a nice DAC, but in my book it does not represent anything anywhere even close to a Class A+ rating, i.e. a reference level product. While the Vega is nice, there are products that are so much better, namely e.g. the Brinkmann Nyquist, the Berkeley Ref II or Mike’s new MSB Select II, that they simply do not belong in the same class. Frankly speaking, I think the guys at Stereophile appear a little lost in the digital world at times or at least their Recommended Components list seems a bit incomprehensible.

Concluding from my study of the matter, the ES9018S as implemented in the Nyquist, is really not your Dad’s Buick.


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[wisnon]

So, have you rolled tubes yet?

[Kuoppis]

So, have you rolled tubes yet?

Actually, I have not . A couple of reasons:

- firstly, we are currently enjoying our winter vacation at the summer house (oxymoron, I guess) and I do not have access to the Nyquist
- secondly, talking to a German tube specialist he was of the opinion that all PCF803 tubes were TFK made and they just contract manufactured for others like Siemens (which would not be uncommon in the tube business, as I am told)
- further, it is difficult to find matched pairs, much less matched matched quads (especially as they are NOS)

So, I am going to do it, but the search is still ongoing. This is actually quite fun.


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[Dguitarnut]

Congrats on finding a keeper. DACs are such a personal preference....like underwear
After going thru 3 DACs I found the Yggdrasil and it spent over 4 years in my system. My Chord Dave does it for me now till I get the itch again.

[Kuoppis]

Congrats on finding a keeper. DACs are such a personal preference....like underwear
After going thru 3 DACs I found the Yggdrasil and it spent over 4 years in my system. My Chord Dave does it for me now till I get the itch again.

Agree on both accounts, on the one hand it comes down to a lots of personal preferences. On the other hand, both the Yggie and the Dave are excellent DACs.

Glad you have found something you like. I sure hope my itch is scratched for a while as well .


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[wisnon]

Actually, I have not . A couple of reasons:

- firstly, we are currently enjoying our winter vacation at the summer house (oxymoron, I guess) and I do not have access to the Nyquist
- secondly, talking to a German tube specialist he was of the opinion that all PCF803 tubes were TFK made and they just contract manufactured for others like Siemens (which would not be uncommon in the tube business, as I am told)
- further, it is difficult to find matched pairs, much less matched matched quads (especially as they are NOS)

So, I am going to do it, but the search is still ongoing. This is actually quite fun.


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Logical.

If all TFK made, then unless the construction changed over the years, there is little point.

[Kuoppis]

Logical.

It all TFK made, then unless the construction changed over the years, there is little point.

Agreed, in case it really is the case. But I have not been able to verify this yet.

Nevertheless, as you say, there may be product changes or modifications over the years which again might lead to different sounds.

Deepening my understanding of the matter will continue and I will report back.


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[sksouri1456]

Hi, kuoppis,
I ve read the review of the nyquist fully and your review only complements and confirm it.
Really happy for you.
Can you please tell me if the nyquist could be used as a preamp feeding power amp directly.( balnced or unbalanced)?
I know a proper integrated or preamp will be much better, but i was thinking, may be as a start invest in nyquist, feed it with power amps ,then invest in a good preamp.
Thks


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