Article: Wavelength Audio Proton DAC

[sgbaird]

As an audiophile of some 44 years, I've honed my ability to distinguish steak from sizzle most of the time, but at its price point the new Proton has to be included among the finalists — if it gets good press. <br />

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The only thing that bothers me about this unit is the headphone circuitry, and the described software method of adjusting level.

[The Computer Audiophile]

I have the same concerns SGB. But, knowing the quality of Gordon's work and the high regard his peers have for him, I am pretty confident this DAC will be very good. I do think this DAC is geared toward the desktop audiophile system and listening at a computer more so than the fully integrated complete system. But, "geared toward" certainly doesn't mean it wouldn't be a great fit in any other system.

[Innertuber]

It sure looks interesting and is around the right price to catch my eye. Can't wait to hear more.<br />

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Do you think the DACs in the 5 grand and up transports are really better than something like this? The technology seems to change so fast shouldn't one expect better performance at lower cost every year. Of course, if I had a crazy expensive transport I'd be defending it versus a little mini with a gizmo attached I suppose.

[The Computer Audiophile]

I do think the sound from the much more expensive DACs is better because everything matters. The better DACs have much more going for them than just the DAC itself.

[flatmap]

Are these available? Has anyone gotten one? <br />

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I'm keen to hear reports on performance and usability. How is the headphone output vs. the line level outputs.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi flatmap - I've had a pre-production model for a few weeks and I just received a final production model a couple days ago. So far so good. A full review is forthcoming.

[flatmap]

Oooh good! I'm really looking forward to this. Please, please, please let the headphone output be good. :-)<br />

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Steve

[Walter4Fun]

Hello,<br />

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This is my first post here <br />

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I am very interested in this little wonder. Maybe anybody can tell us somerthing about the headphone-amp quality?<br />

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Would be curious about using it with AKG K-701/702 or Grado SR325i.<br />

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Best, Walter

[sxr71]

In what universe is digital volume control an acceptable audiophile solution? <br />

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I know I will have a swarm of you guys pouncing on me for saying it but seriously if you truly have honed your abilities to separate wheat from chaff you would find digital software volume control to be unacceptable. <br />

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Now all of a sudden because this guy is "respected" by his peers and "blah blah blah" this is acceptable. Can we please stop evaluating and hyping things up because of who designed it or the "reputation" of the designer. This one could be the turd of the group. <br />

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Everyone keep your panties on until you've listened to it and when you listen to it try not to get all wet between the legs because of the hearsay surrounding it. Stay objective people.

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi sxr71 - It is impossible to evaluate your statements because this is your first post here and we know nothing about you. I think many here will be offended by your tone and your points are certainly lessened by the way you've delivered them here. What you essentially said was all people here is that everyone here is an idiot and you are somehow above the crowd?<br />

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<i>"In what universe is digital volume control an acceptable audiophile solution?"</i><br />

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I've talked to some of the brightest engineers in audio and they say digital volume control, when done well, can't be beat. Are you an AES Fellow or have your designed DACs before? Daniel Weiss, Berkeley Audio Design, and many others who have the highest respect in the industry are using digital volume control.<br />

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On the other hand, the Proton does not have a digital volume control. It has an analog volume control that's controlled by software.<br />

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<i>"...Everyone keep your panties on until you've listened to..."</i><br />

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Have you listened to this DAC? It seems like you haven't because you did not it has an analog volume control.

[davehanc]

I've had one for a while, and it sounds very good with K702s or driving a preamp or active crossover.<br />

And yes, the volume control is analog.