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JimBlog
Nov 19, 2020 12:10:11 GMT
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Post by stevew on Nov 19, 2020 12:10:11 GMT
I’ve stuck a 9 volt SBooster on the PecanPi.
It works. Really really well.
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Post by macca on Nov 19, 2020 12:10:22 GMT
There are plenty of DACs that are completely unaffected by power supply noise or mains noise. Some are vey cheap like the Topping E30.
Like Ollie says battery power supplies introduce their own issues.
That Dragonfly Black has very low output, possibly why it doesn't sound too good.
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Post by jimbo on Nov 19, 2020 12:15:15 GMT
I’ve stuck a 9 volt SBooster on the PecanPi. It works. Really really well. Nice LPS -pricey though? |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 19, 2020 12:16:44 GMT
There are plenty of DACs that are completely unaffected by power supply noise or mains noise. Some are vey cheap like the Topping E30. Like Ollie says battery power supplies introduce their own issues. That Dragonfly Black has very low output, possibly why it doesn't sound too good. Yeah the Dragonfly is not even remotely what I would consider using as a DAC in my system but a mate had one at work and I thought I would give it a spin. Terrible. My Macbook DAC was way better. |
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JimBlog
Nov 19, 2020 13:39:40 GMT
via mobile
Post by stevew on Nov 19, 2020 13:39:40 GMT
I’ve stuck a 9 volt SBooster on the PecanPi. It works. Really really well. Nice LPS -pricey though? Wasn’t cheap.! But having got the Shanti LPS at the same time as the USBridge, I didn’t want to always be wondering .. Still left myself an upgrade option. If one of the Denefrips (or whatever), proves an improvement then I could bob a digione signature into the USbridge giving me spdif or coax output, powered by the shanti. |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 19, 2020 22:02:34 GMT
Listening again to the digital set up tonight and to be honest I am finding it very difficult to find any fault with what I am listening too. I am finding it a struggle to get my brain round what I am listening to. I have loads of experience listening to digital systems over the past 5 years but I can say categorically this sounds on a par with anything I have heard. I know some folk maybe thinking it can be bettered or I am exaggerating my perception of what I am hearing but believe me this system sounds as good as I have heard at any price.
What I am really struggling with is how it has happened and how a humble Macbook Pro loaded with Audirvana can turn out a result as good as this! Thats it folks, no fancy DAC nothing complicated just Macbook running on battery with an SSD drive using its internal DAC. OK I know Audirvana optimises the process but this really is on another level. I do set it to upscale to 24/96 and oversample 2X so even 320kbps MP3 is turned out at 24/96.
However as I am a nut over source quality and mastering I decided to compare an MP3 version of Aldous harding Elation with a 24/96 download. And although the 320kbps MP3 was very good the 24/96 was in this case simply stunning. So the software and DAC can very easily differentiate any subtle differences between the mastering resolution.
I am not going to go throught all the DACs and digital set ups I have heard but I tell you this is definitely up there with the very best I have heard, unbelievable considering what I am using.
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Post by antonio on Nov 20, 2020 8:48:05 GMT
Great thing about the Macbook is that I run it only on battery when I am using it for music playback so no issues with power supply especially as Audirvana shuts down everything possible which i can believe because I can use it all night and the laptop barely gets warm! The Pecan Pi is extremely good but I will be interested to know how good when I manage to prise one of Oli to try in my system lol. Internet radio cannot be played via Audirvana but the are working on it. As it stands through the Macbook it is very thin and poor quality sound. I really would like to try and avoid any Ethernet connections going forward and just run a USB DAC if possible straight out the Macbook. Audirvana controls everything including remote acceess by phone or tablet. The less power supplies involved the better I feel. So I would be interested in a battery run DAC too if possible I've got to ask, why are you trying to avoid Ethernet connections, and keeping USB. My brother who has quite a hi end system has gone the other way, has have many users. I know USB is popular, and all sorts of add on's have come on the market, all trying to solve problems, whether real or not,. I will give a plug to the Oehlbach reclocker again and it is still at a good price. www.oehlbach.com/en/audio-equip/electronics/xxl-masterclock |
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Post by antonio on Nov 20, 2020 8:52:27 GMT
There are quite a few comparison on You Tube using the Denafrips dacs. Yes I know it is not the same as hearing them live, but you can certainly hear some of the differences between them using headphones. I've been thinking of some speakers to replace my JBL Control 1's, and have used YT as a guide. As it turns out I've just purchased a pair of Mark Audio Cesti MB's from a member of pfm and he has been kind enough to arrange delivery to Cambodia for me. The trouble some of the You Tuber's go to to get good comparisons is quite something, which I've appreciated. Good luck in your search for that elusive dac.  I have lost your PM, no idea how either. Those speakers look very interesting. I'd like to know how you get on with them. Will do, really looking forward to hearing them myself, there really wasn't much on YT about this particular model, although there's tons of stuff on his other speakers and diy builds. I think a cheaper valve amp would work nicely with them. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2020 8:59:41 GMT
The issue with USB is that it “transmits” the power in the same cable, which can apparently affect the signal.
Not only that, but the USB bus can be a noisy environment.
If Ethernet cables are good enough for Gigabit connection of critical data, I am pretty confident it will work well for Audio.
However, I connect my streaming PC to my network by Ethernet, but the connection to the audio system is done either by coaxial from the SPDIF on the motherboard/onboard DAC (I could use digital optical as well), or RCA direct from the onboard DAC to my pre-amp.
If there was a PCIe version of the PecanPi, it could be an interesting product.
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JimBlog
Nov 20, 2020 9:25:36 GMT
via mobile
Post by stevew on Nov 20, 2020 9:25:36 GMT
Listening again to the digital set up tonight and to be honest I am finding it very difficult to find any fault with what I am listening too. I am finding it a struggle to get my brain round what I am listening to. I have loads of experience listening to digital systems over the past 5 years but I can say categorically this sounds on a par with anything I have heard. I know some folk maybe thinking it can be bettered or I am exaggerating my perception of what I am hearing but believe me this system sounds as good as I have heard at any price. What I am really struggling with is how it has happened and how a humble Macbook Pro loaded with Audirvana can turn out a result as good as this! Thats it folks, no fancy DAC nothing complicated just Macbook running on battery with an SSD drive using its internal DAC. OK I know Audirvana optimises the process but this really is on another level. I do set it to upscale to 24/96 and oversample 2X so even 320kbps MP3 is turned out at 24/96. However as I am a nut over source quality and mastering I decided to compare an MP3 version of Aldous harding Elation with a 24/96 download. And although the 320kbps MP3 was very good the 24/96 was in this case simply stunning. So the software and DAC can very easily differentiate any subtle differences between the mastering resolution. I am not going to go throught all the DACs and digital set ups I have heard but I tell you this is definitely up there with the very best I have heard, unbelievable considering what I am using. Yeah, but, no, but yeah, but no but.. That’s really interesting. So are you simply using the macs audio/headphone out? I’m guessing that you haven’t done any comparative listening via the new Heco’s yet? Even so... Made me go look at my Audirvana settings... but of course using upnp the settings are fixed. Also just checked with Audirvana and I can load the software onto a second machine... which makes me think about an old Mac mini I’ve just put up in the loft. |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 20, 2020 9:36:57 GMT
Great thing about the Macbook is that I run it only on battery when I am using it for music playback so no issues with power supply especially as Audirvana shuts down everything possible which i can believe because I can use it all night and the laptop barely gets warm! The Pecan Pi is extremely good but I will be interested to know how good when I manage to prise one of Oli to try in my system lol. Internet radio cannot be played via Audirvana but the are working on it. As it stands through the Macbook it is very thin and poor quality sound. I really would like to try and avoid any Ethernet connections going forward and just run a USB DAC if possible straight out the Macbook. Audirvana controls everything including remote acceess by phone or tablet. The less power supplies involved the better I feel. So I would be interested in a battery run DAC too if possible I've got to ask, why are you trying to avoid Ethernet connections, and keeping USB. My brother who has quite a hi end system has gone the other way, has have many users. I know USB is popular, and all sorts of add on's have come on the market, all trying to solve problems, whether real or not,. I will give a plug to the Oehlbach reclocker again and it is still at a good price. www.oehlbach.com/en/audio-equip/electronics/xxl-masterclockMy Router is in another part of the house and I prefer wired Ethernet rather than wireless. Last time I used Ethernet I felt there was an improvement with a wired connection with CAT 7 cable. |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 22, 2020 15:34:22 GMT
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Post by karma67 on Nov 22, 2020 16:13:00 GMT
very nice jimbo,i have a hankering for a similar sideboard,much better than hifi racks
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Post by brian2957 on Nov 22, 2020 17:19:20 GMT
Vey nice mate  |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 22, 2020 17:36:26 GMT
very nice jimbo,i have a hankering for a similar sideboard,much better than hifi racks Yes Jamie they are very solid indeed and very well bulit and for me a much better solution than a hifi rack as I wanted to combine a piece of furniture with HIFI use. It holds about 150 LPs too which is excellent so it doubles up as a vinyl storage unit aswell, probably the intention in the 60s anyway as vinyl was the only medium going!
I have been looking for ages to find this mid century sideboard with these exact dimensions. Most are a lot bigger but I wanted one to fit a certain space.
It is immaculate but has been gently restored and the finish on it is superb. It looks almost as new but circa 1960s. I wonder how it sounds?
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Post by jimbo on Nov 22, 2020 17:37:17 GMT
Vey nice mate Delivered at 8.30am this morning Brian and suits the purpose perfectly. |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 22, 2020 17:38:54 GMT
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 22, 2020 18:24:14 GMT
That's Bostin mate. I think that will be a triumph in your room from a style perspective. Lovely. |
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Post by robbiegong on Nov 22, 2020 19:02:02 GMT
Nice Jimbo,
How you finding the HECO's after the Spens ?
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Post by jimbo on Nov 22, 2020 20:28:47 GMT
Nice Jimbo, How you finding the HECO's after the Spens ? In a nutshell Rob they do everything the Spendors did and a whole lot more. |
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Post by robbiegong on Nov 22, 2020 21:08:52 GMT
Nice Jimbo, How you finding the HECO's after the Spens ? In a nutshell Rob they do everything the Spendors did and a whole lot more. |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 23, 2020 9:39:53 GMT
Gave the vinyl system a spin last night and the new furniture has given the system a much more solid base with far more mass. I did some evaluation with the needle dropped on a record and the volume turned up and there was absolutely no feedback getting through to the amp/speakers when I knocked the furniture. SO this was a good sign.
Listening to the system now set up on something more solid has bought about some very good improvements to bass quality and top end detail. There is even greater clarity now and a strange fuzziness I had in the midrange has gone. Everything I played last night on vinyl connected with the listener and had a resolution that was outstanding. Vinyl when set up well still manages to capture the reflections and room acoustic information in the recording far better than my digital set up.
Strangely I thought that the digital material of the same recordings although it sounded great sounded too forward and lacked the ambience I found in the vinyl recordings?
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 23, 2020 9:46:02 GMT
Gave the vinyl system a spin last night and the new furniture has given the system a much more solid base with far more mass. I did some evaluation with the needle dropped on a record and the volume turned up and there was absolutely no feedback getting through to the amp/speakers when I knocked the furniture. SO this was a good sign. Listening to the system now set up on something more solid has bought about some very good improvements to bass quality and top end detail. There is even greater clarity now and a strange fuzziness I had in the midrange has gone. Everything I played last night on vinyl connected with the listener and had a resolution that was outstanding. Vinyl when set up well still manages to capture the reflections and room acoustic information in the recording far better than my digital set up. Strangely I thought that the digital material of the same recordings although it sounded great sounded too forward and lacked the ambience I found in the vinyl recordings? As expected, Jim. A TT needs a really sold foundation to perform at it's best. A wall shelf is still optimum IMO, but i can see that is a sturdy piece, and that will be a great addition to the sound quality. Did you try that Salas phonostage? |
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Post by jimbo on Nov 23, 2020 9:55:02 GMT
I will try the Salas this week, just put my system back together yesterday so wanted to hear what it sounded like on the new furniture.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 23, 2020 11:13:01 GMT
I will try the Salas this week, just put my system back together yesterday so wanted to hear what it sounded like on the new furniture. Spot on Jim. You have to get to grips with the new setup furniture and then give the Salas a listen. I was very impressed with it. It's certainly going to be interesting to hear what you think |
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orchardaudio
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Post by orchardaudio on Nov 23, 2020 21:25:36 GMT
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Post by jimbo on Nov 24, 2020 16:42:53 GMT
Decided to listen to more vinyl last night especially stuff I know really well just to see if the new furniture has had any effect and it has had a dramatic effect. Obviously turntables are very sensitive souls and really do not like vibration either mechanical or airborne. My turntable does not suffer from any mechanical vibration unlike those DD spinners but it can be effect by both airborn vibration especially now the bass is a lot more powerful and stronger. So the move onto some very solid furniture with high mass has reaped major rewards.
In fact the improvements took me by surprise. I was listening to a very often played track and it is taken from a live recording where there is audience clapping in the background. Well in the five years since I have had this turntable I have never heard the audience so clearly etched out in the recording. Before the clapping sounded like a fuzzy mush in the background but last night i heard distinct hand clapping and I was aware of the audience as individuals rather than as a mass. It was quite an ear opener.
So the level of precision and detail has gone up tremendously. I have also noticed that the tone of instruments is not only clearer, they sound fuller and deeper.
Bloody hell I should have paid more attention to vibration control years back. It just goes to show how massively influenced your turntable and cartridge is depending on what it is sitting. I am now looking forward to discovering what else I have been missing in my vinyl collection over the past 5 years!
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Nov 24, 2020 16:59:03 GMT
Decided to listen to more vinyl last night especially stuff I know really well just to see if the new furniture has had any effect and it has had a dramatic effect. Obviously turntables are very sensitive souls and really do not like vibration either mechanical or airborne. My turntable does not suffer from any mechanical vibration unlike those DD spinners but it can be effect by both airborn vibration especially now the bass is a lot more powerful and stronger. So the move onto some very solid furniture with high mass has reaped major rewards. In fact the improvements took me by surprise. I was listening to a very often played track and it is taken from a live recording where there is audience clapping in the background. Well in the five years since I have had this turntable I have never heard the audience so clearly etched out in the recording. Before the clapping sounded like a fuzzy mush in the background but last night i heard distinct hand clapping and I was aware of the audience as individuals rather than as a mass. It was quite an ear opener. So the level of precision and detail has gone up tremendously. I have also noticed that the tone of instruments is not only clearer, they sound fuller and deeper. Bloody hell I should have paid more attention to vibration control years back. It just goes to show how massively influenced your turntable and cartridge is depending on what it is sitting. I am now looking forward to discovering what else I have been missing in my vinyl collection over the past 5 years! A solid base is absolutely essential to analogue. We know this, but I think as we move gradually away from optimal, it's less striking than when we start improvements. Glad this has reignited the Vinyl for you. |
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Post by brian2957 on Dec 4, 2020 21:15:10 GMT
' Eureka ' |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 4, 2020 21:19:50 GMT
The Heco Celan GT 702 speakers have now been in for nearly 2 months and I feel they have crossed the Rubicon. They are now delivering a stellar performance with everything I throw at them. The top end is now very lucid and any harsh/hardness from the midrange has disappeared. The bass has blossomed and is very controlled and when needed hugely dynamic. I get no negative room speaker nodes coming from the bass. I feel the position towards the front wall about 50-60cm is perfect and allows them room to breath. They are 90cm from the side walls which prevents too much early reflected information bouncing round. To be honest I cant really fault them now and feel they hit the brief for a large pair of floorstanding speakers able to fill the new space I have. I am in no doubt there would be many speakers that could achieve this but probably not at this price so I am more than happy. I have had a brief flirtation with digital again and the sugar hit has once again evapourated. It reminds me in a funny way what happened when I first heard digital audio in 1983. I was excited and marvelled at the technology but somehow it did not sound quite right, in fact way back then it sounded very wrong compared to the file based audio I have played around with in recent years. But there always comes a point when I am half comvincing myself it sounds great my mind and eyes glaze over and I loose contact with the music. My brain has to try too hard to concentrate on whats going on and I return to the comfort and magnificent benchmark set by my analogue system. It just sounds so right and engaging in every way and my musical enjoyment is always on a higher plain where I dont have to consciously try hard to listen to whats going on. The move to a much more solid piece of furniture has been a revelation which I am only just coming to terms with. There is so much more information and detail being revealled I find it hard to compute that I had been missing this in my previous installation, what a schoolboy error! Well at least I have a relatively cheap upgrade that has reaped so many benefits on so many levels. To name a few. Soundstage, imaging, tonality, transparency, detail, depth, resolution.... It has been like upgrading to a mega bucks cartridge from a budget job! I now feel so happy with the system after the early niggles with the Spendors being unable to deliver their magic in my room. I am not feeling I am missing anything and very happy to spin those black discs and retrieve the wonderful information contained within them, some of which I have never heard before! You must be SO engaged in your system, that you have forgotten to come and get the 686! lol |
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