Playback Design MPS5 upgrade to CH precision, any thoughts.

[tunes]

I rationalize the price by saying it's a DAC and pre all rolled up into one. Ha, but still cheaper than the Trinity DAC!

The C1 is beautiful sounding and exquisitely built. Rationalizing any expensive decision would only help (or hinder) my relationship. It's alot easier to just listen to music with a smile on your face

Allen, to your app question, i've installed the synology diskstation ipad app for now. Ripped a couple cds to be sure it works but now need to import previous aiff rips from itunes and rip other cds not already in the library.
Almost there....

 

[elegy]

It's all so subjective but in my experience Soulution is not on the level of CH so the CH price (at least for me) is warranted. I auditioned Soulution many times including the new series, but found it washed out and lacking in energy somewhat. A pleasant airy sound but ultimately boring and distant sounding. The CH was 100% more dynamic and open while beautiful at the same time. The soundstaging and realism of the CH just can't be beat. If you put a Soulution digital product up against the CH C1, it would be evident how closed in it sounds compared to the open and expansive C1. I think Marshall Nack preferred CH to Soulution in his review, but his review was just for the A1 amp. Alan Taffel also pointed out in his TAS Swiss visit report that Soulution licenses technology from CH, so I'd much prefer spending more money on the source. Also, Soulution does not have a product like the C1 which is a DSD streamer/dac/pre so not sure it's even comparable (my two cents)

 

[sharkmouth]

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!

Allen, thats the sweet spot indeed when you have 2 in 1

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

Not yet, stay tuned.

It's all so subjective but in my experience Soulution is not on the level of CH so the CH price (at least for me) is warranted. I auditioned Soulution many times including the new series, but found it washed out and lacking in energy somewhat. A pleasant airy sound but ultimately boring and distant sounding. The CH was 100% more dynamic and open while beautiful at the same time. The soundstaging and realism of the CH just can't be beat. If you put a Soulution digital product up against the CH C1, it would be evident how closed in it sounds compared to the open and expansive C1. I think Marshall Nack preferred CH to Soulution in his review, but his review was just for the A1 amp. Alan Taffel also pointed out in his TAS Swiss visit report that Soulution licenses technology from CH, so I'd much prefer spending more money on the source. Also, Soulution does not have a product like the C1 which is a DSD streamer/dac/pre so not sure it's even comparable (my two cents)

Ok. So what series Soulution are you talking about. Obviously you're not too keen on Soulution as you are even shooting down a component that hasn't been made yet & saying that it doesn't sound very good either. Seriously?

When we did the listening with the C1, we put a Soulution 520 pre into the loop as well as without, the findings from all were it was very close, with the C1 alone being slightly more resolving with a very small more forward presentation. At the time we all had fun & could live with either. The CH Precision gear is very good but I wouldn't say it's leaps & bounds beyond. The guy that owned the C1 also uses a pre in front of the dac. Different strokes for all & subjective indeed.

 

[elegy]

It's really apples and oranges since Soulution does not have a DSD dac/streamer/pre like CH - but I did hear the the 540 and 745, if we are to compare digital to digital. Soulution gear is unquestionably very refined and elegant sounding. Yet, it felt distant and a little too recessed/polite for my tastes. They are both expensive and deservedly so but that last edge in resolution and energy of the CH is much more engaging for me and gets me deeper into my music. Gotta love the Swiss….

Tunes, how are you coming along with your streaming? Are you using plug-player or another app?

 

[wisnon]

It's really apples and oranges since Soulution does not have a DSD dac/streamer/pre like CH - but I did hear the the 540 and 745, if we are to compare digital to digital.

CH does not process DSD natively. It receives it natively and then converts to 24/176 internally for the BB1704 Dac chips. Sounds great, but still not native.

I proposed to them to do a DSD NATIVE module (LP Filtration) and they seriously considered the idea. The good thing is that the design is very modular and this should be relatively easy for them and should not cost an arm an a leg more to do so.

 

[tunes]

Really enjoying the C1. The streaming capability is very addictive, even for a vinyl guy like me
Have been relistening to my cd library as i go through the ripping phase, and have continued to also use the nagra transport via coax. Still have not ventured into the synology nas tweaks like lau psu, ethernet cable upgrades, filters, etc
but the sound is thrilling. Enveloping, excellent articulated bass impact and clearly dilineated highs. For those into electronic music, i've been loving going through the Kruder and Dorfmeister catalog again. "Look up dere" by Kama, off the K&D djkicks release is so awesome through the C1. Highly recommended.

 

[tunes]

Sorry, track i meant from K&D djkicks is actually by Shantel called "bass and several cars".

 

[sharkmouth]

Always great to buy a component that performs above what you expected.

 

[socfan12]

Really enjoying the C1. The streaming capability is very addictive, even for a vinyl guy like me
Have been relistening to my cd library as i go through the ripping phase, and have continued to also use the nagra transport via coax. Still have not ventured into the synology nas tweaks like lau psu, ethernet cable upgrades, filters, etc
but the sound is thrilling. Enveloping, excellent articulated bass impact and clearly dilineated highs. For those into electronic music, i've been loving going through the Kruder and Dorfmeister catalog again. "Look up dere" by Kama, off the K&D djkicks release is so awesome through the C1. Highly recommended.

Chris, what a timely post. I just spent 4 hours at Gideon's today listening to the CH gear and the Zellaton speakers. I could've stayed longer and listened more. Towards the end, I was no longer auditioning gear but just enjoying Gideon's fine music collection and wonderful system!

The CH gear really is thrilling as you say. Not because of any fireworks or hyped up frequency range, but because it sounds so natural with a 'see-through' quality I've yet to experience anywhere else. It really has me second guessing the type of sound I thought I liked and desired...:doubtful:

 

[tunes]

Allen, that's cool. I still have yet to actually get to Audioarts studio and i can only imagine the setups must be awesome considering the lines he 's got and the space to fine tune. What did the system consist of?
I have ended up really happy with several pieces from Gideon this year. Know what you mean about rethinking the sound i am after. I have moved from SS to tubes to a combo of the two and really found some great synergy with nagra, ch and trinity. In my case, i'm using verity speakers but i have heard the zellatons at the past two years at RMAF and was impressed.
Will be curious to hear what gear you are considering. Have fun.
Chris

 

[socfan12]

Hi Chris,

I went there to audition the C1 again primarily, along with the A1 possibly. Heard some Trinity gear as well, pre and phono: Wow! All with the Zellatons taking center stage. Natural and see-through are the two traits that come to mind when I listen to that system.

What am I considering? If I had the funds, I'd wrap that system in a box and take it home with me!

 

[elegy]

Tell me about it guys! Gideon understands good sound because he knows music better than anybody has a right to. Last week I asked him for a recommendation and he told me about "This Mortal Coil" an obscure group from the 80's. I've been playing it through my CH/Zellaton combo and can't imagine any system that can do it better. Nothing can approach this level of natural playback. It's intoxicating... And ahh, the Trinity - for the fortunate few. Did you listen to the Trinity phono at all??

 

[socfan12]

I did listen to an analog setup with the Trinity pre/phono and thought it was amazing!

elegy, did I read somewhere that you purchased the Trinity DAC as well? So you have a C1 and a Trinity DAC?

 

[elegy]

It's been a process of demoing, listening and seeing what I prefer the best. Started with the Trinity pre and even preordered the DAC but in the end I was happy to put my (limited) money into the CH stack and Zellaton speakers. With the C1 working as pre, giving the Trinity pre back for credit towards an X1 and Zellaton was the better choice considering my budget and needs….

 

[socfan12]

Hey folks, so after weeks of deliberation I did it, I'm committed to the C1 and A1 (the amp)! I can't believe I'm doing this so soon after purchasing the Dag/Alexias, but the sound is utterly captivating! Speed, resolution, and dynamics all carefully balanced to give a natural, organic presentation of the music. Wow! I will be eating dog food and begging forgiveness for the next year or two, but I will be in musical nirvana!

If in search for a digital front end in this price range, I highly recommend a visit to Audio Arts to audition the C1. Gideon is clearly after a particular house sound and has carefully selected components to achieve that sound. It was an eye/ear opener for me, but clearly a step that will help me get off of the audiophile merry-go-round.

 

[sharkmouth]

Hey folks, so after weeks of deliberation I did it, I'm committed to the C1 and A1 (the amp)! I can't believe I'm doing this so soon after purchasing the Dag/Alexias, but the sound is utterly captivating! Speed, resolution, and dynamics all carefully balanced to give a natural, organic presentation of the music. Wow! I will be eating dog food and begging forgiveness for the next year or two, but I will be in musical nirvana!

If in search for a digital front end in this price range, I highly recommend a visit to Audio Arts to audition the C1. Gideon is clearly after a particular house sound and has carefully selected components to achieve that sound. It was an eye/ear opener for me, but clearly a step that will help me get off of the audiophile merry-go-round.

Ha! Allen, you're all ass about face, it's only the beginning...:snicker:

 

[wisnon]

Hey folks, so after weeks of deliberation I did it, I'm committed to the C1 and A1 (the amp)! I can't believe I'm doing this so soon after purchasing the Dag/Alexias, but the sound is utterly captivating! Speed, resolution, and dynamics all carefully balanced to give a natural, organic presentation of the music. Wow! I will be eating dog food and begging forgiveness for the next year or two, but I will be in musical nirvana!

If in search for a digital front end in this price range, I highly recommend a visit to Audio Arts to audition the C1. Gideon is clearly after a particular house sound and has carefully selected components to achieve that sound. It was an eye/ear opener for me, but clearly a step that will help me get off of the audiophile merry-go-round.

Congrats man. I hope you truly enjoy the gear.

I will go there mid-June to taste that delicious koolaid you have been drinking, with some terrific hosts.

 

[dlb2]

Congrats Allen! :exciting: That must be some good stuff to kick the D'ag to the side of the road already. (I understand it's all about the particular sound you're looking for) How does it differ from your set-up? Will the Alexia's be staying?

 

[madfloyd]

Hey folks, so after weeks of deliberation I did it, I'm committed to the C1 and A1 (the amp)! I can't believe I'm doing this so soon after purchasing the Dag/Alexias, but the sound is utterly captivating! Speed, resolution, and dynamics all carefully balanced to give a natural, organic presentation of the music. Wow! I will be eating dog food and begging forgiveness for the next year or two, but I will be in musical nirvana!

If in search for a digital front end in this price range, I highly recommend a visit to Audio Arts to audition the C1. Gideon is clearly after a particular house sound and has carefully selected components to achieve that sound. It was an eye/ear opener for me, but clearly a step that will help me get off of the audiophile merry-go-round.

Does that mean you are giving up the Alexias or can the A1 drive them?

 

[tunes]

Allen,
When is delivery? Looking forward to your impressions once installed at your place.
Congrats.
Chris