JimBlog

Ate you sure the mscaler drops the volume level?

But it has distortion below 120dB, noise below 135dB, delivers 22 bit dynamic range which is as good as it can get, despite being powered by USB. So if the USB is holding it back, where's the evidence of that in the testing? Measurement-wise it blows away some of the DACS that cost 5 grand, 13 grand. I know what you mean about USB but clearly in this case they've sorted that potential issue?

I'm delighted to see that dac designers are looking at all ways to isolate the electronics from the supply. Before you have ago at me, even Stan Beresford a few years ago made a claim with the Bushmaster (I think it was that far back but can't be sure now) that the isolation from the supply had been improved in leaps and bounds.

Sure USB outputs can be noisy, but it's a known thing and *seemingly* easily dealt with these days. Steady state distortions are also being tested too as it's beginning to filter though that our ears apparently work on a limited dynamic range (about 50db max) BUT on a sliding scale, so 'minus 120db' is actually important in the largest loudest sound systems. the 'details' we all claim to hear and rave over are only 20db or so down from the mean level. Rob Watts goes on about 'noise modulation' which apparently is an audible artefact in extremis and even Amir has mentioned it in some of his reviews - best get that noise down as far as possible.

You want to hear what 'minus 20 or minus 30db' is compared to the mean? Play a record with strong left only or right only sounds on it and then disconnect that channel, listening to the 'unspoken' one (in old fashioned parlance). You'll hear a reverberant halo (usually vinyl distortion ime) and the 'echo' of the disconnected channel not so quietly in the background, the level being to do with the stereo separation of the cartridge. A VERY crude description, but it may give you an idea of relative levels and 'dynamic range.' One reason why master recordings and digital in general often sound so 'dry' but I'm digressing hugely here so apologies for that.

Interesting that as some of our stereo systems get better, the 'cheaper' old digital products seem to make more sense than they did at the time. At least macca has found the same as I and come out with it before I dared to. These better balanced systems do still sound ok with vinyl, but this latter does seem entirely dependant on the shitty bits of black plastic we play and the severe things done to the music signal to get it into those grooves on all commercial pressings if not so much audiophile light jazzy demo stuff, which is something no player system can get past as it's been done beforehand.

Interesting installment there Jim.

The digital V analogue debate will range for the ages until such time as analogue is no longer available.

Truth is, it's a bit like comparing Petrol to diesel powered cars.

They both achieve the same thing, to move people from A-B, but the experience of driving either is very different.

Some folks prefer Petrol cars, others prefer Diesels.

I think the biggest error is comparing them at all, other than to choose which system would be best suited to the individual.

If you've got money to burn and already have a large library of Vinyl, then yes....why not indulge that and get a top class analogue replay system, however, as I've stated before, if the PecanPi had been available when I started my Audiophile dafness about 4 years ago, I would not have bothered with over developing the analogue replay, instead just keeping a modest Turntable to reminisce with.

The key to digital is to find something that you can enjoy listening to. Theres boat loads of material that isnt available on Vinyl, or is so expensive its unattainable. Why deprive yourself of this wonderful music, just because its digital.

Interestingly, I recall you telling me that you have Peter Schneider in your car all the time, as its "just a great listen when you've finished work on a friday"

Your enjoyment of that CD is not based on the replay format, but on the music itself.

If you can switch off the natural urge to compare digital to analogue, you open up a whole new world. A world that you enjoy in your car, kitchen, garage and anywhere else you play a CD when you arent critically listening.

For under £400 I have put together a Digital front end that would annihilate many, if not most Analogue systems. It doesn't annihilate my own analogue but I've spent over £5k on that side, but the difference is nowhere near the disparity in price, as I will demonstrate to you when we can meet up.

In fact, the Pi plays certain tracks far better than the analogue can.

They did it before.

Good post Jim. As with experienced analogue engineers understanding the limitations of the vinyl and maximising the sonic benefits of the medium, it takes experienced digital sound engineers to maximise the whole digital medium.

The problem as you alluded to is that anyone can use pro tools but without a proper understanding of the limitations of the digital medium the results can be quite dire.
I think modern software techniques with respect to impulse and phase response have helped the sound of digital improve once back in the analogue domain.

It would be unbelievable, just imagine keeping the stylus in the groove but maybe they had a 10Kg tracking force!

Recollections are flooding in. There was a large lead (?) weight on the mechanism to damp the suspension and I think the tracking force was probably around 10 grams.

Only my work station whilst "working from home".

In the evening I am entertained by the lovely vintage 1976 Sony Music Centre with the Garrard SP25 mk4.

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It will at the moment.
Just imagine the pleasure of finally setting your system back up.

Sincere post James and such truth. Those without music are losing out, I also am very grateful for a system and library.

Stay safe.

That’s so well expressed James.. (or is it Jim- sorry I get lost sometimes. Welcome to world ahead!)
When this is all over I’ll host an audio addicts party.