What is the best digital source - Printable Version +- Devialet Chat (https://devialetchat.com) +-- Forum: Devialet Chat (https://devialetchat.com/Forum-Devialet-Chat) +--- Forum: What The Polls Say (https://devialetchat.com/Forum-What-The-Polls-Say) +--- Thread: What is the best digital source (/Thread-What-is-the-best-digital-source) |
RE: What is the best digital source - kenreau - 07-Jan-2015 (06-Jan-2015, 19:04)marcbrown Wrote: So far with my 200 I have gotten far better sound using a Halide Bridge usb to SPDIF converter which is feed by an Aqvox external power supply. I tried a couple of expensive usb cables (Cardas and AQ) and went directly to Devialet using software from site, but none came close. The difference is immediately noticeable for myself and wife. I know this adds an extra step but by getting the computer out of direct connection to the Devialet is well worth it. I notice Berkeley Audio recommends using their usb to SPDIF with the TOL set-up they have also. I have considered testing the Berkeley usb to SPDIF but have not felt the need. I hope to test one day. This is an interesting topic to read. Marc, what is your music server / source? I currently use a mac mini and was considering trying a USB to SPDIF convertor until I picked up a TotalDAC USB filtered cable. RE: What is the best digital source - brit - 07-Jan-2015 Not too sure what the best digital source is as I haven't tried all permutations - there are just too many combinations of NAS, Server, cable connection, combinations to try! This Forum details so very many ways of presenting digital music to the D range, so all I can say is that whatever you use that gives the sound you like, and presents your music in a satisfying way, is probably the best for you! I do however admire those that are happy to play/experiment with their systems to try and drag the best (however you define best) out of it. I, myself, am happy with the sound I am achieving from my W4S Server via USB into my D400 and Wilson-Benesch ACT1s (waiting for SAM here!). This is not to say that I would be happier with another source - life's too short to worry about playing with too many combinations - my main priority is the music and not over analysing the "hi fi"! I will probably continue to experiment with different USB cables and amplifier digital inter-link cables (currently trying the Transparent Audio XL which is proving extremely good), but don't see changing much else at present. David RE: What is the best digital source - marcbrown - 07-Jan-2015 (07-Jan-2015, 01:38)kenreau Wrote:(06-Jan-2015, 19:04)marcbrown Wrote: So far with my 200 I have gotten far better sound using a Halide Bridge usb to SPDIF converter which is feed by an Aqvox external power supply. I tried a couple of expensive usb cables (Cardas and AQ) and went directly to Devialet using software from site, but none came close. The difference is immediately noticeable for myself and wife. I know this adds an extra step but by getting the computer out of direct connection to the Devialet is well worth it. I notice Berkeley Audio recommends using their usb to SPDIF with the TOL set-up they have also. I have considered testing the Berkeley usb to SPDIF but have not felt the need. I hope to test one day. I also have a Mac mini with max memory and SS hard drive. I had the Halide Bridge from previous stereo. When I bought the 200 I figured the best would be the usb direct. After getting the Cardas and AQ cables and loading software off website testing began. I went back and forth multiple times. The Bridge was an easy choice (air, fluidity,detail). Since sorting this out I read the recent review of the TOL Berkeley DAC ( appr $18000) by Robert Harley. In that column Berkeley recommends using their usb to SPDIF convertor (appr. $2500) for far better sound. They feel the extra step is far better due to computer and it's inherent noise. My ears agree. Hope that helps some. RE: What is the best digital source - kenreau - 08-Jan-2015 Marc, that's good feedback to read. I'm intending to move on to an Aurender device and they typically all use USB output as well (excluding the W10) I guess I'll just need to try it both ways (with and without the USB to SPDIF bridge) to see how it impacts the sound quality. Thanks Kenreau RE: What is the best digital source - marcbrown - 08-Jan-2015 (08-Jan-2015, 03:19)kenreau Wrote: Marc, that's good feedback to read. I'm intending to move on to an Aurender device and they typically all use USB output as well (excluding the W10) I guess I'll just need to try it both ways (with and without the USB to SPDIF bridge) to see how it impacts the sound quality. Kenreau, that is why I brought up the subject as few seemed to be doing the same and I am curious to hear others comment on the same or similar set-up. What surprised me recently was in Robert Harley's review of the Devialet 200 this issue in the Absolute Sound,he did not mention anywhere about testing the 200 with a usb to SPDIF convertor. Despite the fact that in the Berkeley Reference DAC review, a month or 2 earlier, he and Berkeley recommended using their usb to SPDIF convertor with their expensive DAC for superior sound. RE: What is the best digital source - ARL67 - 16-Jan-2015 I just got my new D200 yesterday -> YIPPEE !!! My audio pal also got a new D120 yesterday, and we both bought Kef LS50 a month ago as a "starter speaker" for our respective Devialets. My previous setup was modified Audio Aero Capitole MK2-SE ( additional modes inside ) fed into Coda CM Ultra 600 watt monos ( amps are about 9 years old now, but former Coda top model ), and also a Nuforce 7-channel digital amp ( using only 2 channels) In anticipation of Devialet, I built an Intel i7 Win7/Foobar PC with SSD, and used that to feed the DAC input of the Audio Aero via SPDIF. My pal with the D120 has built-up a Mac-Mini for his purposes and is using USB output. BUT ... I also bought a used Bryston BDP-2 this week, and have to say I luv the dead quiet sonics coming out if it. The BDP-2 is a network streamer, AND can play music off of hard drives directly connected to its numerous USB ports. However, I opened the hood and installed a 1 TByte SSD ( there is location for a 2.5" drive ) instead of hanging a USB drive off it. Actually, inside there is a second SATA port running to the back of the unit for an eSATA device. This connector could be used for a 2nd internal SSD/SATA drive. So I am going to roll with the BDP-2 feeding my D200, via AES/EBU or USB. I prefer having a hardware appliance like the BDP-2 , vs a PC / Mac-Mini ( my needs are simple ) I am going to grab a Shunyata ETRON Anaconda AES/EBU and an AudioQuest Diamond USB and test out. I am also on the hunt for a Berkeley Alpha USB ( usb-spdif converter ) I will sift through those combinations, and select a "winning combo". ... then on the hunt for a larger speaker The Kef LS50 really knock my socks off, but I will either need a sub or go to a floor stander I see KEf R900 are on the SAM list, and that is an affordable full-ranger. Oh, and what do I think of the D200 ? The first couple tracks I listened too I was "underwhelmed", but the more tracks I listened too, it became very obvious that the D200 is freaking awesome ! It is surprisimg the bass output of the SAM'd LS50. If I wasn't into Rock music or like my music with the bass wallop, one could easily forgo subs. - Andy ( in Waterloo, Canada ) RE: What is the best digital source - miro - 20-Jan-2015 (16-Jan-2015, 13:50)ARL67 Wrote: I just got my new D200 yesterday -> YIPPEE !!! RE: What is the best digital source - GuillaumeB - 20-Jan-2015 (16-Jan-2015, 13:50)ARL67 Wrote: I just got my new D200 yesterday -> YIPPEE !!! Hi Andy! Great to hear about your new 200. How about creating a new thread in the "Your systems" section and adding some photos? http://devialetchat.com/Forum-Your-Systems Guillaume RE: What is the best digital source - marcbrown - 27-Jan-2015 (16-Jan-2015, 13:50)ARL67 Wrote: I just got my new D200 yesterday -> YIPPEE !!! Please keep us posted on your audio journey. I am especially interested in the Berkeley usb to SPDIF convertor. Also agree about SAM, my 2 subs are almost not needed. Happy listening! RE: What is the best digital source - ARL67 - 28-Jan-2015 I'm sold on a sub with my LS50 > have a Kef R400b and will add a second R400b for fun However running a sub means no SAM if I want to high pass the LS50 ... which I do. Too bad we cannot config the Devialet to: a) SAM enabled b) be able to high-pass the mains c) send a non-SAM'd pre-out to a sub My source is still Bryston BDP-2 with internal SSD 1-Tbyte drive, now connected with Shunyata Etron/Ztron Anaconda AES/EBU to the D200. The Etron Anaconda is Shunyata's top digital cable, and really good IMO. I will re-borrow my friends Audioquest Diamond USB for another head-to-head. I use a Shunyata Hydra-8v2 with Virtual Dynamics Master 2.0-LE cords on everything. I did borrow an ESP Reference-1 power cord and it was "better" on my D200 than my VD. ESP was more musical, less dark, more midrange & treble detail and flow. I find cables that sound "dark" ( or a bit bass heavy ) obscure midrange & treble detail. It's all system synergy, not that one is right or wrong. It's either right or wrong dependent on our respective systems' makeup, and our listening preferences, room, etc I also have all my gear on Symposium Ultra Platforms and Rollerblocks. These are tweaks I have had for years, and just automatically employ under every piece of gear. - Andy |