jmdesignz2 Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 What Multi Channel DAC? Currently using a Metric Halo LIO 8 in my main system with Aerial 10T (v2) and McCormack DNA1 DLX monoblocks. Sounds pretty good but I've run into some niggling issues and wondering if there is a better way out there. I need at least 4 channels so I can run my dual subs + the mains and would be nice to have all 8 to run a center channel and perhaps some rears later. Source is Macbook pro hi-rez files output through firewire to LIO8 via Decibel. Would like to retain Macbook pro output as I have integrated my DVD player via pass through to the LIO8 which works amazingly well. Thanks for any suggestions Oh yeah - budget is sub $4k Dedicated 20A>>MacBook PRO Core i7>Decibel>Metric Halo LIO8(firewire) or Exasound e28(usb)>RedCo Mogami Multi Channel Snake Balanced Interconnect Cables via DB25 Neutrik Balanced Connectors 3 pin Male XLR-Blk/Gold or BJC RCA Cables Dedicated 20A>>Dual APC LineVoltageRegulators 1200Wx2>>McCormack DNA 1 DLX mono blocks>Mogami W3104 bi-wire>Aerial 10T v2 Mounted to SoundAnchor Stands+Spikes Separate 20A>>Dual HSU Research 10 inch Subwoofers Link to comment
Sam Lord Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Dangerous CONVERT-8 for $3500. Mac Mini 2012 with 2.3 GHz i5 CPU and 16GB RAM running newest OS10.9x and Signalyst HQ Player software (occasionally JRMC), ethernet to Cisco SG100-08 GigE switch, ethernet to SOtM SMS100 Miniserver in audio room, sending via short 1/2 meter AQ Cinnamon USB to Oppo 105D, feeding balanced outputs to 2x Bel Canto S300 amps which vertically biamp ATC SCM20SL speakers, 2x Velodyne DD12+ subs. Each side is mounted vertically on 3-tiered Sound Anchor ADJ2 stands: ATC (top), amp (middle), sub (bottom), Mogami, Koala, Nordost, Mosaic cables, split at the preamp outputs with splitters. All transducers are thoroughly and lovingly time aligned for the listening position. Link to comment
Kal Rubinson Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Dangerous CONVERT-8 for $3500. For that price and if you are not in a studio environment, I'd go with the exaSound e28 which does DSD and higher resolution PCM. Kal Rubinson Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile Link to comment
Sam Lord Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Oh, good call. Speaking of which, has anybody recorded 8ch DSD256? Maybe with Merging gear? Mac Mini 2012 with 2.3 GHz i5 CPU and 16GB RAM running newest OS10.9x and Signalyst HQ Player software (occasionally JRMC), ethernet to Cisco SG100-08 GigE switch, ethernet to SOtM SMS100 Miniserver in audio room, sending via short 1/2 meter AQ Cinnamon USB to Oppo 105D, feeding balanced outputs to 2x Bel Canto S300 amps which vertically biamp ATC SCM20SL speakers, 2x Velodyne DD12+ subs. Each side is mounted vertically on 3-tiered Sound Anchor ADJ2 stands: ATC (top), amp (middle), sub (bottom), Mogami, Koala, Nordost, Mosaic cables, split at the preamp outputs with splitters. All transducers are thoroughly and lovingly time aligned for the listening position. Link to comment
TubeLover Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 For that price and if you are not in a studio environment, I'd go with the exaSound e28 which does DSD and higher resolution PCM. +1. Great value and performance in this space. JC Link to comment
bibo01 Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Oh, good call. Speaking of which, has anybody recorded 8ch DSD256? Maybe with Merging gear? Very good! For the budget Merging Hapi is excellent. How curious are you? Link to comment
Kal Rubinson Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Oh, good call. Speaking of which, has anybody recorded 8ch DSD256? Maybe with Merging gear?Dunno. 6 channel, yes. Kal Rubinson Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile Link to comment
jmdesignz2 Posted September 23, 2016 Author Share Posted September 23, 2016 For that price and if you are not in a studio environment, I'd go with the exaSound e28 which does DSD and higher resolution PCM. Interesting - what about integration with room control and subs? Ability to set crossover freq etc? I really like how the MIO interface gives so much flexibility for multiple channels but it's acting buggy lately and freezing up etc. Dedicated 20A>>MacBook PRO Core i7>Decibel>Metric Halo LIO8(firewire) or Exasound e28(usb)>RedCo Mogami Multi Channel Snake Balanced Interconnect Cables via DB25 Neutrik Balanced Connectors 3 pin Male XLR-Blk/Gold or BJC RCA Cables Dedicated 20A>>Dual APC LineVoltageRegulators 1200Wx2>>McCormack DNA 1 DLX mono blocks>Mogami W3104 bi-wire>Aerial 10T v2 Mounted to SoundAnchor Stands+Spikes Separate 20A>>Dual HSU Research 10 inch Subwoofers Link to comment
Panelhead Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 I have been looking at the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre. Four balanced outputs controlled from a single knob. And both Thunderbolt and USB connectivity. This is made for plug in integration. Four mic preamps, ADC, 118 dB dynamic range. Downside is 192/24 and no DSD. Plus price, these are cheap. 2012 Mac Mini, i5 - 2.5 GHz, 16 GB RAM. SSD, PM/PV software, Focusrite Clarett 4Pre 4 channel interface. Daysequerra M4.0X Broadcast monitor., My_Ref Evolution rev a , Klipsch La Scala II, Blue Sky Sub 12 Clarett used as ADC for vinyl rips. Corning Optical Thunderbolt cable used to connect computer to 4Pre. Dac fed by iFi iPower and Noise Trapper isolation transformer. Link to comment
Kal Rubinson Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 Interesting - what about integration with room control and subs? Ability to set crossover freq etc?Depends on your software. of course. One should not expect those functions in a DAC. Kal Rubinson Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile Link to comment
dallasjustice Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 Depends on your software. of course. One should not expect those functions in a DAC. Kal, The OP wants to run, at minimum, a pair of subs with R/L. IOW, there will be crossovers and delays. How would you expect the OP to setup a system like that without an ADC? The OP is best off with a pro unit. I also have a stereo 4CH setup with a pair of subs and R/L. I have a prism titan and a lynx Hilo. They are both outstanding. I prefer the prism. But there are many great pro DAC/ADCs. I also recommend Acourate for filters. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Link to comment
Kal Rubinson Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 Kal,The OP wants to run, at minimum, a pair of subs with R/L. IOW, there will be crossovers and delays. How would you expect the OP to setup a system like that without an ADC? The OP is best off with a pro unit. I also have a stereo 4CH setup with a pair of subs and R/L. I have a prism titan and a lynx Hilo. They are both outstanding. I prefer the prism. But there are many great pro DAC/ADCs. I also recommend Acourate for filters. That was not clear from the original post. One can do this all this with the computer/software but the more specialized the application, more specialized hardware helps. Kal Rubinson Senior Contributing Editor, Stereophile Link to comment
Miska Posted September 24, 2016 Share Posted September 24, 2016 I am using exaSound e28 for the purpose, because I want to perform DSP for DSD too (and no ADC on the path) and output at high as possible DSD rate. I'm in progress of building new computer for the purpose too, expect specs and a report soon... I want at least DSD256 8 channel output. There are not that many DAC choices available, exaSound e28 and Merging Hapi/NADAC. Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
bmoura Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 +1. Great value and performance in this space. JC Agree with TubeLover and Kal. At the under $4k price, the exaSound e28 Mark II is the way to go for Multichannel - PCM, DSD and DXD up to DSD 256. exaSound has a money back 30-day program if you'd like to try it out. exaSound Audio Design > e28 > Overview Link to comment
Panelhead Posted October 2, 2016 Share Posted October 2, 2016 Hooked up new Focusrite Clarett 4Pre today. Using Pure Music 64 bit Crossover. The unit needs dialing in. Setting crossover point and levels now. I think OP might go for 8Pre to have additional channels. The routing is no harder than LIO8. One item, there must be a lot of hot running circuits in the 4Pre. The chassis is half width. The top must be 130 degrees. The wart is 2000 ma. Must need this much. 2012 Mac Mini, i5 - 2.5 GHz, 16 GB RAM. SSD, PM/PV software, Focusrite Clarett 4Pre 4 channel interface. Daysequerra M4.0X Broadcast monitor., My_Ref Evolution rev a , Klipsch La Scala II, Blue Sky Sub 12 Clarett used as ADC for vinyl rips. Corning Optical Thunderbolt cable used to connect computer to 4Pre. Dac fed by iFi iPower and Noise Trapper isolation transformer. Link to comment
Jazzhd Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 Just to share some informations regarding mch DAC. I am using the Exasound e28 MK II Femto clock (that is for sale right now, an ad has been created recently in CA). I use that in a 4 Way Stereo system, with FIR built with Acourate. Sound is simply fantastic. The support with the company is also very good, George always reply quickly to our questions. Why do I sell, I wanted to go for the e38. jmdesignz2: have you bought your mch DAC yet ? Link to comment
twist222 Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Just to share some informations regarding mch DAC.I am using the Exasound e28 MK II Femto clock (that is for sale right now, an ad has been created recently in CA). I use that in a 4 Way Stereo system, with FIR built with Acourate. Sound is simply fantastic. The support with the company is also very good, George always reply quickly to our questions. Why do I sell, I wanted to go for the e38. jmdesignz2[o/B]: have you bought your mch DAC yet ? Can I ask what you used to take the measurements for Acourate to generate the FIR filters ? Regards Mark Link to comment
Jazzhd Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Can I ask what you used to take the measurements for Acourate to generate the FIR filters ? Regards Mark Hi Mark, I have used the MOTU 828x for the measurement. Are you interrested in the e28 ? Link to comment
twist222 Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Hi Mark,I have used the MOTU 828x for the measurement. Are you interrested in the e28 ? Probably not at the moment, but an audiophile multi channel dac may be an option in the future. As such it is always good to find out what options people utilize for taking the measurements with acourate when they are implementing an audiophile mc dac. I wish you well with the upgrade. Regards Mark Link to comment
Jazzhd Posted December 16, 2016 Share Posted December 16, 2016 Just to share some informations regarding mch DAC.I am using the Exasound e28 MK II Femto clock (that is for sale right now, an ad has been created recently in CA). I use that in a 4 Way Stereo system, with FIR built with Acourate. Sound is simply fantastic. The support with the company is also very good, George always reply quickly to our questions. Why do I sell, I wanted to go for the e38. jmdesignz2: have you bought your mch DAC yet ? Yes, I did. The e28 is a very precise and revealing unit. The e38 is even more I think. I am very happy with the unit and and also very happy with the support that George gives. Link to comment
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