ajay556

Sorry what do you mean when you say can play to computer?

Do we really need Apple Music to experience Atmos sound? I noticed there is atmos format available in tidal too. Additionally, the audio quality of tidal has improved with hires and much better than Apple Music.

What about dynamic compressions and poor mastering? I was listening to hotel california on mofi’s new ultra disc one step 45 vinyl. The digital version sounds totally compressed in comparison. Why cannot we get a high quality digital files for audiophiles to purchase? I understand it cannot be included in streaming service for the same subscription price.

Yes different CD players just like any other components offer huge changes in sound quality. A smart shopper would by a used high-end cd player and experience huge upgrade. Old Naim, wadia, Ayre, Hegel etc. Note key here is to buy a CD player that plays only cds and has no inputs for natural improved sound.

If you share what your audio rig we can attempt to identify the primary reason.

Always a pleasure reading your reviews Sajid. Wish you had added the Thailand pics :-). I agree its beautiful city and the beaches are the best. Wish we had the same beaches here in Los Angeles.

I've had Etymotic ER series headphones off/on for over 15 years. I recently switched from my custom IEMs to the Etymotics because they sound better, hold up better, and with the comply tips are actually more comfortable. I wish I hadn't sunk the $1,000+ into the customs. So are you saying Jh audio $1000 custom headphones are inferior to the $200 Eymotic? thanks

I have a two channel stereo. my DAC has optical and coax in. So what is the best way to connect my Apple TV to my DAC and the HDMI out from apple TV to my TV? How do we get digital audio from the Apple TV?

I wanted to start a thread to compile a list of companies that allow customers to try their product at home. I know of only 3 but I am looking for CA members to help me provide a fuller list. Since stores are closing and the ones that remain are desperate and it shows in the service. I feel the best way to buy is trying the product at home for at least a week. PS AUDIO GATO AUDIO BORDER PATROL SCHIIT

When I started to read this article, my guess was ‘less is more’ would be the best sounding dac. I own a Mohican CD player which only targets 16/44.1 digital format. MY experience with several expensive dacs with several digital formats only degraded the sound compared to the pure path Mohican. THANKS TO CA.. hopefully we will see more digital components with ‘less is more’ DESIGNS in the future. GREAT READ!!

I tried the Raal's this weekend. The Raals were connected to the Macintosh 50 watt headphone amplifier. The music sounded thin and did not have formidable soundstage. The salesman switched to a Rotel 200 watt receiver. The music still sounded thin but the sound stage improved a little. Overall, it was not in par with my expectations. I think I need to spend more time with better amplifier to get a handle on its potential. The dealer said I could take it home for couple of days. Maybe will try again next weekend.

Yes sounds like listening with filters is key. Wonder if mitch provides a trial version :-)

I will be demoing the Raal SR1a's this weekend at my local store. Would the SR1a sound change as much as regular speakers with different audio gear? Just wondering if I should request to listen with my equipment at home?

Now that acoustic sounds stop selling DSD, is there another site that’s sells this format for popular songs/

I am going to share my experience with my CD player. I feel its becoming like an a classic Marantz or Garrard turntable, or a Reel player as mentioned by one magazine reviewer. I have a fairly new CD player that plays only CDs. No upsampling, no inputs. I try to purchase products that do one thing only, but do it very well. I wish it did not have XLRs, as I own a tube RCA preamp. So I was able to procure a large number of blank MSFL ultradisc Gold discs. I burn all my music from quboz to the gold discs. They sound more musical than my regular CDs and even better than XRCD, Ultra discs, etc. I noticed my CD player is very sensitive to two artifacts - Power and vibration. I have gone several lengths to curb vibration and provide clean power. Addressing these two articfacts transcends the player to another level. I would like to avoid brand names but to provide some reference - I did have a turntable setup that cost 10k (turntable, cartridge, step up, cables included) My CD player with all its upgrades is $8k. My CD player is able to render music with great timing and rhythm. My turntable is very good at saxophones and large orchestral music. Mind you the differences are subtle, most of time especially with new music. Both do vocals equally well. I have decided to do away with my turntable because most of my music collection are vocals and I enjoy compiling my own music. I just wanted to share my experience since most of the products go from CDs to files. I did do a comparison at the store with servers and dacs vs CD player. Both were equally capable of producing great music. My final decision was based on my choice of sound - warm and accurate for the least amount of money. I hope I don't run out of the MSFL blank gold discs as that they are a rare jewel now. Thanks for reading