Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Guys, Ayre is working on a ton of digital right now.  No, I can't share much as I don't know that much.  Their new Codex headphone amp/inexpensive DAC is a KILLER at the price. I use headphone and my OSDE doesn't has a headphone amp, so I use my Music Hall DAC/amp or my Linn Kiko (bedroom system) for personal listening (that sounds almost creepy doesn't it?).  Ayre realizes that both analog AND digital filter is important as do a few of the best sounding DAC designers.  They also are huge on power and I'm sure their noise floor will be as black as anything else. Lot's of great DAC's out now.  I"m loving my OSDE/se right now and feel no need to get the Berkley Ref (my second favorite under 15k, plus I can't afford it right now, lol).  I DO however want to eventually upgrade from the Mac Mini I bought from Steve that has that ridiculous power supply, to the Aurender 100L (however I'm waiting on them to double the internal storage that I was told is going to happen in the next 4-6months, but only time will tell).  I heard the W20 a year ago and was impressed, but also heard the 100 and thought for the cost it was a killer.  

I heard the Baetis for an extended period and felt it was very good, however I personally don't like the owner at all.  I don't like that he charges you money for tech support after your original time runs out.  I also didn't like how he ran down other products.  That's for we posters to do, not manufacturer's/distributors.  Everyone is coming out with severs now and there are some nice one's out there. I really want one I can just rip to, but one that also will download from a NAS as I want to use one for my Linn Kiko.  We all have different needs and hopefully soon, there will be a plethora of servers that will give us everything.

I noticed a DVD or Blue ray ripper that can rip 100 at a time.  Just load it up at night or before you head out for the day and it's done.  Have any of you tried one?  I have  ton of CD's that would be nice to rip quickly.  They are expensive and I was thinking of getting one and then selling it. I have a friend out west who got one with a group of guys and they all shared it and sold it so the cost was minimal.  Anything you guys have on this device I'll take.  I honestly don't trust my friend's thought other than him saying it didn't jam and ripped WAV, Flac and AIFF using two different ripping programs for bit perfect rips (did I say that correctly).  Looking at the newest Qnap fanless NAS.  

Thoughts as always appreciated guys.

Also, a great test when listening to a system is to listen to a man singing S's.  I've found on systems that are a bit bright for MY tastes, the sibilance of the note just keeps on going.  On systems that I love, it's more controlled and cuts of naturally like it does in person.  It was a very interesting test.  Jackson Browne is a good choice when auditioning.

Have I taken this thread all over the place yet? lol....sorry guys, but we've hit on most cylinders and come back home.

Hi Steve. Good to hear from you. I'm sure your 805's are something special!

Any news to report on the ODSX? I'm still amazed at the performance of the ODSE! 

Wisnon, you are welcome anytime. Let me know if you can stop by. I'd love to have you. 

CT Sooner - I have not heard of an Ayre twenty DAC in the pipeline. Do you have privy to secret news?

I also bet that Ayre will be coming out with a newref DAC within the year too and probably sooner now that they have the Twenty series gear out.

ctsooner, is that statement speculation, or have you heard something?  I find it interesting their only DAC is a 9-series product.

Matt, I will keep you posted on the Sound Galleries server and if you are real serious, I will try to arrange a demo unit for you. They are great pals of mine and they keep me up to date on the happenings regularly. You know how to reach me if you need any other info that I can help with. I will be in the US for 2 weeks over the Xmas break. Not sure if I make it to your neck of the woods this trip though...

Hi matt,  I for one look forward to your impressions of the Romulus eclipse player, did you get one with the volume control? , I've been told that the volume control is implemented quite well,  I understand that you are a pre-amp fan, however,  a comparison with this product is justified and appreciated, thankyou Matt for your contribution to audiogon. 

Way to go Matt, lol.  Got to spend a lot of time with the regular Rom the other day and could tell that it has a TON of potential.  I just love all the Aesthetix stuff.  If I didn't have my Ayre gear I have a feeling I'd have an all Aesthetix set up.  

Hi all. 

Word is that the new Emm DA2 DAC should be arriving late January. Yay! 

The YFS server is probably going to arrive just after New Year so I’ll compare it to the N10 Aurender then and post comments. 

I am trying to pursue access to a DCS Rossini to compare to the Emm DA2 once it’s broken in. 

And BigKidz was nice enough to respond and offered bringing his DAC to my place to let it shine. I’m very curious to see how it will compare to my prized ODSE!

I am watching the build of the European Sound Galleries Music Server with great interest as well. 

John from Audio Connection was kind enough to offer the Eclipse Romulus to audition. I'm all over that as what I heard briefly impressed me. 

For those potentially interested, my Vienna Acoustics Die Muzik speakers are still available and for sale. 

I purchased a new Electrocompaniet EMC1mk3 spiner for SACD playback, just to have something decent for the few SACD’s I own. And a second Adona rack which should be coming any day. I also got a Plasmatron, and will hook that up when the rack arrives and will report on that as well. 

Lots doing.

Sorry to have missed you Matt.  There are a few of us in the NJ area who can get there within a few hours drive. We should try and set up a get together one of these days.  Even if we did it on a Sunday, I'm sure I could get Johnny to open the shop for us all to play. We could bring in gear that we'd want to listen to together etc...  I had an eye opening day yesterday. Not the forum for it, but I'll try and put together a new thread on my thoughts of listening and why I'm so sensitive to upper mid ringing.  Got to hear the Romulus and was impressed to say the least.  Very very good CD/DAC, however I've been told the new Eclipse is a KILLER.  Some of you guys got to hear it at Audio Connection last week.  I'd like to hear more of it vs all the new DAC's coming out. I know that the Ayre DAC being worked on will be special.  I may have to call Alex to find out more if he's willing to share ;)...We can keep it just between us all, lol.  Now that some of you will get Steve's new DAC, it's going to be interesting as I expect it to go head to head vs the DCS, EMM and all the other reference DACs on the market.  The little Codex DAC/Headphone amp from Ayre is a KILLER in it's price range.  I feel that it's the best under 4 or even maybe 5k DAC's I've listened to. I've heard it as a DAC and headphone amp (Yes, I'm into head fi too) and it's just a jaw dropping buy IMHO.  Lot's of new goodies hitting or about to hit.  I'm sure this thread will just keep meandering for us all to enjoy. Thanks so much Matt.

BigKidZ reached out to me. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to get back to him. I think he's in NJ. If he wants to bring his DAC over for a day to play id be happy to report. 

Thanks Wisnon. That Sound Galleries Server looks like it could be terrific. Do you know of a direct web site or email to get onto a mailing list for info?

Have fun CT. If I can get there to say hello and join you I will. 

I"m heading down to Audio Connection on Saturday to audition the Vandy Quatro CT's with the Ayre AX5/20.  I will be auditioning the Romulus Eclipses as Johnny is in love with it and Matt had such nice things to say.  Sorry I missed you guys at the Aesthetix event.  That would have been a blast, but I couldn't make it.  Was told by a few that the Vandy 7;s never sounded as good and personally I think they need to be back closer to the wall.  But they are so good they can be put anywhere.  Glad your Dynaudio's are still blowing you away.  Hopefully they will keep doing that for you.  It's really fun when you are in that situation with your system isn't it?  I'm loving the Aurender servers.  Hearing them at a lot of places now and they always sound great regardless of the model.  I have heard a few other's and feel the Aurender has sounded better.  Lot;s of variables in the equation, but it;s an impressive company for sure. Can't wait to hear about the OSDX too.  

Servers?

Check this out:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/sound-galleries-music-server-25805/

more here:

Sorry for the slow period. I'm hoping to get some listening time in this Wednesday. Word is I will be getting an updated MSB DAC with faster clock to compare to the last one I had in. I'm also getting a YFS fully loaded music server to go head to head with the Aurender N10 which has been getting better and better with burn in. I'm also trying to buy a pair of Shunyata Sigma HC power cords but the guys on the 'gon don't seam to respond to my offers or just decline them without counter-offering. My offers are not low balls, so I'm left sorta scratching my head....

I also may be able to borrow the new Aesthetix Eclipse Romulus to try. It put on quite a show in the brief time I heard it at Johnies. Worth pursuing.

I also heard that Steve is about ready to ship his new uber dac, the ODSX. I'd love to get my hands on one! Lots of other suggestions have come up as well. Some I am trying to pursue, others not so much.....

I can say, without hesitation, that my Dynaudio Consequence Ultimate speakers get better and better and make me shake my head every time I listen. They are just mind blowingly good speakers....

Stay tuned....

I always liked Meridian. My only issue is their, sort of, all Meridian or no Meridian system integration. Worth looking into though....
Thanks.

Meridian's Latest DAC's with their patented "apodizing" reconstruction filters. Nothing I've heard comes close except the dcs professional stuff. The ones I use are in my G68XXD processor, and in my Audiocore 200 preamp, but I think their portable DAC's use something similar (Explorer and Director).

The Ayre stuff uses a similar "time coherent" approach, but I haven't heard one yet.

I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!!

Enjoy your family, friends, food and full stomachs.

-Matt

Matt - sorry for delay (Happy Thanksgiving). They were the Lawrence Cello's. It played 'music', Matt. Real music. You had to see Jeff smile.

Sorry guys. I'm not sure why this posted multiple times

Matt,

you were asking about Servers a couple pages back. here is my 2 cents:

I have tasted the audio elixir of the gods.

PC server with win12 AudioOptimizer in core mode, using JRiver to upconvert PCM/DSD to DSD256 feeding properly setup Bughead Emperor as the playback engine....WOW.

Reel to reel quality. Spinners begone! Bughead is magic.

I heard this when I was in Warsaw for the audio show there (156 rooms, 11,000 visitors). it was at the lampi factory with his server and a Golden Gate Dac, but it does not have to be his Server, as any quality CAPs build will do, or the soon to be released bespoke Sound Galleries Server. the trick is how to optimize and feed Bughead, which is a shareware application.

You can build your own CAPs for about $4K or get an aftermarket one for $6K+.

So I was invited to a dinner at Audio Connection to an event featuring Jim White from Aesthetix demoing his new Eclipse series of components. He had the Atlas Stereo, Romulous CD/DAC, Calypso, and Rhea all Eclipse versions. Musical Surroundings was showing the AMG I think it was the Viola II with the Clear Audio Gold Finger cartridge and also a DS Audio Optical catridge which was really closet to the GF at a much better price point. I've never heard the system sound as good in Johns's main room with the Vandersteen Sevens. The sound was really open and relaxed with the right amount of detail without being lean and a nice blend of richness and dynamics were outstanding. The Vinyl sounded very very nice and the Digital with the new Romulus wasn't far behind.

So I was invited to a dinner at Audio Connection to an event featuring Jim White from Aesthetix demoing his new Eclipse series of components. He had the Atlas Stereo, Romulous CD/DAC, Calypso, and Rhea all Eclipse versions. Musical Surroundings was showing the AMG I think it was the Viola II with the Clear Audio Gold Finger cartridge and also a DS Audio Optical catridge which was really closet to the GF at a much better price point. I've never heard the system sound as good in Johns's main room with the Vandersteen Sevens. The sound was really open and relaxed with the right amount of detail without being lean and a nice blend of richness and dynamics were outstanding. The Vinyl sounded very very nice and the Digital with the new Romulus wasn't far behind.

So I was invited to a dinner at Audio Connection to an event featuring Jim White from Aesthetix demoing his new Eclipse series of components. He had the Atlas Stereo, Romulous CD/DAC, Calypso, and Rhea all Eclipse versions. Musical Surroundings was showing the AMG I think it was the Viola II with the Clear Audio Gold Finger cartridge and also a DS Audio Optical catridge which was really closet to the GF at a much better price point. I've never heard the system sound as good in Johns's main room with the Vandersteen Sevens. The sound was really open and relaxed with the right amount of detail without being lean and a nice blend of richness and dynamics were outstanding. The Vinyl sounded very very nice and the Digital with the new Romulus wasn't far behind.

So I was invited to a dinner at Audio Connection to an event featuring Jim White from Aesthetix demoing his new Eclipse series of components. He had the Atlas Stereo, Romulous CD/DAC, Calypso, and Rhea all Eclipse versions. Musical Surroundings was showing the AMG I think it was the Viola II with the Clear Audio Gold Finger cartridge and also a DS Audio Optical catridge which was really closet to the GF at a much better price point. I've never heard the system sound as good in Johns's main room with the Vandersteen Sevens. The sound was really open and relaxed with the right amount of detail without being lean and a nice blend of richness and dynamics were outstanding. The Vinyl sounded very very nice and the Digital with the new Romulus wasn't far behind.

Jeff and Matt, so sorry I couldn't make it down today. Glad I didn't try either and the MS stuff is kicking in. Very tired today, which doesn't happen too often for me anymore. Johnny is SO high on the Eclipse. I can't wait to get down there to hear it with the Aurender. If it's as good as he thinks it is, then the 13k or so is probable worth it. Seems like companies are upgrading as they need to. I know AR is upgrading their ref gear to mk 6. I also bet that Ayre will be coming out with a new ref DAC within the year too and probably sooner now that they have the Twenty series gear out.

It sure is an exciting time in all of audio with all the newer materials designers can use. Jeff, please let us know how the day goes

Matt the Eclipse sounds great. It throws a huge stage width and depth. Most dacs I have tried did not throw as wide a sound stage. It is a very relaxed and smooth dac. No sound of that slight digital metallic sound. It does sound different with different tubes.

Matt
This weekend Jim White from Aesthetic and the AMG turntable guys are at Audio Connection. Jim is showing his new lineup of Eclipse gear. I'll let you know what all he demos.

Jeff

Well.... How does it sound?
;P

I have the Pandora Eclipse DAC, what do you want to know?

Anyone head the new Aesthetix Eclipse?

My apologies to all. I have not had a chance to review anything or even get to my listening room. The flood gates have opened and rained upon me 15-17 hour work days and not a moment to breath much less relax and enjoy my oasis. Hopefully the clouds will clear soon and provide me a day of rest.

I suspect that Rowland Daemon at NY sounded even better than the one used at RMAF.... The NY unit had at least two weeks of solid break-in on it before getting to the show.

Guido

Lawrence audio. Best of show, forme. You could dance around the bass strings. Sounded like home. That last breath that we chase is handed to us by Jeff Rowland.

Cerrot- what speakers were the Daemon with?

I remember mentioning the plasmatron way back on this thread, been awhile, so you looked into it matt, kinda cool product, report your review on it, not sure how long it has to burn in? , cheers Matt.

Awesom. It's coming tomorrow so no way to upgrade. I got the Plasmatron 3, it's plenty. I'm looking forward to it. I promise I'll report as always.

Matt,

I was one of the first adopters of the Plasmatron.

I would order his cable upgrade:
(VH Audio)- which uses OCC UniCrystal copper, as well as my AirLok dielectric.

This product is so good I am having him build a 220V unit for Waversa Systems CEO in South Korea. I believe this unit will be very popular over there.

My unit is the 6 Amp version. I believe this is not necessary as most people would not plug in video or pre-amp. Video (OLED/LCD/Plasma) will contaminate the line.

The Plasmatron needs warm up of 1 hour before full effect...then you are immersed into the music.

144 hours pre-cooked with purchase. So another 356 hours to go.

I owe you a phone call Audiolabyrinth. I'll try tomorrow.

The outlets you just bought take every bit of 500 hrs to burn in, and boy are they nasty,going up and down, really bad experience, best to stick them on a refrigerator, or equivalent for these hrs, the outcome after burn in makes you scratch your head in bewilderment at the performance they achieve.

Not in a rush. I'm playing with my neighbors HF PC's and just came up with the question Monday morning. I'll let them burn in for a few days. I'll call and ask, but I have been told "off thread" that even for front end and preamp that the helix makes a difference. It's just a massive cost to swallow for power cords...... Considering I already have good PC's, I think that will be amongst my last upgrades. I'm playing with speaker wire and interconnect right now.

I did just order a Plasmatron from VH Audio. I've heard so many good things about it and the call of the siren Plasmatron was too great to fight. Also installing the Encironmental Potentials EP-2050 Surge and AC Waveform Correction module and four EP-2750 ground filters into my circuit breaker box when I find time this week or next. I'll report those findings. By the way, Chris VenHaus of VH is a great audio guy and provides terrific product and service. I got the Plasmatron, the EP stuff and four new cooked Furutech GTX-D rhodium outlets. I got some replacement fuses from him previously. Always great communication and solid product.

Matt, speak to Rick (the owner/developer) at High Fidelity Cables directly, even if you need to call back a few times. He will give you an honest answer. He is that type of guy. Also, he is a wealth of information.

PS it is a shame you could not make it to the NY Audio Show this past weekend as Rick was there and holding talks about his cables.

I ran the same comparison again. I prefer the ODSE to the Berkeley with my Burmester preamp. With the Rowland pre-amp I think I like the Berk better, but it's close. There was a bigger difference in how much better the Emm was over the ODSE then the Berkely Ref. I just felt the ODSE gave a more realistic representation of what was recorded. Though I preferred piano on the Berk Ref a tad more tonally, the actual sound of the piano was more real on the ODSE.

The Aurender is clearly superior to my Mac Mini. That's great to see. It was sort of bothering me that I couldn't find something better. But the N10 really needed tons of hours on it to get there. And I'll bet there's more to get as it hits 1000 hours. I'm near 520 now I think. The Double Bass on the N10 gives texture and tone as if the sound is emanating from the instrument, with resonance and palpability. Drums hit with a sense of natural impact and resonate properly. And vocals and piano are just right. I just need to get me ears on the YFS server to compare the two and I will be buying myself a new music server.

Finally, the HF Ultra Ref Helix uber power cord.... That heavy magnet in the middle is a PiTa. I would imagine a wire tie to the rack column would be the best solution. Plugged in and brand new, it gives more volume at the same setting and immediately helped define images in space a tad better. The base flattened out a bit, which I have found with many new out of box power cords. Midrange mellowed a touch as well. Practically useless first impressions. Needs time. I want to call HF and ask if the top tier needs to be implemented for the lower current front end gear, or if that giant magnet is best suited for the high current amp draw. Not sure if I'll get an honest answer.....

@tbg yup dealers are closing and dying off. The whole audio hobby is changing when it comes to being able to hear gear.

Ctsooner, I fully understand your position. I've been at this since the late 1960s when I taught at Florida State U. Tallahassee had about 50,000 people and three stereo dealers. Then there were about five manufacturers of electronic components few power cord makers, no rack makers, etc. And virtually everybody had an AR turntable although Linn was coming along.

So one had few choices but many opportunities to hear them first. I remember going up to Dallas to hear a new amp by a guy named Jeff Roland. I was very impressed and bought one and it was cheap, but I cannot remember how much. I think about $2500!

I have noticed as I am sure you have too, that dealers are a dying species. I expect that very soon you will find them only in NYC and LA. So you had better buy now.

No prob at all Ctsooner... For next time you are on an integrated hunt... Continuum S2 is the cute 35 pounder with vestigial cooling fins priced just below $10K... Daemon is the one you can't lift because it's a 100 pounder, has a big honking horizontal selector/volume wheel, and is priced around $40K.

I do like continuum S2 quite a bit... Daemon I have not herd yet.

Yea, sorry guys. I'm not familiar with Rowland like I used to be when they first started. I'd like to hear my Ayre vs it side by side in my system. I like a lot of gear to be honest. Not just Ayre, but until I find an integrated at the same price as my Ayre that is better, then I stay with what I have. Same with speakers. I love my Vandersteens and hope to get the Quatro's as soon as I sell my Treo's, but that doesn't mean that others don't make great speakers that I could be very happy with. Matt and I often share ideas of gear we hear off line. I'm not married to any specific product or manufacturer. Heck, because of THIS very thread I purchased an OSDE/SE and if you read my posts early in the thread, I said there was no way I'd get something that isn't sold via a dealer network etc...I'm very very pleased with my digital. All because of what Matt is doing and also listening to input from a few of you who's ears I trust (you can tell what folks like based on their posts.). Thanks for letting me play.

Hi CTSooner and Matt, thank you for the clarification. I had an inkling that the Rowland integrated in question might have been the Continuum S2.... For no other reason that Rowland Daemon is still a very rare breed.

Saluti, G.

Hi Guido. Wasn't the Daemon. Was the Continuum. I asked "off Thread. "