Ben75 Posted May 17, 2021 Share Posted May 17, 2021 12 hours ago, Huubster said: Glad you agree Ben :) My current line of thinking is that I will use the PowerDAC 'as is' first. Meaning using my Innuos with Toslink out, and using the PowerDAC as stand alone DAC, just as I use the DA96ETF currently for proper comparison. Later on I may try using USB, and using PowerDAC as a pre-amplifier. Great plans you have ! we should be very interested by the results you get at the end of those experiments ! :-) Huubster 1 Link to comment
mevdinc Posted May 18, 2021 Share Posted May 18, 2021 On 5/16/2021 at 9:50 PM, Huubster said: Glad you agree Ben :) My current line of thinking is that I will use the PowerDAC 'as is' first. Meaning using my Innuos with Toslink out, and using the PowerDAC as stand alone DAC, just as I use the DA96ETF currently for proper comparison. Later on I may try using USB, and using PowerDAC as a pre-amplifier. I'd be interested in reading your findings on using PowerDAC as a pre, as this is how I intend to try/use it. Huubster 1 mevdinc.com (My autobiography) Recently sold my ATC EL 150 Actives! Link to comment
tapatrick Posted May 19, 2021 Share Posted May 19, 2021 On 4/29/2021 at 7:48 PM, tapatrick said: I heard from John that in he thinks the PowerDac R with SE tube amp sounds better than the PowerDac S straight to Speakers. This could change but is an interesting development and explains their SE tube amp developments. On 4/29/2021 at 8:13 PM, hopkins said: Heard the same, but I understand he is trying to understand why and if there is a way to bridge the gap. I imagine the S version will now take longer to finalise. I am assuming the S version is based on the R version only with a more powerful 6W output stage? I know the R and S are different products but on paper I would prefer the S version as it makes it possible to have a simplified system ie source>Powedac S>Speakers but looks like it will be a wait before finding out which is best.... Topaz 2.5Kva Isolation Transformer > EtherRegen switch powered by Paul Hynes SR4 LPS >MacBook Pro 2013 > EC Designs PowerDac SX > TNT UBYTE-2 Speaker cables > Omega Super Alnico Monitors > 2x Rel T Zero Subwoofers. Link to comment
Ben75 Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 15 hours ago, tapatrick said: I imagine the S version will now take longer to finalise. I am assuming the S version is based on the R version only with a more powerful 6W output stage? I know the R and S are different products but on paper I would prefer the S version as it makes it possible to have a simplified system ie source>Powedac S>Speakers but looks like it will be a wait before finding out which is best.... I think exactly the same than you tapatrick... If the PowerDAC-S beats the PowerDAC-R with tube amps should be very considered as it litterally avoid any buffer in the Hifi chain. However, I can already say that PowerDAC-R is very good ! It remains to compare PowerDAC-R versus a good preamp... tapatrick 1 Link to comment
tapatrick Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 27 minutes ago, Ben75 said: However, I can already say that PowerDAC-R is very good ! It remains to compare PowerDAC-R versus a good preamp... Thanks @Ben75 👍 Topaz 2.5Kva Isolation Transformer > EtherRegen switch powered by Paul Hynes SR4 LPS >MacBook Pro 2013 > EC Designs PowerDac SX > TNT UBYTE-2 Speaker cables > Omega Super Alnico Monitors > 2x Rel T Zero Subwoofers. Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 51 minutes ago, Ben75 said: It remains to compare PowerDAC-R versus a good preamp... I'm satisfied with the comparisons I made. 😁 I don't know if I have compared it to the very best preamp available, but which one would that be, how much would it cost ? I would be curious to find out... Link to comment
Michael L Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 Isn't the 'very best preamp' the preamp you most enjoy listening to? I have a Border Patrol valve control unit preamp. I love it's presentation. I also enjoy valve SET amps and I believe I am going to enjoy the SIT (VFET) amplifier I am building. Qhwoeprktiyns 1 Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 11 hours ago, Michael L said: Isn't the 'very best preamp' the preamp you most enjoy listening to? I have a Border Patrol valve control unit preamp. I love it's presentation. I also enjoy valve SET amps and I believe I am going to enjoy the SIT (VFET) amplifier I am building. I don't know, but what is interesting (at least to me) is that listening to the powerDAC I have completely lost interest in comparing it to other DAC+preamps 😁 I simply hope that the few people reading this who already have invested in ECD equipment and are considering the upgrade will not be disappointed. Link to comment
Superdad Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 4 hours ago, hopkins said: I simply hope that the few people reading this who already have invested in ECD equipment and are considering the upgrade will not be disappointed. So ANY news from EC Designs about this DAC? Since the February 19 blog post about it on their web site, they do not seem to have said anything more in public. Even their most recent post in the DIYAudio forum was dated February 21. Is the unit in your possession still the only one? UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 3 hours ago, Superdad said: So ANY news from EC Designs about this DAC? Since the February 19 blog post about it on their web site, they do not seem to have said anything more in public. Even their most recent post in the DIYAudio forum was dated February 21. Is the unit in your possession still the only one? They are preparing a batch and last I heard (ten days ago) they were on track to start shipping at the end of the month. I assume they will update their website shortly before. Others may have more recent info? Superdad 1 Link to comment
Popular Post Qhwoeprktiyns Posted May 22, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted May 22, 2021 They confirmed this schedule, though they are still waiting for some parts. Hopefully there should not be delays. @Superdad I hope you are not experiencing yourself too many difficulties sourcing parts. Prices are going up for some components, especially microprocessors. Vincent des Champs and Huubster 2 Link to comment
Superdad Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 7 hours ago, hopkins said: I hope you are not experiencing yourself too many difficulties sourcing parts. Prices are going up for some components, especially microprocessors I don’t know about full-blown processor chips, but prices for even advanced silicon chips (such as isolators, FPGAs, high-speed flops, clock synthesizers, and regulators) have been pretty stable—a few percent rise at most. But lead times are getting MUCH longer and availability in general distribution has been poor. It is no fun to have a hot product only to be quoted a 24 week lead time on a key part for which their exists no substitutes! szczemirek 1 UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 1 hour ago, Superdad said: I don’t know about full-blown processor chips, but prices for even advanced silicon chips (such as isolators, FPGAs, high-speed flops, clock synthesizers, and regulators) have been pretty stable—a few percent rise at most. But lead times are getting MUCH longer and availability in general distribution has been poor. It is no fun to have a hot product only to be quoted a 24 week lead time on a key part for which their exists no substitutes! https://hbr.org/2021/02/why-were-in-the-midst-of-a-global-semiconductor-shortage tapatrick 1 Link to comment
tapatrick Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 Looks like there is a delay as end of month has passed without any news. Does anyone have any updates? Topaz 2.5Kva Isolation Transformer > EtherRegen switch powered by Paul Hynes SR4 LPS >MacBook Pro 2013 > EC Designs PowerDac SX > TNT UBYTE-2 Speaker cables > Omega Super Alnico Monitors > 2x Rel T Zero Subwoofers. Link to comment
Popular Post Huubster Posted June 8, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted June 8, 2021 4 minutes ago, tapatrick said: Looks like there is a delay as end of month has passed without any news. Does anyone have any updates? I spoke to John last week and there is some delay indeed. The DAC's are ready, the issue is with parts delivery for the accesoires. - He had to select new transformers for the DAC's LPS's last minute due to delivery issues with the original chosen ones, but the new ones were delayed as well. - His ordered USB cables were not up to par, they were not passing a good and steady 5v signal. I understood he's making his own ones now. But not sure about this one, please don't expect a home brewed John USB cable based on my statement here... -And when I called him he was actually busy with metal work for the remotes, so I got the feeling that also plate material was in late. This information is about a week old, don't know the current status. John seemed still optimistic about the timelines last week, so I'm checking the site on a daily basis, probably just like you :) tapatrick and Vincent des Champs 2 Link to comment
tapatrick Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 12 minutes ago, Huubster said: I spoke to John last week and there is some delay indeed. The DAC's are ready, the issue is with parts delivery for the accesoires. - He had to select new transformers for the DAC's LPS's last minute due to delivery issues with the original chosen ones, but the new ones were delayed as well. - His ordered USB cables were not up to par, they were not passing a good and steady 5v signal. I understood he's making his own ones now. But not sure about this one, please don't expect a home brewed John USB cable based on my statement here... -And when I called him he was actually busy with metal work for the remotes, so I got the feeling that also plate material was in late. This information is about a week old, don't know the current status. John seemed still optimistic about the timelines last week, so I'm checking the site on a daily basis, probably just like you :) Thanks for the update @Huubster Topaz 2.5Kva Isolation Transformer > EtherRegen switch powered by Paul Hynes SR4 LPS >MacBook Pro 2013 > EC Designs PowerDac SX > TNT UBYTE-2 Speaker cables > Omega Super Alnico Monitors > 2x Rel T Zero Subwoofers. Link to comment
Popular Post Qhwoeprktiyns Posted June 11, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted June 11, 2021 ECD gave me an update. They experienced further delays on a few parts coming from the UK. They are still waiting on one part for the PS, which should be delivered any day now. All the rest is assembled and ready. New web pages have been designed and they expect that they should be ready to sell the powerDAC next week! Vincent des Champs, tapatrick, Huubster and 3 others 1 1 4 Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted June 12, 2021 Share Posted June 12, 2021 Seeing the reactions to the previous posts, I was wondering who is going to purchase a PowerDAC immediately and who is going to wait for more feedback before they decide. Is it indescrete to ask? I am purchasing the pre-production unit I tested, BTW. I have tried, not to be too enthusiastic here and "inflate" things. In fact, I've had the opportunity to compare the powerDAC to two other respected DACs but am saving my comments for later 😁 I am looking forward to hearing what some of you will have to say after listening to it. It does not look like there will be any professional reviews anytime soon. ECD are unique in that way too 😀 Link to comment
Vincent des Champs Posted June 12, 2021 Share Posted June 12, 2021 1 hour ago, hopkins said: Seeing the reactions to the previous posts, I was wondering who is going to purchase a PowerDAC immediately and who is going to wait for more feedback before they decide. Is it indescrete to ask? I am purchasing the pre-production unit I tested, BTW. I have tried, not to be too enthusiastic here and "inflate" things. In fact, I've had the opportunity to compare the powerDAC to two other respected DACs but am saving my comments for later 😁 I am looking forward to hearing what some of you will have to say after listening to it. It does not look like there will be any professional reviews anytime soon. ECD are unique in that way too 😀 Since I have sold my ECD stuff couple of weeks ago, I am refreshing the ECD website every 5 seconds looking for updates 😎. Qhwoeprktiyns 1 [SOURCE] Ideon Absolute Stream -> Ideon Absolute Time -> [DAC] APL Hifi DSD-MR SE -> [AMP] Dan d’Agostino Progression INT -> [LS] EgglestoneWorks Savoy SE (supported by Stealth Audio cabling, Ansuz network, Stromtank power) Link to comment
mevdinc Posted June 12, 2021 Share Posted June 12, 2021 3 hours ago, hopkins said: Seeing the reactions to the previous posts, I was wondering who is going to purchase a PowerDAC immediately and who is going to wait for more feedback before they decide. Is it indescrete to ask? I am purchasing the pre-production unit I tested, BTW. I have tried, not to be too enthusiastic here and "inflate" things. In fact, I've had the opportunity to compare the powerDAC to two other respected DACs but am saving my comments for later 😁 I am looking forward to hearing what some of you will have to say after listening to it. It does not look like there will be any professional reviews anytime soon. ECD are unique in that way too 😀 I'd love to try it out with my active system and compare it with my current DAC. I am currently based in Istanbul and need to see how easily I can buy one. Otherwise, I have to ask my friend who lives in Holland to get one for me and bring it to me, when he hopefully visits me in the next few weeks. :) mevdinc.com (My autobiography) Recently sold my ATC EL 150 Actives! Link to comment
Huubster Posted June 12, 2021 Share Posted June 12, 2021 3 hours ago, hopkins said: Seeing the reactions to the previous posts, I was wondering who is going to purchase a PowerDAC immediately and who is going to wait for more feedback before they decide. Is it indescrete to ask? I am purchasing the pre-production unit I tested, BTW. I have tried, not to be too enthusiastic here and "inflate" things. In fact, I've had the opportunity to compare the powerDAC to two other respected DACs but am saving my comments for later 😁 I am looking forward to hearing what some of you will have to say after listening to it. It does not look like there will be any professional reviews anytime soon. ECD are unique in that way too 😀 What do you think...? 😁 Qhwoeprktiyns 1 Link to comment
tapatrick Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 17 hours ago, hopkins said: Seeing the reactions to the previous posts, I was wondering who is going to purchase a PowerDAC immediately and who is going to wait for more feedback before they decide. Is it indescrete to ask? I am purchasing the pre-production unit I tested, BTW. I have tried, not to be too enthusiastic here and "inflate" things. In fact, I've had the opportunity to compare the powerDAC to two other respected DACs but am saving my comments for later 😁 I am looking forward to hearing what some of you will have to say after listening to it. It does not look like there will be any professional reviews anytime soon. ECD are unique in that way too 😀 Although I trust your reports on how good the Powerdac is and I'm tempted to try it now, I have decided to wait to see how (or if) the S version unfolds, as it would make more sense in my setup. I'm very happy with my current set up so that helps with the further waiting. I am very curious to hear reports from R buyers and whether down the road the S version will be able improve things even more (or not)... Qhwoeprktiyns 1 Topaz 2.5Kva Isolation Transformer > EtherRegen switch powered by Paul Hynes SR4 LPS >MacBook Pro 2013 > EC Designs PowerDac SX > TNT UBYTE-2 Speaker cables > Omega Super Alnico Monitors > 2x Rel T Zero Subwoofers. Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 22 minutes ago, tapatrick said: Although I trust your reports on how good the Powerdac is and I'm tempted to try it now, I have decided to wait to see how (or if) the S version unfolds, as it would make more sense in my setup. I'm very happy with my current set up so that helps with the further waiting. I am very curious to hear reports from R buyers and whether down the road the S version will be able improve things even more (or not)... Makes perfect sense! There is no need to rush things. We'll get some initial reports to shed some more light on certain critical aspects (source, power supply immunity, streaming VS local playback, overall sound quality, etc..) and I hope we will get more clarity on the amplification aspects from ECD as well: S model or tube amps and amplifier/speaker matching. On my side, I will try to organize some "shootouts" with other DACs if I can. ECD confirmed that they purchased a large stock of critical parts, so once that initial batch is sold they should be able to produce others regularly (3/4 weeks at a time). Link to comment
Popular Post Norton Posted June 13, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted June 13, 2021 17 hours ago, hopkins said: I was wondering who is going to purchase a PowerDAC immediately and who is going to wait for more feedback before they decide The “S” is of more interest to me. Having bought into the previous 2 generations, it’s getting a bit expensive. Also, I’m a bit wary now of spending money, only to find out 6 months later that ECD has another superior product in the pipeline, which goes in a different direction from the immediately previous headline tech. It’s only a year since the DAC96 went on sale, described as the “holy grail”, when the big story then was the ElectroTOS interface. Similarly the big story with the MOS16 was clean power and battery PSU, but then the next generation came out sporting 5v usb. I ‘ll probably hold back for a while on this generation and see what else develops. tapatrick, Michael L and Qhwoeprktiyns 2 1 Link to comment
Qhwoeprktiyns Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 29 minutes ago, Norton said: I ‘ll probably hold back for a while on this generation and see what else develops. Makes sense as well. I have some friends who have heard the powerDAC but are waiting also to see if it will be a "stable" product. In addition, for some the looks and/or single Toslink input is not appealing (in spite of agreement on SQ). I'm personally not too worried about John coming up with an entirely new design for the DAC, as he is no longer focused on these aspects, but one never knows. As mentioned previously, the amplification aspects are still being investigated, AFAIK. We can count on the Dutch "hardcore" ECD fans to provide a first set of feedbacks 😁 Link to comment
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