Playback Design MPS5 upgrade to CH precision, any thoughts.

socfan12 said:
tunes, big congrats!! Gideon is a great guy. Like you said, no pressure, and he totally understands there's no right or wrong, just matters of taste.

May I ask what other gear you have in your system?

I mentioned to Gideon that I had Alexias. He said that Fidelis AV likes to show their Alexias with CH gear whenever possible. :exciting:
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Bummer, I still haven't gotten invited back for their soon to be opened showroom at their new HQ yet.

I have some notes on why their amps are soo good. Totally adjustable local and global feedback as well as adaptive auto biasing.
 
So finally had a chance to get the C1 in the system. Had used a usb flash stick to download/upload most current firmware but there was a problem with my usb flash stick (corrupted) and therefore the C1 rejected it. Gideon and Loris of CH got me sorted right away and got the firmware loaded perfectly. These guys get top marks and respect from me for excellent and personal customer service.

Anyway, how does it sound? Hyperboles abound in this hobby so apologies in advance if i'm guilty here. The single word i would use to describe the sound is "big". Like as if i just seriously upgraded my speakers and the room got larger. Giant soundstage, full enveloping sound and with increased detail and microdynamics. This is with the nagra cdp as transport via coaxial and also with laptop via generic usb cable to c1 usb board.
Have not got into my classical selections yet, but the folk, indie pop, world, rock and electronic tracks i have played via the C1, i'm in awe of the sound now in my room. I've yet to get a NAS set up so cannot comment yet on the installed ethernet streaming board but that is what i'll be sorting out next.

It sounds so good now that i'm not in a rush, despite how many C1 users seem to prefer the ethernet. For C1 ethernet users, what NAS are you using and why? NAS advice welcome.

Totally understand why people admire CH now.
The build quality on the C1 is outstanding, and the user interface is simple and dual dial system to navigate the numerous settings / options is intuitive and easy to learn.
 
Congrats, tunes!:woot:

Yes, that soundstage is amazing, as was the space between instruments and vocals. Wow!

When Gideon returns from his installs, I hope to do some home auditioning. Very nice gear indeed.

Whether C1 or not, I'll be using the Synology NAS with it. It has a great interface for managing the NAS functions. Highly recommended, and I believe a number of Sharks use this NAS.

Congrats again, tunes! That's a sweet piece of gear. Will you be using it as a full function pre as well, or just a streamer/dac?
 
Tunes, that's great news! What's the rest of your system? Are you using Zellaton's?
 
Thanks guys. Quick reply here.
Wisnon, hoping to read your piece about the CH factory when it's ready.
Yes, several people have recommended the synology NAS units. Will be wading into that decision soon. Seem to be lots of models/options in synology line alone.
Right now using the C1 as DAC only not preamp as it's running through the nagra jazz pre.
Elegy, no, i don't have zellaton's. Using Verity Amadis.
 
Verity produces some seriously great speakers, have auditioned lots of brands, verity are definitely among the best to my taste.

also prefer C1 through Ref 5se pre amp, the sound is fuller with less digital harshness.
 
Tunes, great system, Nagra, CH Precision & Verity - sounds like you're in heaven. I had Sarastro's at one time and still have fond memories of them....
 
Thanks guys. I am so enjoying this system. it's one of those, "that's what these guys were talking about when they recommended using a great DAC" aha moments. still love my vinyl rig though, and that's predominantly what i buy as far as software is concerned, but will be interesting to see how the C1 changes that.
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Thanks for the suggestions Allen. I've decided to go with the synology 713+ nas. Thinking of picking up a WD Red today and get things configured this weekend to try out the c1's ethernet streaming option. Hope it is relatively painless. Tweaking a turntable cartridge alignment i can do confidently. Computer nas configuration confuses me to no end :)
 
Hi tunes. Synology is a great NAS. LMK if you have any questions about the NAS, I might be able to help.

Talking to Gideon about the CH gear. Hopefully a home audition next Thursday.:)
 
Allen, I think the CH will be a great match with the Wilson's, what are you listening to?
 
Hey Kev,

I want to the dealer to audition the C1 Dac/pre. But I also liked the A1 amp while I was there so if logistics works out, I'll home audition that as well.:audiophile:
 
tunes said:
Thanks for the suggestions Allen. I've decided to go with the synology 713+ nas. Thinking of picking up a WD Red today and get things configured this weekend to try out the c1's ethernet streaming option. Hope it is relatively painless. Tweaking a turntable cartridge alignment i can do confidently. Computer nas configuration confuses me to no end :)
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tunes, what app will you use to play music from your Synology?
 
I'm using Plugplayer with my C1 and it works fine although I'm really looking forward to the new forthcoming CH app. Plugplayer can be somewhat quirky. But even more importantly, make sure you audition the X1 power supply as well - it made a profound difference in terms of dynamics and ease…..
 
socfan12 said:
Hey Kev,

I want to the dealer to audition the C1 Dac/pre. But I also liked the A1 amp while I was there so if logistics works out, I'll home audition that as well.:audiophile:
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Nice, you're in for a serious treat, have fun!
 
elegy said:
I'm using Plugplayer with my C1 and it works fine although I'm really looking forward to the new forthcoming CH app. Plugplayer can be somewhat quirky. But even more importantly, make sure you audition the X1 power supply as well - it made a profound difference in terms of dynamics and ease…..
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Thanks elegy. I will try the Plugplayer.

If I get the C1 maybe I will try the X1 on the next round.
 
socfan12 said:
Thx, Kev. I'm looking forward to it. Have you heard the CH Precision gear before?
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Allen, yes, heard it in a system very similar to mine nearly 12 months gone now. Was very impressed with the dac, just disillusioned about the price. If I remember right the sonic signature was similar to the 5 series Soulution.
 
Thx, Kev. Was curious about your impressions vis-à-vis your Soulution gear.

I rationalize the price by saying it's a DAC and pre all rolled up into one.:snicker: But yes, the price is definitely a reason for pause. Ha, but still cheaper than the Trinity DAC!:P
 
Kev, Would be interesting to compare soulution gear with ch. Does soulution provide a streamer option? I understand that there is much crossover of tech and didn't taffel mention in his review that ch provides technology to soulution?
Chris
 
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