System Synergy - Special Sound

223
MattRG

FallingObjects said: ↑
"How do you find the string instruments are with that setup? I know out of my chain initially, violins and the likes sounded 'tinny' and 'hollow' for lack of better descriptions with the Elears."

It really depends on the instrument. Higher frequency strings, like you say, aren't as compelling. Acoustic guitar I find really nice though as that is typically lower in the frequency range. Fortunately for the Elear I don't listen to a lot of violin heavy music so that weakness isn't jumping out at me. Overall I like the Elear but as a daily driver I still prefer the sweeter, warmer tones of the TH-X00.

Where the Elear really nails it is in the aesthetics, build quality and comfort. I really could wear the Elear all day and not suffer for it and the more headphones I experience the more I realize what a rare combination that is.

MattRG, Mar 9, 2017

 

224
@atomicbob

cskippy said: ↑
"Another question Bob, have you tried replacing any fuses in your gear? I've been reading the Zana Deux thread and this has come up a couple times with the Synergistic Research Red Slow Blow Fuse being the prime example. I'm wondering if there is any merit as those who are using them say it is more apparent than tube rolling the driver tube."

Typically I do not experiment with fuses. I don't seem to possess the auditory acuity to hear their influence nor that of power cables beyond that of EMI contamination. I do favor shielded cables on DACs and Amps that have any SMPS nearby. EMI contamination is measurable as well as audible. Though the primary SMPS switching frequencies are above 20 KHz, beating between EMI components produce noise that can fall in the audible passband.

Ignoring whether fuses have any influence on the sound quality for a moment, there is the issue of risk. Should there be a fire and the source determined by the fire marshal is electrical modifications such as fuses not UL listed, then the insurance company does NOT have to pay on claims. I have a significant investment in my acoustic lab so I have fire extinguishers handy and follow the book on all except short term electrical experiments where power will not be applied without someone present.

atomicbob, Mar 9, 2017

 

225
Grahad2

How do you find the unDAES-o versus the Rednet? (Sort of curious as to what happened to the MUTEC though. Might pick up one as there's a unit somewhat cheap in my area and I'm still on USB.)

Grahad2, Mar 9, 2017

 

226
@atomicbob

Measurements slightly favor the RN D16 over the unDAES-O. Moderate length listening comparisons did not demonstrate appreciable audible differences to several participants. Mutec offers potentially that last 1 ~ 3% in certain configurations. It serves a purpose in my lab but I would look at other components in the chain before chasing the Mutec. If you are using USB then a Singxer SU-1 DDC with the XMOS ASIO driver version ST3086 ASIO would offer a lot more performance enhancement for funds expended. Even the Gustard U12 if using the ST3086 driver delivers good performance. Will be testing a Breeze DU-U8 when it arrives. Converting to SPDIF or AES/EBU with low jitter is a key element in obtaining best performance for most DACs. For desktop users then the Lynx and RME PCIe cards to obtain SPDIF are the way to go.

atomicbob, Mar 9, 2017

 

227
MattRG

So, this happened today:


Way back in the beginning of February I ordered a basic Fischer Audio fa-011. Yesterday, it finally arrived from Russia. I have to say, for $159 it is a heck of a lot of fun. No, it isn't accurate and it sort of falls apart at high volumes but for just sitting back and listening to a Classic Rock playlist on Tidal it is much, much better than I thought it would be.

In fact, I like it so much that the pictures you are seeing are taken in my office at work. Yes, I unplugged my normal Modi Multibit and Lyr 2 combo and brought them to work so that I could play with the fa-011's today in between phone calls and paperwork. In my mind this is either the beginning of something beautiful or the first signs of a serious problem.

MattRG, Mar 9, 2017

 

228
@atomicbob

The Investigator:

This is a work-in-progress in the acoustic lab. Will be adding a Breeze DU-U8 soon. Hope to have some vetted measurement data presentable in the not too distant future.
atomicbob, Mar 13, 2017

 

229
Grahad2

The déjà vu of having >50% of the cost showing <50% of itself only.

Might pick up a Mutec myself since I'm still stuck with a laptop based rig for the foreseeable future due to accommodation flux (and Pi based rigs don't do games or YouTube videos easily) and there's a used unit somehow available for cheaper than a new Singxer (and I don't listen to DSD.)
Grahad2, Mar 13, 2017

 

230
@Armaegis

You ought to pick yourself up a Prism dac and complete the time warp
Armaegis, Mar 13, 2017

 

231
Grahad2

Alas, those are but in short supply in the second hand market in my area. Can't even get a Schiit multibit unit. :/
Grahad2, Mar 13, 2017

 

232
@FallingObjects

Crap man, your setup is more than my masters program's entire tuition! How long did it take you to build that all up?
FallingObjects, Mar 13, 2017

 

233
@atomicbob

FallingObjects said: ↑
"Crap man, your setup is more than my masters program's entire tuition! How long did it take you to build that all up?"

That part has only taken the last four years. Acquired the dScope in 2013 for example. I perform a number of measurements that never find their way to the forums as I run two acoustic labs, one personally and one for my corporate gig. My personal acoustic lab has been under construction and expansion for 20 years now.
atomicbob, Mar 13, 2017

 

234
Grahad2

With how the tower is growing sooner or later you'll have to take portrait shots!

(I believe wherever you're getting your mouse pads from you'll soon be having a judgmental cashier. "What's he doing with so many mouse pads?")
Grahad2, Mar 13, 2017

 

235
@atomicbob

Grahad2 said: ↑
"With how the tower is growing sooner or later you'll have to take portrait shots!

(I believe wherever you're getting your mouse pads from you'll soon be having a judgmental cashier. "What's he doing with so many mouse pads?")"

Amazon is only too happy to sell mouse pads in quantity. Last time I stocked the lab shelves I brought in 20 small pads and several really large pads. Many get cut into smaller, more appropriate sizes as needed. They facilitate assemblage of such towers quickly for experimentation while reducing risk of marring finishes and providing mechanical isolation.
atomicbob, Mar 13, 2017

 

236
@FallingObjects

Gonna be building a mini version of this, I'd like a bit of input to make sure my logic is sound.

1) Bifrost Multibit, eventually getting a coax feed to it, but USB is about $400 cheaper so it'll do for now.
2) Vali 2, as a tube pre-amp. Volume pot will be at about 50-60% if it affects the volume out of the line levels.
3) Jotunheim as the head amp.
4) Balanced out to Elears with angled HM5 pads.

Bifrost Multibit because Bifrost Multibit, and after further evaluation of the 8 Bifrost thread, my Elears probably have enough bass and I'd rather have finer control and details in the lows and highs rather than moar bass.

Vali 2 because it helps counteract a bit of the treble forward Jotunheim, and the un-evenness of the Elears treble. And because tube sound and tube glow make me a happy camper.

Jotunheim balanced because control, speed, and extension.

So what's the sane second opinion on this setup?

FallingObjects, Mar 14, 2017

 

237
a44100Hz

FallingObjects said: ↑
"Gonna be building a mini version of this, I'd like a bit of input to make sure my logic is sound.

1) Bifrost Multibit, eventually getting a coax feed to it, but USB is about $400 cheaper so it'll do for now.
2) Vali 2, as a tube pre-amp. Volume pot will be at about 50-60% if it affects the volume out of the line levels.
3) Jotunheim as the head amp.
4) Balanced out to Elears with angled HM5 pads.

Bifrost Multibit because Bifrost Multibit, and after further evaluation of the 8 Bifrost thread, my Elears probably have enough bass and I'd rather have finer control and details in the lows and highs rather than moar bass.

Vali 2 because it helps counteract a bit of the treble forward Jotunheim, and the un-evenness of the Elears treble. And because tube sound and tube glow make me a happy camper.

Jotunheim balanced because control, speed, and extension.

So what's the sane second opinion on this setup?

Click to expand..."

Swap the Elears for a 650 and you have my precise setup. I like it quite a lot (still running it). I switch between Vali 2 + Jot and the Valhalla 2 (alone) depending on my mood. I also tried a few different tubes with the combo.

Note that the Jot exhibits more bass slam on high gain, at least for the balanced out. Haven't tried it with SE.
a44100Hz, Mar 14, 2017

 

238
@FallingObjects

a44100Hz said: ↑
"Swap the Elears for a 650 and you have my precise setup. I like it quite a lot (still running it). I switch between Vali 2 + Jot and the Valhalla 2 (alone) depending on my mood. I also tried a few different tubes with the combo.

Note that the Jot exhibits more bass slam on high gain, at least for the balanced out. Haven't tried it with SE."

Interesting. Not sure how well the Valhalla would pair with the Elear given their impedance differences, but glad to know it's a good setup overall!
FallingObjects, Mar 14, 2017

 

239
@atomicbob

Relatively inexpensive fully balanced external multibit DAC and amp system:

The Ross Martin PCM1794A has the following attributes:
1. $250
2. Multibit - SD hybrid
3. Balanced outputs
4. DC coupled
5. Hand made to order - don't expect quick build / delivery

Still getting my head around the sound of this system. PCM1794A has been powered on for several days and the sound continues to change, usually for the better.
atomicbob, Mar 15, 2017

 

240
Grahad2

Isn't the 1794A a hybrid (multibit + sigma delta)?
Edit: Yeah, MSB 6bit R2R, LSB 18bit SD.
Grahad2, Mar 15, 2017

 

PAGE 13 of the O.G. thread:

241
@atomicbob

It appears to be a hybrid but the Advanced Segment Modulator description is a little vague:
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1794a.pdf
Look at pages 16 and 17.

atomicbob, Mar 15, 2017

 

242
Grahad2

I mean, the diagram and the paragraph seems to tell different things already. Sort of confused, gonna look around.
Grahad2, Wednesday at 9:44 AM