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Post by LuisV on Mar 15, 2021 20:32:21 GMT -5
That's the wrong D90? There are various models... didn't know that.
Awesome... glad to hear that the SMSL is working out for ya.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2021 22:40:32 GMT -5
That's the wrong D90? There are various models... didn't know that. Awesome... glad to hear that the SMSL is working out for ya. There's a Topping D90 w/ MQA support and one without.
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Post by LuisV on Mar 16, 2021 7:55:33 GMT -5
Ah... gotcha.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2021 11:33:23 GMT -5
First time I've seen verification of the sampling rate of 24/192khz through Qobuz. Volume 20%
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Post by LuisV on Mar 16, 2021 17:03:37 GMT -5
Started to work on cable management... Much better, but I still have 3 wires to go... Pangea power cables for the Vidars connected to an Emotiva CMX-2, with another Pangea power cable connecting it to a dedicated circuit. Pangea power cables and a couple of wall warts connected to an Emotiva CMX-6 that is on a second dedicated circuit.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2021 20:55:34 GMT -5
Started to work on cable management... Much better, but I still have 3 wires to go... Pangea power cables for the Vidars connected to an Emotiva CMX-2, with another Pangea power cable connecting it to a dedicated circuit. Pangea power cables and a couple of wall warts connected to an Emotiva CMX-6 that is on a second dedicated circuit. Very nice LuisV. Working as an installer in the past I noted "spaghetti" wiring done by persons makes even the best system look horrid. Not going to debate any if audio differences of routing cables cosmetically correct.... But will just say no matter how good the food if the Chef yells come and get it before I slop it to the hogs and then splatters it against my plate.... The presentation means something. I believe in form as well as function. I really like the looks of the Schiit gear. The silver is elegant .....
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Post by LuisV on Mar 16, 2021 21:19:39 GMT -5
Thanks... I routed XLR and RCA cables on the right rear pillar with power cables on the left. The digital cable between the Node 2i and Bifrost is short enough that you don't see it hanging. The 2 cables in the center are the XLRs from the Freya to the Vidars with the Freya power cable on the left. Just need to find more velcro strips to pull that power cable more to the left... probably leave the XLRs in the center as there isn't enough slack to swing it to the right and then across to the vidars; might put both into a black cable sheath, so it doesn't look like to cables swinging in the wind... lol
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Post by Zombie on Mar 17, 2021 11:26:38 GMT -5
First time I've seen verification of the sampling rate of 24/192khz through Qobuz. Volume 20% I really like the looks of that DAC. Sleek and modern. I like color screens too. I just got a Cambridge Audio DACMagic200M for my garage set-up. I'm using it as a preamp so the initial set-up was a guessing game. No remote or volume indicator. I've got it dialed in now but the lack of a volume display is a stupid design (IMO). Attachments:
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Post by LuisV on Mar 18, 2021 22:40:01 GMT -5
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Post by LuisV on Mar 18, 2021 22:41:50 GMT -5
I really like the looks of that DAC. Sleek and modern. I like color screens too. I just got a Cambridge Audio DACMagic200M for my garage set-up. I'm using it as a preamp so the initial set-up was a guessing game. No remote or volume indicator. I've got it dialed in now but the lack of a volume display is a stupid design (IMO). Interesting that they left those pieces out... how does it sound?
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Post by Zombie on Mar 18, 2021 23:57:40 GMT -5
I really like the looks of that DAC. Sleek and modern. I like color screens too. I just got a Cambridge Audio DACMagic200M for my garage set-up. I'm using it as a preamp so the initial set-up was a guessing game. No remote or volume indicator. I've got it dialed in now but the lack of a volume display is a stupid design (IMO). Interesting that they left those pieces out... how does it sound? Sounds fine. I have noticed that compared to both the Schiit Gumby and Project S2 that it reveals more about the music. Meaning stuff recorded good sounds excellent. Stuff recorded poorly sounds worse. I haven’t detected any real colorization but it doesn’t hold anything back. It’s the most “ honest” DAC in my collection, lol.
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Post by LuisV on Mar 19, 2021 7:58:38 GMT -5
So the 200M is a more neutral sounding DAC?
Curious about the Gumby... mind sharing your thoughts about it.
Funny enough.... Andrew's recent review.
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Post by Zombie on Mar 19, 2021 11:25:30 GMT -5
So the 200M is a more neutral sounding DAC? Curious about the Gumby... mind sharing your thoughts about it. Funny enough.... Andrew's recent review. I enjoyed that video, I thought it was very well made and to the point. Surprised he didn’t touch on the volume display. Of the three DAC’s I now own (Gumby multibit, S2 and 200M) the Gumby is my favorite. It’s a little more laid back and warmer but the highs seem clearer. Really sounds great with my Martin Logans. All of the DACs sound different in slight ways. The DAC in my Denon compared to the Gumby has a lot less dynamics and punch. Also a bit muddy. The S2 is the brightest one of the bunch. Great little DAC, I bought mine for $399 and it’s well worth it. The 200M is somewhere between the S2 and Gumby. Not as bright but not quite as warm sounding. Overall it sounds awesome just different. My two favorite test tracks are “Big Log” by Robert Plant and “Mother” by Pink Floyd. My garage set-up sounds remarkably good. Four Def Tech in-walls and Klipsch sub with the Emotiva amp and 200M sounds really, really good cranked up.
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Mar 19, 2021 14:16:41 GMT -5
I question the claim that anyone ever " HAS to measure the results".
The whole purpose of Dirac Live is to correct for flaws in your room and speakers with the goal of making the end result sound better. If you think Dirac Live makes your system sound better then use it. And, if you don't think it makes the system sound better, then don't use it. You most certainly DO NOT need to measure anything to decide whether it SOUNDS BETTER or not. (At best measurements will help you to intelligently adjust things a certain way.)
BUT.... the whole object here is NOT to produce impressive measurements...
The ONLY reason to buy or use tube gear is that it adds the sort of coloration that is produced by tubes. And, depending on the design, and whether we're talking about a preamp or power amp, the type and amount of coloration added will be different.
(And, for the moment, let's avoid the question of whether that added coloration makes the end result seem "more like live music" to you.)
However it would be foolish to even hope that tube gear will reproduce the signal more accurately than good solid state gear.
If you're even thinking about purchasing tube gear.... LISTEN TO IT FIRST... And also keep in mind that not all tube gear sounds the same...
So you really want to listen to what you're thinking about buying.
Room correction below 200 hz, hi res above. Dirac below 200, tubes 200-15k, ribbon tweeters above. Sounds like MSO would be best then... that is, Multi Sub Optimization I still don't see why anyone would use Dirac Live if having to implement Rew to verify results. The only device one needs is to implement either MSO and/or Rew filters. I'll never go back to Dirac Live "unless" they allow remeasurements after filters are applied. I became very frustrated w/ running Dirac Live only to have to learn and acquire a device like a laptop to run Rew. I'm slowly getting to McIntosh tubes but thought first I'd try a Schiit tube preamp. See if I like the sound after seeking help from Schiit enthusiasts here w/ tube rolling. The McIntosh gear is rather spendy but besides the price point I'd hate to invest in such expensive gear only to decide I don't like tube sound. Taking this route may end up stopping my spending spree short of entering McIntosh. Hope you're well Bill and enjoying a lovely day! William
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2021 14:21:38 GMT -5
I question the claim that anyone ever " HAS to measure the results".
The whole purpose of Dirac Live is to correct for flaws in your room and speakers with the goal of making the end result sound better. If you think Dirac Live makes your system sound better then use it. And, if you don't think it makes the system sound better, then don't use it. You most certainly DO NOT need to measure anything to decide whether it SOUNDS BETTER or not. (At best measurements will help you to intelligently adjust things a certain way.)
BUT.... the whole object here is NOT to produce impressive measurements...
The ONLY reason to buy or use tube gear is that it adds the sort of coloration that is produced by tubes. And, depending on the design, and whether we're talking about a preamp or power amp, the type and amount of coloration added will be different.
(And, for the moment, let's avoid the question of whether that added coloration makes the end result seem "more like live music" to you.)
However it would be foolish to even hope that tube gear will reproduce the signal more accurately than good solid state gear.
If you're even thinking about purchasing tube gear.... LISTEN TO IT FIRST... And also keep in mind that not all tube gear sounds the same...
So you really want to listen to what you're thinking about buying.
Sounds like MSO would be best then... that is, Multi Sub Optimization I still don't see why anyone would use Dirac Live if having to implement Rew to verify results. The only device one needs is to implement either MSO and/or Rew filters. I'll never go back to Dirac Live "unless" they allow remeasurements after filters are applied. I became very frustrated w/ running Dirac Live only to have to learn and acquire a device like a laptop to run Rew. I'm slowly getting to McIntosh tubes but thought first I'd try a Schiit tube preamp. See if I like the sound after seeking help from Schiit enthusiasts here w/ tube rolling. The McIntosh gear is rather spendy but besides the price point I'd hate to invest in such expensive gear only to decide I don't like tube sound. Taking this route may end up stopping my spending spree short of entering McIntosh. Hope you're well Bill and enjoying a lovely day! William "I question the claim that anyone ever "HAS to measure the results". Just pointing out gent that that statement is far from scientific. With so many claims here, there, and everywhere I like to observe, test, and repeat myself the result others claim. A person's perception alone or presuppositions has a psycho audio effect. Why would I want to spend 2500 dollars on piece of gear when the same can be accomplished by good story telling?
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Mar 19, 2021 14:22:01 GMT -5
Have you considered the possibility that the Sabre DACs in the Cambridge may actually be emphasizing certain things... And that isn't at all the same thing as presenting them more accurately...
I haven't heard the latest DacMagic... but I did own one of the earlier models... and it seemed to actually "over-sharpen the details". It sounded nice when paired with certain speakers but I wouldn't at all rate it as accurate.
Interesting that they left those pieces out... how does it sound? Sounds fine. I have noticed that compared to both the Schiit Gumby and Project S2 that it reveals more about the music. Meaning stuff recorded good sounds excellent. Stuff recorded poorly sounds worse. I haven’t detected any real colorization but it doesn’t hold anything back. It’s the most “ honest” DAC in my collection, lol.
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Mar 19, 2021 14:32:26 GMT -5
I don't disagree at all there... However that begs the question of whether your goal is to design a test instrument... or to listen to and enjoy music... And, yes, some of us do derive enjoyment from knowing that our system is accurate.
But there is also a point where you spend so much effort measuring things that there's no time left to enjoy anything.
(It might be interesting to know exactly what's in the that bottle of beer... but will the knowing actually help you to enjoy it more?)
In this case the reality is this.... Dirac Live is going to alter the incoming audio signal in interesting ways that are intended to make it sound both better and more accurate. However, to be quite blunt, they aren't going to tell you exactly how they're altering the sound... And, while the results may be interesting, a few measurements made with REW in your living room are not going to reveal all the details...
Therefore, at some point, it is going to come down to whether you find the results pleasing or not. I've been involved in both audio and computers for a very long time... And I've yet to find a computer program or analytical method that will tell me whether I'm going to LIKE a song or not... I'm not trying to say: "It's really art so the science doesn't count".
But, again to be quite blunt, the science involved in Dirac Live is FAR above what you're going to fully understand from a few measurements in REW....
I question the claim that anyone ever " HAS to measure the results". The whole purpose of Dirac Live is to correct for flaws in your room and speakers with the goal of making the end result sound better. If you think Dirac Live makes your system sound better then use it. And, if you don't think it makes the system sound better, then don't use it. You most certainly DO NOT need to measure anything to decide whether it SOUNDS BETTER or not. (At best measurements will help you to intelligently adjust things a certain way.)
BUT.... the whole object here is NOT to produce impressive measurements... The ONLY reason to buy or use tube gear is that it adds the sort of coloration that is produced by tubes. And, depending on the design, and whether we're talking about a preamp or power amp, the type and amount of coloration added will be different.
(And, for the moment, let's avoid the question of whether that added coloration makes the end result seem "more like live music" to you.)
However it would be foolish to even hope that tube gear will reproduce the signal more accurately than good solid state gear.
If you're even thinking about purchasing tube gear.... LISTEN TO IT FIRST... And also keep in mind that not all tube gear sounds the same...
So you really want to listen to what you're thinking about buying. "I question the claim that anyone ever "HAS to measure the results". Just pointing out gent that that statement is far from scientific. With so many claims here, there, and everywhere I like to observe, test, and repeat myself the results others claim.
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Post by LuisV on Mar 19, 2021 21:42:54 GMT -5
Have you considered the possibility that the Sabre DACs in the Cambridge may actually be emphasizing certain things... And that isn't at all the same thing as presenting them more accurately...
I haven't heard the latest DacMagic... but I did own one of the earlier models... and it seemed to actually "over-sharpen the details". It sounded nice when paired with certain speakers but I wouldn't at all rate it as accurate.
Isn't that the reason why there are so many different options? Each manufacturer, designer, engineer, etc. puts their finger print into the final design to achieve the sound signature that they are after. DSP, a filter curve, etc. is added to achieve the sound signature that "sounds right' to them and it ultimately becomes the brand's sound. Chord, B&W, Focal, etc. each have their own sound signature. Some DACs sound warmer, call it distortion, color, etc., some sharper / more detailed that can ultimately cause listening fatigue. Neither are wrong... neither are right... it's up to the consumer to decide what they prefer as each and every person hears and is moved by music differently. Measurements do nothing more that indicate something measures well or not... it has nothing to do with a users preference or what sounds right to them. Regarding if a design or sound signature is more accurate or able to achieve more accuracy than another... it ultimately depends on who's listening. What may sound accurate to you... may not sound accurate to others... it's all perception...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2021 21:51:11 GMT -5
I just want @keithl to share his top five recordings, and in what format to gauge his preferences. ie, bootleg grateful dead recordings made on a cassette recorder may be different than Rudy Van Gelder’s best work on jazz. Betcha he won’t and give us pseudo techo bs why it’s not relevant 🤣 at least you didn't go so far as 8 track. Seriously humorous!
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Post by LuisV on Mar 19, 2021 21:53:05 GMT -5
Dirac Live is going to alter the incoming audio signal in interesting ways that are intended to make it sound both better and more accurate.
I'm confused... why is Dirac more accurate, as I thought you can introduce a house curve file within Dirac to help tweak the sound? So is Dirac more accurate without the house curve file? If Dirac is so accurate, then why allow the introduction of the file in the first place? Why allow someone to tweak the curve or apply filters after Dirac does its thing? It's rather simple... what I hear is different that what you hear... neither are right... neither are wrong. Neither is more accurate... it's purely subjective and whatever sounds best to the listeners ear is all that matters... Don't get me wrong, I loved my XMC-1 and Dirac... but, I had to tweak the results to achieve the sound signature that I preferred.
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