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My good friend and fellow audiophile Gerald k and I have made a compilation of music files which we feel are perfect for testing new equipment. We wanted to use music that we not only enjoy listening to but which also has the abillity to reveal flaws in the signal chain. I listen mostly on Headphones (Sennheiser/ Audeze/ Audio Technica) while Gerald listen only on speakers (Tad, Kharma/Linn/Naim). We have spend many an evening and several bottles of Cotes de Rhone wines arguing and eventually agreeing on this list of audio equipment test music. This is what we came up with, please feel free to comment or post alternatives, if possible with a link as to where to purchase the music that you feel is ideal for this purpose. We also looked for reviews that we felt agreed with what we hear in the recordings. Sound stage and definition 1. Carmen Gomes inc; '' I'm on fire'' from Thousand Shades of Blue Sound Liaison Music Shop Placement is perfect on this young audiophile classic as well as the near perfect natural recording of the voice, but the real test for audio equipment when listening to this recording is it's ability to separate the kickdrum from the upright bass. The two instruments are playing the same pattern. On less than optimum equipment it might be difficult to separate the two, but with good setup you clearly hear the upright at 10.00 and the kick dead center with a nice decay that one generally do not hear on commercial recordings. There are lots of speakers and headphones with ''extended lows'' but low with definition is a whole different ballgame. Hifi; 2 Alban berg Quartet; Bartok String Quartet no.1 in a minor 1th movement. (LP,EMI) in the beginning of this movement the 4 instruments all play mainly in the same middle and upper register. Despite all that mid and high information the music should not sound harsh. This recording has the same perfect sound stage as the Carmen Gomes recording. We believe that this kind of sound stage with such a sense of depth and realistic placement is only attainable when you are recording the musicians in one room at the same time. Amazone Intelligible representation 3. Frank Sinatra; ''What's New'' from Only the Lonely. Frank is maybe a bit too prominent represented but one should still be able to notice all the different lines played by the various instruments in this incredible Nelson Riddle arrangement. 4. Me'Shell Ndegéocello; ''Levictus:Faggot'' from Peace beyond Passion. Here we have the opposite, the voice is a bit too soft in this optimum funk piece yet you should still be able to hear every word. easily optainable http://www.amazon.com Depth and Space When talking about depth and space we had to include a couple of Reference Recordings tracks. This label has allways done justice to it's name and consistently produced recordings of very high quality. 5. The Concord Chamber Music Society;''Danza del Soul'' from Brubeck and Gandolfi works. 6. Doug Macleod '' the Night of the Devils Road'' from There's a Time here you have two completely different pieces of music, one by The Concord Chamber Music Society and one by blues legend Doug Macleod accompanied only by guitar and kick drum. But the depth and the space of these two recordings is simply outstanding. Enjoy the music.com; Audiophilia; Reference Recordings Complete Audiophile Classical Music Orchestra and Jazz HDCD Catalog 7. Andre Heuvelman; ''Oblivion'' from After Silence 8. Joni Mitchell; ''Comes Love'' from Both Sides Now Andre Heuvelman's rendition of Astor Piazzolla's master piece have a great sense of depth. Every instrument sounds rich and full with a gorgeus natural decay. On lesser equipment the sound of each instrument can become a bit of a blur while on good equipment the sound of each instrument should be clearly defined with a clear sense of the room this recording have been recorded in. Same goes for Joni's wonderfull standards collection, it is a big hall you are listening to. Sound Stage on the Sound Liaison recordings; Sound Liaison Music Shop Both Sides Now won a Separation 9. Miles Davis; ''Stella by Starlight'' from the Complete 1964 Concert 10. John Scofield; ''Just Don't Wan't to be Lonely'' from Uberjam Deux we use these recordings to check for spill between left and right channel. The Miles recording was done on a 3 track tape machine and therefore there is this very wide sound stage and separation between the instruments; piano complete left, horns and bass dead center, drums completely right. drummer Tony Williams sometimes does not play at all and on those moments all one should hear on the right channel of the piano is a faint echo. All Music; John Scofiel's cover of the old Main Ingredient hit has a complete left right separation. The organ is audible on the left channel only and the rhythm guitar is on the right. The separation is so extreme that if you were to disconnect the right channel you would not hear any rhythm guitar at all, just like on the early Beatles stereo LP's. Jazztimes; Imaging 11. Trevor Pinnock; Mahler symphony no. 4 this delicate chamber orchestra arrangement of the great Mahler Symphony is a real beauty. the all music review said; Linn Records - Mahler: Symphonie No. 4 12. Iona Brown and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra;''the Spring'' from Grieg two Elegiac Melodies. the Grammaphone review puts it well; http://http://www.naimlabel.com/recording-grieg--tippett--beethoven.aspx Batik; '' The Bird'' from the Old Man and the Sea just about perfect imaging, left to right evenly laid out for your eyes and ears to see, piano, bass, drums, guitar and again a one room recording. Unbelieveable why sofew companies do this when it can yield so very satisfactory results. http://http://www.soundliaison.com/ Audio Stream; John Scofield;'' Never Turn Back'' from Piety Street the drum intro has a small imperfection, there is a soft ringing sound on the left channel probably coused by a sympathic resonance in the drum set or in the room. The moment the organ enters it kind of cover up the problem, although if you really listen for it you can hear it through out the track. Wonderful old fashioned sound stage. All Music;

I must say I find this download very impressive. This really sounds as if being there. The label has a very good track record. Their previous releases has all been 96 pcm, and very very good indeed but this DXD takes it all up a notch. If this is exemplary for DXD recordings then that is what I will be searching for. DXD recommendations please! Sound Liaison; Carmen Gomes sings the Blues.

I'm currently on the look out for a new DAC with DSD 512, Streaming etc. I had never heard of this DAC before but there's a very impressive review here: https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/06/14/cocktail-audio-x45-pro-music-player-dac-review/ I had my eyes set on the latest Denafrips Terminator DSD 1024 but the reviewer thinks Coctail is better! And the price is the same as Terminator with loads of extras like CD Play/Ripping and phono stage too (not that I need it). This looks like another great DAC alternative. Anyone with any thoughts/experiences with Coctail DACs especially with the latest 45Pro? Thanks.

I have just read a positive review in July number of Italian magazine AudioReview about this new little DAC from Project http://www.box-designs.com/main.php?prod=preboxs2digital&cat=s2-line&lang=en A very reasonable entry level price for experimenting with MQA, but apparently not at all entry level performance. Main specs from Pro-Ject infosheet: • Dual mono construction • High end ESS Sabre ESS9038 dual DAC • Proprietary clock circuity design • Organic polymer capacitors and thin film miniMELF resistors • MQA hardware decoding • DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 & DSD512 (DSD over PCM) • Up to 24bit/192kHz for optical & coax inputs • 7 selectable digital filter characteristics • 1 proprietary optimum transient digital filter • Headphone output on the front (6.3mm) • Synchronization of all internal oscillators • Jitter as low as 100 Femtoseconds! • Gold plated four layer PCB • Full alu/metal sandwich casing in silver or black SRP: € 349,00

View Classified Mytek Manhattan II Black REDUCED! For Sale is my Mytek Manhattan II. Purchased in 2019. It is up to date with the latest firmware for both the network card and the DAC. IT has MQA (if you're into that), its a ROON endpoint, a preamp with three analog inputs (2 RCA and 1 XLR). Add a USB drive with music to the back and play hi res directly, and Tidal and Quobuz using a MPD application like MConnect. It is an aamazing pice of engineering, that has run flawlessly during my time with it. $2900 including shipping (FEDEX Ground) and Paypal fees. Included is the original cable, remote, cone feet, box for both the card and the DAC, manual for the card, and a printed manual for the DAC. Firm. Please let me know if you have any questions. I have been a lurker on this site since the first days but I do not post. I would be happy to correspond about the unit if you have questions. Here are the specifications from the manual: • Conversion: up to 384k, 32bit PCM, native DSD up to DSD256, DXD, 130dB Dynamic Range • Analog outputs: RCA, balanced XLR, simultaneous • Headphone outputs: Reference High Current, High transient balanced Headphone Amp, 500mA, 6 Watts, dual headphone jacks, designed to drive hard to drive headphones. To connect balanced headphones special adapter is required - available saparately. • Built-in Attenuator: Choice of 1dB step analog attenuator, separate for main out and headphones, 1dB step digital 32 bit attenuator and purist relay bypass. • Mytek proprietary USB Audio Class 2, up to 32bit/384k, DSD256, also accepts digital AES, SPDIF and Toslink inputs. This USB interface also allows stacking of multiple Mytek units for multichannel operation. All digital inputs are available in DAW software simultaneously. • AES/EBU Input: PCM up to 24bit / 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192.0kHz, 352.8kHz, 384.0kHz, DSD64 DSD128 (DoP) • 3x S/PDIF Coaxial Input: PCM up to 24bit / 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192.0kHz, 352.8kHz, 384.0kHz, DSD64 DSD128 (DoP) • Toslink (S/PDIF Optical Input): PCM up to 24bit / 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, DSD64 (DoP) • SDIF3 DSD Input: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 (natively) • Mytek Femtoclock 0.82ps internal jitter, WordClock Input and Output (allows stacking multiple units for multichannel operation, includes mch DSD) • Built-in Analog Preamp: Line level input or Precision Phono M/M, M/C input, relay controlled. • Choice of Transparent Analog or Digital stepped volume control with "Bypass" option for the purest signal path. • Built in certified hardware Hi-Res MQA decoder • High definition metering with simultaneous RMS and peak indication • Five digital inputs are fitted (1x USB, 1x AES/EBU, 3x S/PDIF coaxial and 1x TOSLINK) which allow a wide range of digital sources to be connected. Seller Gonzo1 Date 09/01/21 Price 2,900.00 USD Category Digital to Analog Converters  

I just received this new unit, ordered via Amazon.com yesterday. So far, I have been listening to DSD64 files (DSF's) purchased online - plus those ripped via PS3 from my SACD collection. Headphone listening only thusfar - with my Schiit Valhalla/Senn 650 combo and my Grado RS-1/Grado RA-1 amp. Very good sound; better than my Schiit Loki, for sure. I haven't placed it in my big system as yet since my wired network is in a different spot, and still have a lot of files to move over. Speaking of which - the Sony "HAP Music Transfer" application leaves a lot to be desired, in my opinion. You can only sync a folder - rather than select subfolders (i.e.: albums) to transfer. And since there is a 100 subfolder limit on each sync - and I have over 300 albums each in it's own folder, it has turned into as bit of a pain. Any other HAP-Z1ES owners out there with suggestions, tweaks or other relevant comments? Would love to compare notes. Thanks. Merko

Simply, I study Marantz because I trust them to deliver, reproduce my music—my drug of choice. And their M-CR611 may be the solution for you ; briefly, summarised from Japanese 5-page review : Paired with B&W「CM1 S2」as「Premium System」set, priced at 198,000円 Paired with B&W「686 S2」as「Standard System」set, priced at 160,000円 Paired with DALI「Zensor1」as「Basic System」set, priced at 106,000円 From latter 3/4 of UK listing, Overview : N.B. American importer orders only Black

Hello, Just bought the Chord Mojo and having some problems with playback (DOP) of DSD files. There are intermittent, short stops in playback, not really at fixed intervals. The computer used is pretty powerful (FX6300 six-core, 16gigs memory, DSD library on SSD), so I don't think it's the system. It's running Apricity OS (an Arch based distro). Nothing I tried so far helps. I tried most settings in JRiver, memory playback turned off/on, smaller prebuffering/bigger prebuffering. I also removed the pulseaudio server, but also with no effect. Any thoughts? Regards, Angelo

NEW Peachtree Audio sonaDAC Digital to Analog Converter/Preamp/Headphone Amplifier and sonaAMP have arrived! Small Size . . . Huge Sound At Peachtree Audio they believe a Hi-Fi system should easily integrate into your home and provide exceptional sound quality without costing a fortune, weighing a ton or requiring a doctorate to use. Sona is based on a simple concept: build a line of audio components with audio performance similar to their highly-reviewed Grand Series, but in a chassis that is a fraction of the size, weight and cost! Using the latest advancements in DAC and amplification technology combined with clever engineering, they have successfully squeezed world-class performance into a small and highly appealing form factor that fits almost anywhere. The new sona products aren’t just the smallest Peachtree audio components – they are also the best sounding! sonaDAC ($1299) The sonaDAC is three components in one: a reference quality Digital-to-Analog Converter, a balanced line-level preamplifier and a high-performance headphone amplifier. The sonaDAC utilizes the highly regarded ESS 9018 Sabre Reference DAC designed for natural music reproduction and an extremely low noise floor. SonaDAC is also a personal audio listening station with an extremely powerful and noise-free built-in headphone amplifier that makes listening to music through headphones an absolute delight. In addition, the sonaDAC is a balanced line-level control center that can drive any power amplifier or powered speakers via its XLR or RCA outputs. For a complete Peachtree solution, the sonaDAC can be paired with their sonaAMP for a high-performance, fully-balanced Hi-Fi system that takes up roughly the same space as two hardcover books! sonaAMP($999) The sonaAMP is the perfect companion for the Peachtree Audio sonaDAC. The sonaAMP features an impressive 150 watts-per-channel stereo amplifier that easily drives any speaker with impedances as low as 2.5Ω and as high as 16Ω! Its balanced design, wide bandwidth and low-noise design provide exceptional sonic purity, ensuring that your loudspeakers are driven to their full potential. The sonaAMP also features a trigger input allowing it to be turned on/off automatically by the Peachtree sonaDAC (or other preamps that have trigger outputs). Save on Peachtree's sonaAMP when purchased with a sonaDAC! sonaDAC + sonaAMP - Save $300 when Purchasing Combo ($1999) Welcome to the Future The Peachtree sonaDAC and sonaAMP provide exceptional sound quality without taking up much space, weighing a ton or costing a fortune. The sonaDAC is equally at home on your desktop as a DAC/headphone amp driving high-performance headphones or, coupled with the sonaAMP, powering high-resolution bookshelf monitors or a pair of demanding audiophile-quality floor standing loudspeakers. A Peachtree sona system is easy to integrate into any room and is incredibly simple to operate - so you can spend more time enjoying your music and less time fiddling with controls. The innovative volume control bypass makes integrating streaming devices and traditional digital components a joy. sona by Peachtree: small, affordable and high-performance. The future of audio separates is here today! These product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara

[video=youtube;CYQrzU-srSE] Ayre Codex headphone amp/DAC/digital preamp video review courtesy of the good folks at Head-Fi TV. For additional information on the Codex or any other products from Ayre Acoustics, please visit us here or here High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272)

Auralic Vega DAC (SALE $2499, reg retail $3499) From Now Until Januray 31st Save $1000 + Receive FREE CARDAS CLEAR USB Cable ($160 value) or 25% off ROON SOFTWARE with purchase "The $3,500 Auralic Vega digital to analog converter is quite possibly the best DAC I've heard at this price." - Chris Connaker, The Computer Audiophile VEGA, the next generation digital audio processor, is developed with the goal of 'seeking for non-compromised sound'. With plenty of I/O ports and powerful function, it will become the kernel component of your high-end stereo system. With Sanctuary Audio Processor as heart, AURALiC introduces several cutting-edge technology for VEGA: Megahertz upsampling algorithm up-samples all PCM music to 1.5MHz in 32bit; Femto Master Clock provides an ultimate clock precision with jitter only 82 femtoseconds (0.082 picosecond). Binding with other AURALiC's patented technologies such as 'ORFEO Class-A module' and discrete 'Purer-Power™ solution', VEGA will bring high resolution music playback experience to climax. VEGA supports all high resolution music formats including DXD (352.8KS/s, 384KS/s in 32bit) as well as DSD stream at 2.8MHz (DSD64), 5.6MHz (DSD128) and 11.2MHz (DSD256). Five digital inputs include AES/EBU, coaxial(set of two), toslink and USB. The balanced and single-ended analog outputs can connect to power amplifier directly, adjusting volume in digital precision without dynamic loss. Features AURALiC Sanctuary Audio Processor Sanctuary audio processor, the heart of VEGA, is based on multi-core ARM9 architecture with calculating capability at 1000MIPS which is ideal for handling multi-channel high resolution music. AURALiC also introduces the second generation ActiveUSB ™ to VEGA that separates the USB PHY into a discrete chip to future reduce EMI from computer. Resorting to these technologies, VEGA not only support DXD format (352.8KS/s and 384KS/s PCM signal in 32bit) but also able to decode DSD stream at 2.8MHz (DSD64), 5.6MHz (DSD128) and 11.2MHz (DSD256) natively though 'DoPV1.1' transmission standard. Flexible Filter Mode The Flexible Filter Mode technology inside VEGA has six built-in modes each contains several digital filters optimized for corresponding sampling rate. These filters are developed under AURALiC's subjective auditory sense and objective testing data relationship models which is to optimize the listening experience for different music and format. The linear phase filter exhibits perfect in-band ripple and out-band attenuation performance while the minimum phase filter is better for enjoyment as it has no 'pre-ringing' effect. There are also slow roll-off filter and several noise filters for native DSD conversion. To maximum usage of these filters, VEGA allows its user to customize according to different formats, tuning sound best to personal preference. Please download the technical white paper of Flexible Filter Mode for detailed information. Femto Master Clock The objective of Femto Master Clock technology is to give DAC and upsampling circuit an ultimate clock with extremely low jitter and low phase noise. It utilizes aerospace grade crystal oscillator, ultra low noise linear power supply and temperature compensation technology to generate master clock with extremely low jitter at 82 femtoseconds. What's more important, the phase noise which affect sound quality a lot has been dramatically reduced to -168dBc/Hz. VEGA has three level of clock precision for customer to choose, with the highest grade 'EXACT' mode, it will give the purest reference clock. Driving by such amazing clock, VEGA can easily reproduce the music details in the 'last bit', represent a rock solid stereo image you may never experience before. Megahertz Upsampling Using latest ground breaking algorithm, Megahertz Upsampling technology process and up-sampling all incoming PCM signal to about 1.5MHz in 32bit depth. These not only improve the precision of DAC, but also create a new Nyquist frequency for all PCM signal which farther away from the top end of audio frequency. As a result, our engineers are able to design a brand new analog circuit structure with more bandwidth and faster slew rate. Comparing to previous design, the new structure is more transparent to audio signal with lower distortion and less noise, it also lets red book CDs sound more rich and smooth. AURALiC ORFEO Class-A Output Module In order to drive various loads, matching different power amplifiers, VEGA is powered with AURALiC's patented ORFEO Class-A module which is inspired by Neve8078 analog console’s circuit design as the output stage. The principle of this module is to use a mass of small signal components with best linear characteristic. By packing them though a thermal balance procedure and bias the transistors into Class-A, ORFEO achieves impressive performance with open loop distortion less than 0.001%. The ORFEO module used in VEGA has been selected and tweaked for lower noise while maintains its driving capability for600ohm load without any distortion raise. High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272)

Peachtree Audio's BLACK FRIDAY SALE will begin Wednesday, November 16th and continue through Monday, November 28th. Save up to $399 on the following specials Peachtree Audio nova300 + FREE BT-1 Bluetooth Receiver nova300 Sale Price $1999 w/free BT-1 (save $399) A New Generation of Power The nova300 isa completely new generation of Peachtree integrated amplifiers that reimagines the original concept and takes it to an even higher level. I represents the culmination of everything Peachtree has learned as a leader in computer audio, plus a few new things they hadn't gotten to - until now. Highlights ESS Reference 9018K2M Sabre DAC 32-Bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD (double-DSD) compatibility New generation ICEPower amplification - 300 watts per channel @ 8Ω 450 watts per channel @ 4Ω Extensive internal grounding Designed by a world-class engineering team Asynchronous USB, Coax and (2) Optical inputs Asynchronous iOS input for direct digital input from Apple Lightning devices - with exclusive Peachtree DyNEC (Dynamic-Noise Elimination Circuit) technology (pending certification) Phono (MM) input Home Theater Bypass Loop feature to add an external tube buffer, EQ or other processor into the signal path Pre-Out for use as preamp/DAC or with subwoofer HIGH OUTPUT discrete headphone amplifier Optional Wi-Fi module to be announced Available in Gloss Ebony Mocha and Piano Black Made in North America Peachtree Audio nova150 + FREE BT-1 Bluetooth Receiver nova150 Sale Price $1499 w/free BT-1 (save $199) The Integrated Amplifier… Reimagined The nova150 isa completely new generation of Peachtree integrated amplifiers that reimagines the original concept and takes it to an even higher level. I represents the culmination of everything Peachtree has learned as a leader in computer audio, plus a few new things they hadn't gotten to - until now. Highlights ESS Reference 9018K2M Sabre DAC 32-Bit/384kHz PCM and 5.6MHz DSD (double-DSD) compatibility New generation ICEPower amplification - 150 watts per channel Extensive internal grounding Designed by a world-class engineering team Asynchronous USB, Coax and (2) Optical inputs Asynchronous iOS input for direct digital input from Apple Lightning devices Phono (MM) input Home Theater Bypass Loop feature to add an external tube buffer, EQ or other processor into the signal path Discrete, custom-designed headphone amplifier Optional Wi-Fi module to be announced Available in Gloss Ebony Mocha and Piano Black FREE Peachtree Audio BT1 Bluetooth with purchase of nova integrated amplifiers The Peachtree BT1 Bluetooth Receiver is the easiest way to stream music from your phone or tablet to your stereo or home theater system. Get them free with orders on nova integrated amplifiers during the sale. Peachtree Audio shift USB DAC and HEADPHONE AMP shift Sale Price $199 (save $200 off original price on saddle tan leather special edition) Highlights ▪ Android or iPhone ▪ 32bit/384kHz USB B input ▪ PCM & DSD decoding ▪ USB-A input for iOS or Android ▪ DyNEC Noise Elimination System ▪ USB-B input for your computer ▪ Variable/Fixed output ▪ Hi/Lo gain switch for almost any level headphones or IEM's. ▪ 4100 mAh battery pack ▪ 8 hours playback ▪ Can charge while listening High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272)

We've got some Used Auralic Vega DAC in excellent condition for sale for $2380 (retail $2799). They are in excellent condition and come with a full manufacturer's warranty. If you've been looking for great sounding DAC that can flawlessly play every major format at an unbeatable price, then the Vega is a must listen. VEGA, the next generation digital audio processor, is developed with the goal of 'seeking for non-compromised sound'. With plenty of I/O ports and powerful function, it will become the kernel component of your high-end stereo system. With Sanctuary Audio Processor as heart, AURALiC introduces several cutting-edge technology for VEGA: Megahertz upsampling algorithm up-samples all PCM music to 1.5MHz in 32bit; Femto Master Clock provides an ultimate clock precision with jitter only 82 femtoseconds (0.082 picosecond). Binding with other AURALiC's patented technologies such as 'ORFEO Class-A module' and discrete 'Purer-Power™ solution', VEGA will bring high resolution music playback experience to climax. VEGA supports all high resolution music formats including DXD (352.8KS/s, 384KS/s in 32bit) as well as DSD stream at 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz. Five digital inputs include AES/EBU, coaxial(set of two), toslink and USB. The balanced and single-ended analog outputs can connect to power amplifier directly, adjusting volume in digital precision without dynamic loss. The Flexible Filter Mode embedded inside VEGA has six modes, each contains several digital filters optimized for corresponding sampling rate. These filters are solely developed by AURALiC to optimize the listening experience for different music and format. VEGA allows its user to customize according to different music formats, tuning sound best to personal preference. "The $3,500 Auralic Vega digital to analog converter is quite possibly the best DAC I've heard at this price." - Chris Connaker, The Computer Audiophile High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272)

DA-250 USB DAC, Class A Preamp & Headphone Amp ($2500) Luxman’s DA-250 is a Class A Preamplifer, Class A Headphone Amplifier and a USB capable Digital Audio Converter packaged in a slim & compact B4 form factor. It delivers a wonderfully musical rich tone that will provide countless hours of fatigue-free listening enjoyment. The DA-250 is the successor to the DA-200 which launched in 2010 and proved tremendously popular among desktop audio users. Luxman’s sales team and engineers have continuously listened to end users’ comments carefully and exchanged opinions about applications and styles on how best to enjoy computer audio. Now Luxman is introducing this new USB D/A Converter DA-250 which is much improved over the DA-200 by focusing on upgrading its sound quality and adding new features and incorporating the latest technology. Digital Circuit USB input is compatible up to 192 kHz/32bit PCM data and DSD data (2.8MHz and 5.6MHz). S/PDIF input handles up to 192 kHz/24bit PCM signals. In addition to USB input, the DA-250 has a coaxial input and two optical (Toslink) inputs to enable connection with a CD player and / or DVR, satellite radio etc. The Texas Instruments PCM1795 was selected for the DAC, which contains a 32 bit digital filter, digital signals are up-converted internally to 352.8k or 384kHz/32 bit. Two different kinds of tone filter setting are provided and switchable to your taste (32bit digital filter for PCM and analog FIR filter for DSD). Low phase noise clock modules are mounted independently on both 44.1 k and 48kHz channels to reduce noise around the oscillating frequency and to generate highly accurate low jitter clock signals. By using asynchronous communication for the USB input and a DAIR high accuracy clock for S/PDIF, low jitter reduction is possible. Analog Circuit The configuration of D/A converter and high quality pre-amplifier circuit has been considerably upgraded in terms of both sound quality and performance. Output signal can be selected between Fixed and Variable modes. Variable position is convenient for a direct connection to a separate type power amplifier or a powered speaker system. For example a matching LUXMAN M-200 stereo amplifier can be used to drive the loudspeakers of your preference. Analog Input / Vinyl Recording One analog input is available. Analog signals are converted into the digital realm by way of a built-in A/D converter TI PCM9211/DAIR. For example, the matching Luxman E-200 / 250 phono stages will allow a turntable to be connected to the DA-250 and output to 24/96 for easy recording. The power environment of high inertia from a large power transformer to large capacity block capacitors and each circuit’s independent regulator is designed to provide a great drive impetus to the signal output, delivering large dynamic swings and maintaining image specificity across the sound-stage regardless of the listening level. Specifications: [TABLE=class: spec, width: 100%] [TR] [TH]format[/TH] [TD] 2-channel D / A converter[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Sampling frequency[/TH] [TD] USB input (PCM): 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz (16,24,32bit) USB input (DSD): 2.82MHz, 5.64MHz (1bit) OAX / OPT input: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz (16,20,32bit)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Digital input[/TH] [TD] USB1 system, COAX1 system, OPT2 system[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Digital output[/TH] [TD] COAX1 system, OPT1 system[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Analog output[/TH] [TD] Unbalanced 1 system, balance 1 system, headphone 1 system[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Line output voltage / impedance[/TH] [TD] Unbalanced: 2.5V / 300Ω, balance: 2.5V / 600Ω[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Headphone output[/TH] [TD] 130mW + 130mW (600Ω) 400mW + 400mW (32Ω), 200mW + 200mW (16Ω)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Frequency characteristic[/TH] [TD] 2Hz ~ 50kHz (+0, -3.0dB)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] Total harmonic distortion rate[/TH] [TD] 0.001%[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] S / N ratio (IHF-A)[/TH] [TD] 118dB[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH][/TH] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] power consumption[/TH] [TD] 19W (in accordance with the provisions of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] External dimensions[/TH] [TD] 364 (width) × 81 (height) × 279 (depth) mm Depth includes front knob 14mm, the rear terminal 8mm[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] weight[/TH] [TD] 5.4kg (body), 7.5kg (standard packing)[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TH] accessories[/TH] [TD] Remote Control (RD-24) Power cable (JPA-10000: with polarity mark)[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] This product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back in points when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara

Playback Design Merlot DAC ($6500) Playback Designs imagines, creates and manufactures the highest performance, highest resolution, jitter free digital playback systems available for the most discerning of listeners. Each and every person involved with Playback Designs is first and foremost a lover of music. Without this appreciation no company involved in either high-end audio or the professional recording industry can truly measure how good the products are that they are bringing to market. Sure, they measure each and every unit that we ship, but the most important step is the final listening session that occurs just prior to packaging the unit for shipment. Playback Designs’ systems represent the finest audio playback in the world for the finest listening system in the world… your ears! Most people consider digital playback to be sonically inferior to analog playback, whether tape or vinyl. Playback Designs wanted to match or better the critical areas where we felt analog had superior advantages without losing the benefits of great digital playback. The Merlot D/A converter is the first in history to also offer recording capability direct to hard disk. Anything you want to do with audio, digital or analog, this system can do it. The Merlot is a state-of-the-art discrete converter accepting any digital format and sample rate up to quad DSD via its AES / SPDIF / USB and PLink (proprietary ST fiber-optic) interfaces. Merlot Integrated DAC / Headphone Amp Features Up to 384kHz PCM and up to 11.2MHz DSD USB, AES, Coax, PLink inputs Headphone output with separate volume control Balanced and unbalanced line level outputs Differential discrete DAC (standard “Playback Designs” architecture) Software upgradeable by end user Recording software for file creation on computer This product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back in points when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara

For a good, natural sound with great presence, soundstage, timbral accuracy and naturalness, I highly recommend adding a tube-only amplification stage after your DAC with native, very high-rate DSD. Here's my home-made Lampizator-like configuration (not exactly the same, of course): - iFi iDSD Nano with DSD256 even through DoP on Mac (thanks to the iFi team for the free Mac OS X firmware + Driver upgrade). - Single-Ended Triode Amplifier in simple triode configuration based on a Tubelab design and PCB, the most basic config: no volume (using the DAC volume or software volume), no choke, no motor run cap, no ultra-linear mode, no cathode-feedback mode. - Totem Mites as speakers and Audirvana or HW Player as audiophile software player (BugHead for those who can). Another view: Set Tubes glowing: Some of our listening impressions today: - Great dynamics - guitar strings, percussions and drums generally, attacks - Much presence, especially in the mid-range, enveloping sound - A sense of flow, breathing - Great separation So, try adding tubes to your very high-rate native DSD setup and let us know what you think.

I've not seen much written about this DAC/AMP here or on Head-Fi, but I wanted a portable to stack with my DAP and to run balanced output to my 64 Audio A6, that would also serve me well as a USB DAC for PC. I took a leap of faith on this unit, bought from Moon Audio, and thus far pleasantly surprised by it's quality. The unboxing and ergonomics are nothing special, rather plain and uncluttered in appearance: That said, implemented thus far as a USB DAC from PC (still waiting for proper interconnect to stack w/my DAP using the KEB-03 Toslink input) I am impressed with it's sound signature. Using the 2.5 mm TRRS, AK-type plug on my IEM's, the balanced output achieves wonderful, wide soundstage, although depth and height are less impressive. Layering, instrument placement and separation are also strong points. I do feel it lacks some of the detail retrieval of my iDSD Micro., and whereas the Micro. brought out the lower frequencies in my A6, KEB-03 synergy with these IEM's provides a more neutral frequency response overall. The iDSD / A6 combo. has visceral, impactful bass but bleeds sometimes into mids. With KEB-O3 I hear a bit cleaner, grain-free and more forward mids (vocals sound terrific) and greater top end sparkle. The Micro. doesn't have balanced out put, so this may account for the soundstage / separation difference in part, but the overall signatures sound different beyond that as described. Both have Sabre DAC's, which I sometimes find a little sterile, but as implemented in the KEB-O3 signature is overall more balanced across the frequencies, quite musical, and less "digital" sounding than I sometimes perceive with the iFi Micro. I'm not very well-acquainted with "tube" sound but from the auditioning I did last month at CanJam SoCal. of the Woo Audio and other products, the KEB-O3 sounds more "tube-like" to me than the Micro. and suits most of my material well. I listen to a lot of classical piano, and the sound is nicely balanced, engaging across the frequencies but never shrill or strident. For classic rock or acoustic jazz featuring standup string bass, I do miss the low end "punch" the Micro. coaxes out of my A6 that the the KEB-03 can't quite replicate. Overall, I'd conclude that the KEB-03 offers great value for a moderate price, and strengths are the balanced output producing wonderful soundstage and instrument separation. Weaknesses are that it falls short in detail retrieval and bass impact, and I would add that it is not a powerhouse (balanced output is 131mW/channel @22 ohm load) and may be best suited for IEM's or low impedance / high-sensitivity cans. Lastly, a question: The manual (here) indicates it can decode native dsd via USB but I can only get it to do DoP in Foobar. I have foo_dsd-ASIO installed, works fine with iDSD Micro. The manual appears to be translated from Japanese so I may be misreading it (it could be indicating that native DSD is implemented for Android USB OTG), or perhaps I have Foobar configured incorrectly. Any help would be appreciated.

Luxman D-08u SACD Player and DAC "The D-08u looks so good and sounds so good playing discs or files via its USB input that at its price I can’t think of a better or more versatile way to crunch bits into music." "Where the Luxman player succeeds (and where so many other one-box players fall short) is in making the SACD layer sound like a better, fuller, more realistic version of the music captured on the CD layer." -Dennis Davis (The Audio Beat, October 2015) If you're looking for a player that is capable of getting the most out of your SACD collection, as well as, your hi-res downloads, then look no further than Luxman's flagship D-08u SACD/DAC player. The D-08u produces an expression and detail unimaginable for CD players using any less than Luxman's high quality components, attention to detail and of course passion for high-fidelity audio. Equipped with both USB and CD and ready for multiple file formats and platforms the D-08u is a CD player in a league of its own. With the D-08u you no longer have to agonize over choosing an SACD player or a stand-alone DAC. For more information or to purchase, please visit us here. This product qualifies for Free Shipping and 5% back in points when you register for Club Ciamara Membership Rewards Program 1.844.CIAMARA (1.844.242.6272) High End Audio Store NYC - Experience Ciamara

For you who like to test with free comparisons of... I'll start by recommending bluecoastrecords.com/free-downloads by « Creat[ing] an account » A couple of significant primers to the range of their comparative formats, in association with NPR, or BBC : And you're welcome to recommend others

Dear All, I'm looking to replace an older SONORE music server box, which had been serviceable, but now severely limited by driver support for its LYNX AES16 Sound card. There's obviously a myriad of options and as much as I'd love to research/spec out from scratch, I simply don't have the time to invest in the learning curve. Wishlist is as follows: Extraordinary sound quality Rock solid, bullet-proof, appliance style operation, with remote control (MCE is fine) Dual boot 1) VB as well as stripped down 2) MS Windows with audiophile optimiser from AudioPhil. Ideally a third boot option which would be OpenElec - this triple boot option would be great (but only to the extent it does not complicate setup/daily use as an appliance or degrade sound quality) audio output from a) sound card or b) USB/firewire to AES/EBU input on McIntosh MX151 Interfaces - 1) MP Droid / JRiver - 2) ROON for Windows and 3) Kodi for OpenElec SSD for OS and NAS for audio files (or local 2 - 3 TB Drive, whichever is better sound quality/ease of use) DSD and FLAC all sampling rates to to 24 bit / 192 kHz Multi channel (5.1) nice but not critical Video card (ideally 4K) or happy to go headless if this really complicates set up/degrades audio quality. The 4K option would enable me to use this also as a high end video server All audiophile grade components inc. mother board - no weak links Isolated signal/audio paths Optimumly clocked No jitter introduced Isolated /clean power supply (240V) Filters, etc. Streacom FC-7 Alpha or similar form factor DAC NOT needed - the McIntosh MX151 has an onboard DAC Up to about say $3,000. 50% up front and 50% on completion I'm ready to roll now; feel free to respond here or via pm, with confirmation of your intended approach, components (makes and models), drivers, config, timeframe, etc. Many thanks guys Jim

Dear Friends, I am currently using Apogee quartet as a DAC. I've downloaded DSD files recently, (Miles Davis On the Corner and Weather Report Black Market) and listened to them on Audirvana. My dac turned the files to 24/192. It was the first time I heard DSD and I was kind of blown away by the difference from my other flax files. Instrument separation, dynamics etc. Now I would like to upgrade my dac. Will I be able to hear the difference between DSD and 24/192? if there is an audible difference, I would like to buy ifi Idsd. If not, I would like to but United Audio Apollo thunderbolt, I'm also professional musician, and I will use need recording capabilities. Any help on this topic would be appreciated.

Likened to Shakespeare, usually, performed subpar—that is ! Simply, people consume Spotify... And YouTube, but not always : Point being, can one really judge DSD just because the music system is « playing » a DSD file ? Even with—for starters—obvious or not, « transcoding » to PCM and... So, who's aware (when watching film at, at best, 1080p) like Theseus :

Hi everyone, I am a newbie in CA. I am using HQPlayer playing music via JPLAY driver. I would like to ask if it is possible for JPLAY to play DSD file feeding non-DSD DAC.

My upgraded Lampizator Level 4 Generation 4 DAC is for sale for 1990 EUR (2290 EUR with extra tubes) including shipping to EU (not including PayPal fees or shipping outside EU). Original boxes and certificate of authenticity/guarantee are included. This is the standard 230V L4 G4 that I bought from Kemp Elektroniks (audio distributor from The Netherlands) on August 2014. They upgraded the unit with: - Allen Bradley resistors - Furutech gold plated IEC inlet. That unit had the standard S/PDIF (RCA) digital input and RCA analogue output. Then I sent it to Lampizator to install the following upgrades: - USB Input - DSD Engine - Convert it to fully balanced - 4 new Jupiter Copper Wax capacitors - 2 sets of XLR outputs (Very important for me to be able to connect the DAC to two different amplifiers not having to connect and disconnect cables). I cannot understand why this is not a standard feature in most DACs. - Replace RCA input connector with a 75 ohm BNC connector. The unit has 5 years transferable guarantee from August 2014. Still more than 2 years of official guarantee ahead. After the upgrades I tried different tubes that will I include in the package and sound much better than the default ones (Sovtec): - 2 pairs of Sylvania 6SN7W Short bottle. My favorite tube - Pair of Sylvania 6SN7W big bottle. My favorite too. - Pair of Ken-Rad 6SN7GT VT-231 . My second favorite. Bass to die for. Plastic holder in one tube is broken but it fits perfectly in the DAC and it does not affect the sound. - 2 pairs of 1578 Russian tubes. The best Russian 6SN7 tubes, comparable to the best. Very recommended by Lampizator. - Pair of Tungsol 6SN7WGT tubes. - Sylvania 5Y3WGT rectifier tube - Bendix 6106 rectifier tube (More than 400 EUR in nice tubes) As you can see in the web, this DAC would retail for about 4500 EUR not including the tubes. This is the DAC that made Lampizator famous. It is their best seller that you do not see usually for sale as people normally do not let them go. This Lampizator DAC sounds amazing and it has been very well built. Before doing the upgrade, Lukasz told me in an email: “... the DAC looks very clean and good. It was a specially well made demo unit for potential distributor. ….” Some reviews: ( many more here: REVIEWS ) LampizatOr Level 4 DAC Mono and Stereo High-End Audio Magazine: Lampizator level 4 DAC test review Pictures (click for higher resulution images): Cheers, Victor.