Not really impressed with Metric Halo ULN2

[labjr]

I think you "need" a USB converter if you want the Bryston to sound the best that it can. Having to use a SPDIF input for this would be a problem for me.

 

[kana813]

"my goal is to have less things in the signal path and avoid unnecessary components and functionality if possible."

 

Bryan-

 

Once again, can you bypass the preamp section of your integrated amp and feed the UNL-2's analog ouput directly into the amp section and use the UNL-2 as a DAC/preamp?

 

Dan

 

[bmckenney]

Dan, I can't bypass the preamp in the integrated. Besides, it's a valve based linestage and I like the sound of valves especially in a linestage.

 

[Lizard_King]

I heard one in my system used with a Powerbook G4 using Play, firewire and it is a very nice Dac.

 

[bmckenney]

Just wanted to close the book on this thread. I have the ULN2 all boxed up and it ships back on Friday. I racked up over 100 hours of burn in, tried two different pairs of TRS to XLR cable and enough listening to come to the conclusion it did not float my boat. The Ayre went back too and I am not going to get it at this point. So the hunt for a blow me away DAC continues. Next up is likely the Bryston. Maybe a MHDT Havana too.

 

Bryan

 

[barrows]

DAC to consider will be the new one from Wyred4Sound. They are still in the fine tuning stages, but the feature set is pretty impressive, these are from W4S:

1. 24/192 capable async USB

2. various other inputs

3. ESS Sabre DAC chip in current output mode

4. bespoke custom I/V stage

5. bespoke custom analog output stage, all discrete parts

6. custom options (USB or not, I2S input, etc.)

7. modular, upgradeable design (and knowing these guys, upgrades will be reasonably priced)

8. well sorted and beefy power supply design, with high quality parts.

I have not heard these yet, but the features are quite promising, and these guys do know how to put together good sounding circuits/parts.

 

[bmckenney]

I see that W4S is blowing out their modded PS Audio DACs now on Agon. So maybe this new DAC is almost ready. I would like to hear what people on the street have to say about it before I take a chance. I had one of their class D amps and never did like it. Too analytical. But this new DAC does have some impressive features and technology.

 

Bryan

 

[Part-Time Audiophile]

From talking with Walter at Underwood about Wyred, I know that they've updated their amps at least once. He also said that there's a new version on the way, one with some updates that match & leapfrog the Rev2 updates Bel Canto implemented. It'll also have an optional tube stage(!). Anyway, I think they're interesting and they do some good work. FWIW, I love my DAC they modded.