klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Jul 26, 2013 10:06:41 GMT -5
I used the remastered version (1999). I hope yours does arrive today. Are you going to use it taking the AES/EBU from your ERC-2?
Mark
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Jul 26, 2013 10:12:04 GMT -5
Here's what my rack now looks like. The DC-1 is on top of the Oppo 105 and "Frankencomputer" is to the left. I'm using JRiver on Frankencomputer to pull tunes off my NAS and then feed the DC-1 via USB. I'm really loving the convenience and the sound now! But, when I get back from my next vacation in mid-August, I plan to upgrade Frankencomputer to a modern machine. It's pretty slow to load things and I have been also surfing the web with it. Ah, the upgrades never end... Mark
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Post by garbulky on Jul 26, 2013 10:33:17 GMT -5
UPDATE: This time, I hooked the ERC's AES/EBU output to the DC-1 so I could single-variably compare CD playback via the ERC's internal DAC vs. the DC-1's. Long story short...same results...DC-1 sounded better for all the reasons I noted above. As I was listening, I realized that the ERC-2 just sounds a bit more "hollow", like the surface of the notes are being heard and not the full richness behind them that the DC-1 reveals. That's really the best way I can summarize the difference. And again - it's not that the ERC-2 is bad...it's great and I would have been fully happy with it other than I wanted a good DAC I could use with my computer to feed my system. That I got that AND it sounds better is a huge bonus. But I did listen to more music. Observations follow.. Norah Jones: "Don't Know Why" and "Come Away with me"...the piano notes sound so much more real w/the DC-1. Robert Plant/Allison Krauss: "Sister Rosetta"...at 1 minute to 1:25, Allison is singing with Robert backing her. Robert's backing is so much more clear and Allison's voice so much richer. Coldplay: "Mylo Xyloto" - the chimy notes at 16-30 seconds are so much more clear and crisp. "Hurts Like Heaven" - backing vocals really stand out more clearly. Steely Dan: "Doctor Wu" - the percussion over Fagen's voice just as he begins to sing has much more fullness to each strike. Dave Brubeck: "Tangerine" and "Take Five" - much more subtle sounds of the winds through the horn. And it was on "Blue Rondo ala Turk" that I realized the difference of "hollow/surface sounding" of the ERC-2 vs. the DC-1... Net overall, the DC-1 is a winner for me. I may do one last comparison in the near future (trying the DC-1 as a preamp direct to my nCores), but I won't be using it like that ever because I need the HT Bypass feature, bass MGMT, and the phono preamp of the XSP-1. Still, I want to hear it bypass the XSP-1 just for fun. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy some listening and await Ricky's review! And Creimes...I don't have AMOK...I should look for that! I do like Radiohead. Mark Very nice read. So have you tried the DC-1 direct to the amps vs the xsp-1? I ask because the DC-1 seems more resolving and I wonder if the xsp-1 is upto the task. Also did you notice any difference between AES/EBU vs the standard links? What about any difference between asrc enabled vs disabled?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2013 10:33:33 GMT -5
Great review!!
I just agree your findings are making it VERY TEMPTING to upgrade from my newly purchased xda2. I just don't now if the sound difference with my setup would be worth the 400$ difference. I mean I am pretty satisfied with my setup. But always crave for the best sound possible!
Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughts. I enjoy it thoroughly!!
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Post by monkumonku on Jul 26, 2013 10:36:00 GMT -5
I used the remastered version (1999). I hope yours does arrive today. Are you going to use it taking the AES/EBU from your ERC-2? Mark Thanks. You know long time ago I read a story that Steely Dan had done a superb, incredible job on the masters for Katy Lied and then some studio engineer did something to screw up the tapes and they were livid about it. As I recall, the LP sounded like the highs had been muted or rolled off. The original CD reflects this sound but the remaster seems to have restored the highs and overall has a more forward, lively sound to it. Supposedly my DC-1 is now on the truck for delivery. I called FedEx because it was showing at the facility but not on the truck. The rep called the local station and said she was told by them it would be delivered today. Then a few minutes later I saw the online status changed to on the vehicle for delivery. Unfortunately they said Home Delivery can be delivered as late as 8:00 PM. I am planning on using mainly my Sonos box to do my evaluation, comparing the Schiit Bifrost versus DC-1, both connected to the XSP-1 via RCA cables. I may also play some stuff through the ERC-2, comparing its DAC to the other two DAC's.
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Post by garbulky on Jul 26, 2013 10:48:25 GMT -5
I always select hold for pickup for fedex so I don't have to hang around
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Jul 26, 2013 10:49:24 GMT -5
Here's what my rack now looks like. The DC-1 is on top of the Oppo 105 and "Frankencomputer" is to the left. I'm using JRiver on Frankencomputer to pull tunes off my NAS and then feed the DC-1 via USB. I'm really loving the convenience and the sound now! But, when I get back from my next vacation in mid-August, I plan to upgrade Frankencomputer to a modern machine. It's pretty slow to load things and I have been also surfing the web with it. Ah, the upgrades never end... Mark
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Jul 26, 2013 10:51:10 GMT -5
Here's what my rack now looks like. The DC-1 is on top of the Oppo 105 and "Frankencomputer" is to the left. I'm using JRiver on Frankencomputer to pull tunes off my NAS and then feed the DC-1 via USB. I'm really loving the convenience and the sound now! But, when I get back from my next vacation in mid-August, I plan to upgrade Frankencomputer to a modern machine. It's pretty slow to load things and I have been also surfing the web with it. Ah, the upgrades never end... Mark
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Jul 26, 2013 10:53:10 GMT -5
Don't you think your killing your amp with no air flow, Oppo on top of amp, not even on its own feet
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Post by monkumonku on Jul 26, 2013 10:54:17 GMT -5
I always select hold for pickup for fedex so I don't have to hang around When the package got delayed yesterday I called and asked if I could have it held for pickup. I was told that since it was Home Delivery that the local facility wasn't authorized to pull the package to hold. The driver would have to deliver it to some different pickup location, which was nearer my house but then she made it sound so confusing and time consuming that I figured don't invite any more screwups, just leave things as it is or else I'll be flying to Memphis to get my DC-1. I would say that next time I will just select hold for pickup to begin with but seeing as how my audio system is now complete and I am not going to be adding anything else ever and ever and ever, then it's a moot point.
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Jul 26, 2013 10:54:28 GMT -5
After further review it is on its feet , but still.
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Post by Golden Ear on Jul 26, 2013 11:18:29 GMT -5
Great review!! I just agree your findings are making it VERY TEMPTING to upgrade from my newly purchased xda2. I just don't now if the sound difference with my setup would be worth the 400$ difference. I mean I am pretty satisfied with my setup. But always crave for the best sound possible! Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughts. I enjoy it thoroughly!! I'm on the same boat as you are. I got my XDA-2 just a month ago and like the sound. Now, DC-1 shows up on the website and have very positive review. Mark may have a golden ear and can tell tell a major difference between ERC and DC-1.
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Post by Golden Ear on Jul 26, 2013 11:26:37 GMT -5
UPDATE: This time, I hooked the ERC's AES/EBU output to the DC-1 so I could single-variably compare CD playback via the ERC's internal DAC vs. the DC-1's. Long story short...same results...DC-1 sounded better for all the reasons I noted above. As I was listening, I realized that the ERC-2 just sounds a bit more "hollow", like the surface of the notes are being heard and not the full richness behind them that the DC-1 reveals. That's really the best way I can summarize the difference. And again - it's not that the ERC-2 is bad...it's great and I would have been fully happy with it other than I wanted a good DAC I could use with my computer to feed my system. That I got that AND it sounds better is a huge bonus. But I did listen to more music. Observations follow.. Norah Jones: "Don't Know Why" and "Come Away with me"...the piano notes sound so much more real w/the DC-1. Robert Plant/Allison Krauss: "Sister Rosetta"...at 1 minute to 1:25, Allison is singing with Robert backing her. Robert's backing is so much more clear and Allison's voice so much richer. Coldplay: "Mylo Xyloto" - the chimy notes at 16-30 seconds are so much more clear and crisp. "Hurts Like Heaven" - backing vocals really stand out more clearly. Steely Dan: "Doctor Wu" - the percussion over Fagen's voice just as he begins to sing has much more fullness to each strike. Dave Brubeck: "Tangerine" and "Take Five" - much more subtle sounds of the winds through the horn. And it was on "Blue Rondo ala Turk" that I realized the difference of "hollow/surface sounding" of the ERC-2 vs. the DC-1... Net overall, the DC-1 is a winner for me. I may do one last comparison in the near future (trying the DC-1 as a preamp direct to my nCores), but I won't be using it like that ever because I need the HT Bypass feature, bass MGMT, and the phono preamp of the XSP-1. Still, I want to hear it bypass the XSP-1 just for fun. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy some listening and await Ricky's review! And Creimes...I don't have AMOK...I should look for that! I do like Radiohead. Mark Thanks for your impressions! I'm getting anxious/worried because the FedEx site shows the package is at the local facility but is NOT on the truck yet. It's "Home Delivery" so I am hoping that is why it is so late... GRRR I have a picky question for you about Doctor Wu - was this the original or remastered version that you were listening to? I want to add this to my list for listening, but add the right version. Rickie, I am anticipating your detailed review on DC-1 and your review will ultimately make my final decision on getting DC-1. I will then put my Emo gear on sale to fund DC-1. I like reading your review for not using exaggerated words like "night and day difference" or "I hear things I never heard before" When I read something like this, I think it just on their head or some type of placebo effect thinking they are hearing things.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Jul 26, 2013 11:32:00 GMT -5
Thanks for your impressions! I'm getting anxious/worried because the FedEx site shows the package is at the local facility but is NOT on the truck yet. It's "Home Delivery" so I am hoping that is why it is so late... GRRR I have a picky question for you about Doctor Wu - was this the original or remastered version that you were listening to? I want to add this to my list for listening, but add the right version. Rickie, I am anticipating your detailed review on DC-1 and your review will ultimately make my final decision on getting DC-1. I will then put my Emo gear on sale to fund DC-1. I like reading your review for not using exaggerated words like "night and day difference" or "I hear things I never heard before" When I read something like this, I think it just on their head or some type of placebo effect thinking they are hearing things. Okay Rickie. The pressure is on YOU now!
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Post by GreenKiwi on Jul 26, 2013 11:37:27 GMT -5
If I were inside my 30 day window with the xda-2, and wanted any of the additional features, hp amps, analog inputs, rotary volume knob etc, I'd have the xda-2 going back right away. I haven't done an AB with the sound so I can't say whether the sound alone is worth it. But I'm loving mine.
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Post by monkumonku on Jul 26, 2013 11:38:55 GMT -5
Rickie, I am anticipating your detailed review on DC-1 and your review will ultimately make my final decision on getting DC-1. I will then put my Emo gear on sale to fund DC-1. I like reading your review for not using exaggerated words like "night and day difference" or "I hear things I never heard before" When I read something like this, I think it just on their head or some type of placebo effect thinking they are hearing things. Okay Rickie. The pressure is on YOU now! Well maybe Dan can extend a little "insurance" money for my review?
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Post by Golden Ear on Jul 26, 2013 11:47:32 GMT -5
Okay Rickie. The pressure is on YOU now! Well maybe Dan can extend a little "insurance" money for my review? He might just reward you with 50% off on future purchase.
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Post by wiskers on Jul 26, 2013 12:00:32 GMT -5
I have both Xda-2 and DC-1 and the DC-1 is much better in sound, I'm very happy with it.
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Jul 26, 2013 12:01:30 GMT -5
Heck, I've even been known to play the same song on different ones - just for variety. I'll also be the first to say that, even to me, the Sabres can sound rather annoying with some content (sort of the audio equivalent of looking at photos under a really bright light with a strong magnifying glass - whether you want to or not). To me, the DC-1 sounds at least as good as (or slightly better than) a well-implemented Sabre DAC on everything I've listened to so far. On some things they're close; on other things the Sabre can sound downright annoying, while the DC-1 still sounds good. On balance that puts the DC-1 rather far ahead. (I'm comparing the DC-1 to well-implemented Sabre designs costing 2x to 3x as much as it does.) Also, don't fall prey to the myth that all products with Sabre DACs in them are equal, and "the chip is all"; while the Sabre signature sound is rather pervasive, designing with the chip is far from foolproof, and there are some rather poorly designed Sabre-based products out there that don't sound anywhere near as good as the good ones (especially if they use the lower/cheaper end of Sabre's DAC chip product line) . Along with their signature sound, Sabre has done a great job of promoting the myth that "simply using their chip makes your product sound good", and vendors who use them are (quite reasonably) doing their best to capitalize on that marketing - but the reality doesn't quite live up to the hype. The Sabre chip actually requires rather careful design to live up to its full potential, and quite a few folks simply don't get it quite right. Never been a fan of the sound of the Sabre DAC's, or we would have used them in the DC-1... they measure really well, but I'm not into their "sound". And believe me, they do have signature that is very easily heard. Some people like Keith dig them, but overall I'm not into it. Remember now, Keith has been known to change DAC's with each song!! I love the Oppo units though, but I'd never spring for the 105. Just MO.
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Jul 26, 2013 12:07:29 GMT -5
Test tip....
If you want to do a listening comparison between the DC-1 and another DAC, here are a few suggestions:
Find a good recording that includes cymbals - preferable with brushes; I think you will find that, on the DC-1, they sound more like a metal brush hitting metal, and less like a steam valve switching on and off.
Find something with singing and clean sibilants; many DACs either downplay the sibilants or somehow manage to exaggerate them (not necessarily by making them louder). On the DC-1, sibilants tend to sound right more often (and not like the singer was just a tiny bit too close to the microphone).
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