Search the Community

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.

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;

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

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

Who have you all worked with who can help advise putting together the digital components of a mid-priced system (I have the analog side taken care of.) Someone who is knowledgable and ethical. Looking to put together a few zone wireless Roon system (currently using Roon Core on an iMac over Airplay to a few endpoints via Airport Express) Thanks.

View Classified PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC I'm selling a PS Audio DirectStream Junior DAC and streamer, in silver and in perfect condition. It's like new, from a pet and smoke free home, no scratches either. This DAC is one of the few FPGA based solutions and unique in a way that its FPGA code can be updated via firmware updates. The FPGA code is responsible for the main sound character, so far there have been six updates since its initial release and more is expected from Ted Smith who is the "brain" behind the sound. It's a DSD and MQA capable DAC which is also Roon Ready, but could be used via UPnP as well. The DAC and the Bridge II interface is updated to the latest firmwares. It's shipping with original packaging which includes the DAC, the remote, the manual and a standard EU power cord. Buyer pays shipping and PayPal fees. It is shipping from Europe. Some reviews: https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ps-audio-directstream-junior-dac/ https://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ps-audio-directstream-jr-digital-to-analogue-converter/ https://darko.audio/2016/08/digital-audio-comes-of-age-with-ps-audios-directstream-junior/ Seller robi20064 Date 09/22/20 Price 2,300.00 USD Category Digital to Analog Converters

This is the absolute best value all in one integrated amplifier on the market today! New retail for $3500 asking $2395 + Paypal. I'll ship for free.Perfectly maintained Simaudio Moon ACE, all in one unit.Featuring the MiND (MOON intelligent Network Device) module which provides convenience and a full graphic interface, allowing you to effortlessly access your digital music library with power and flexibility; Add TIDAL and an unlimited world of music awaits you. The DAC is also Roon Ready and easily plug into your Roon ecosystem. The ACE is both intuitive and easy to use. Featuring all new advanced setup software, this is the most configurable and customizable MOON component ever offered. Bridging digital and analog audio at a price-to-performance ratio that is impossible to beat, the ACE includes a high resolution DAC with DSD decoding up to DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM. At the other end of the audio spectrum, a moving magnet phono preamplifier rounds out this complete package.The finest sounding and most complete “all-in-one” available, the ACE can do virtually anything expected of a high-performance audio component of this nature. Accentuated by the world renowned MOON sonic signature - visceral tight bass, transparent midrange, precise natural highs - along with lifelike sound, plus countless features, the ACE will be the “heart and soul” of all your musical indulgences. Top rated, reviewers choice award after award given for this unit: WhatHiFi, Soundstage, Stereophile, Digital Audio Review, all give this unit top rankings and so will you! Significant Design Features • 3 line-level inputs including a front-mounted 1/8” mini-jack for personal media players. • Headphone output on 1/4” jack located on the front panel. • Seamless integration with our MiND app. • 8 digital inputs include USB (hi-res audio), SPDIF (2), Optical (2), Qualcomm® aptXTM audio for Bluetooth®, WiFi and Ethernet. • OLED type screen which provides more detailed information. • Simple MiND setup via on-board software menu. • Moving magnet phono preamplifier input. • Analog inputs are configurable to “pass-through” mode, which bypasses the gain stage to accommodate components like a home-theater processor, whose own volume control is used. Specifications Output Power at 8Ω 50 Watts per channel Input Sensitivity 370mV - 3.0V RMS Input Impedance 22,100Ω Gain 37dB Signal-to-noise Ratio 100dB @ full power Frequency response (full range) 10Hz - 80kHz +0/-3dB Crosstalk -100dB THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 watt / 50 watts) 0.02% / 0.02% Intermodulation distortion 0.005% PCM Bit-depth range / sampling rates 16 - 32 bits / 44.1 - 384kHz DSD sample rates DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256 Thanks for looking and feel free to reach out with any questions and Serious Offers. Price is Firm.

I found that when playing dsd files, dac can only get PCM signals. Could I make it locked in dop mode when playing dsd? Don't know if these lines can help. [email protected]:~# cat /proc/asound/card1/stream0 AUDIOBYTE BLACK DRAGON at usb-aotg_hcd.1-1.1, high speed : USB Audio Playback: Status: Running Interface = 2 Altset = 1 Packet Size = 127 Momentary freq = 95997 Hz (0xb.ffe4) Feedback Format = 16.16 Interface 2 Altset 1 Format: S32_LE Channels: 2 Endpoint: 5 OUT (ASYNC) Rates: 44100, 48000, 88200, 96000, 176400, 192000, 352800, 384000 Data packet interval: 125 us And if I use ssh to tap in "squeezelite -D", system returns nothing, seeming like stuck.

I'm using sparky usbridge(dietpi&allo gui system) connected to hydraz, then coax to dac. When playing pcm through squeezelite, everything is fine. But when it goes for dsd native output, dsd stream can not be detected by hydraz and of course no sound can be heard. Then I tried the dac's internal xmos interface. DSD native output goes fine. I guess this indicates incompletely supporting for sparky, right? So can someone help me get hydraz worked for native dsd playing on sparky?

I just received this from my friend Alex from the Netherlands and I can confirm that the code works. https://www.soundliaison.com/index.php/536-sound-liaison-dxd-music-sampler

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.

Anyone know of any good sites that offers buying DSD/FLAC files from abroad ie. outside the US? I tried to order from AcousticSounds.com and they don't allow it where I live.

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.

Hi everybody, I need help to setup my systems based on SOTM-sms 100 feeding an Audio-GD NFB Dac by USB. The dac is with ESS Sabre 9018 DSD capable. Playing PCM files is trouble free, but if I try a dsf file, I can see that the file is played but there is no sound! I have tried with Logitech Media Server 7.9 with the DSD player plugin activated and the file type sate to native and dsdplay on LMS server side. On the SOTM side I have tried different values for the buffer and period count with squeeze lite activated without success :-( I have also tried with minimserver combined with minimstreamer and the parameters dsf:dopwav and dff:dopwav, still no sound with dsf files. What am I missing? Thanks in advance Serge

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

Lampizator is planning to enter the Analog to Digital (ADC) market with a modified Tascam DSD128 ADC. Looks interesting. https://www.facebook.com/FikusLampi/videos/2044940989071162/

I converted my .dff source files that are DSD256/11.2MHz to .dsf with dff2dsf (2manyrobots) as well as the sygnalist executable and what I ended up with is a header size of (538165608), that is not the real size of the file (538168422). The files play normally, however, they do cause some issues when it comes to different tagging applications. I have been in contact with the developer of Kid3 because these files were crashing the program and he realized what was up with the converted file. This is a link to that convo https://sourceforge.net/p/kid3/bugs/166/ I have found this program that might fix the file but I cannot run it on my Mac. https://confluence.merging.com/display/PUBLICDOC/Media+Recoverer This is my original file https://www.dropbox.com/s/rbylzf6mb1xb3wf/Symphonic Suite AKIRA 2016 - KANEDA.dff?dl=0 This is my converted file https://www.dropbox.com/s/89d4w04ty4sbg23/01 - Kaneda.dsf?dl=0 If anyone can tell me what is going on with the conversion or if the source file is corrupt please let me know what I can do. Thanks

Indian Summer Sale at Sound Liaison and a generous Blue Coast offer Sound Liaison has started their sale with 33% off on all files and BlueCoast has a 50% off offer if one spends more than 40$. The 2 labels have a number of highly recommendable files.... https://www.soundliaison.com/ http://store.bluecoastmusic.com/

Dear Audiophiles, I've been using fb2000 for long time, just try HQPlayer for few days. I have a strange problem when playing DSD64 file. - When play on HQPlayer version 2.8.0, uncheck DirectSDM, filter = poly-sinc-short-mp, modulator= DSD5, rate = 5644800 , mode = SDM (DSD), the sound is very good - On the latest version 3.19.1 (same PC) also uncheck DirectSDM, filter = poly-sinc-short-mp, modulator= DSD5, rate = Auto , mode = SDM (DSD), the sound is so terrible. My GPU is nVidia GTX 1060 3GB. Do you know what the problem is and how to solve it?

What is a good approach to listening to DSD files (.dsf mainly) with a Chord DAVE? Edited: (my error in setting things up).

I am looking for DSD download sites available in Europe, that have a arge offering in different music categories (rock, blues, classical, ...) The most well-known - Acoustic Sounds (superhirez.com) - does not allow me to purchase digital downloads : See following error message : We currently cannot allow customers outside of the United States to purchase Digital Products. Please remove all Digital Products from your cart to continue. Please review the form below and make sure to complete any items in red. Thanks!

Like new DAC / Streamer. First owner from a pet and smoke free environment. Serious buyers only. Pickup welcome in Toronto. Shipping anywhere in North America for the asking price. Buyer pays paypal fees. The unit is in rare silver finish and comes with the MiND streaming board with the latest firmware updates. Please check out the link for more info. Many reviews are available online. Non serious and tire kickers will be politely ignored. Not looking for trades. Thanks for looking. Original box, papers, remote. $3400 USD