2. amps-preamps
  3. 1055047178

source disappointment

I have built a system that I would guess is fairly revealing(in my limited experience), and have begun experimentation with the CD Source.

Signal Cable Analog 2
Cary SLP 88 pre
Zcable Live V3
Cary 2A3 se monoblocks
Elco Sti-2b Silver Bi-wire (used as single for soliloquys)
Soliloquy 2A3 monitors

Sennheiser HD590

I recently purchased a used Audio Note CD 2 to replace the use of my Panasonic XP50 DVD/DVD-A, player which I assumed was not much of a source, though it does have a remastering upsample feature.

In several extended listening sessions using various albums I have been unable to detect any sonic improvement offered by the Audio Note which I purchased because of their reputation for analog sound. I actually A/B'd a getz/gilberto cd I had two copies of, syncing both players up and using my Headphones, and I believe I prefered the Panasonic. During intermmitent audience applause on the disc, the Panasonic rendered a warmer and much wider soundstage.

Is this crazy?
wheeler

Showing 2 responses by viridian

viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Is the Audio Note you are using one of the ones with no digital filter and no oversampleing?
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I have to come back to the "no filter" thing. This is a radical technological departure from the commonly accepted practices in converter design. That doesn't necessarily mean that it will sound bad, but it will certainly sound very different. You are comparing it to a conventionally designed, modern, player. There are sound technological reasons why the vast majority of DACs use oversampling and either analog or digital brick wall filters. For one thing, the ultrasonic spuriae that is produced without a filter can cause the amp to become unstable. Even if this doesn't happen, tweeters do not like being hit with ultrasonic energy, their power handleing is quite limited. Beats, or difference frequencies can also fall back into the audible range. Finally, the transport that you are using may be causing large amounts of jitter due to the transport output/DAC input interface. This is a source of jitter that is avoided in an all-in-one-player.
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