Brummle

I use mainly jriver 19, and up-sample to DSD128. I also use foobar2k natively. There are so few dacs around, that are close to the specs of the e20; so it`s not easy to do actual listening comparisons; I did a comparison between the e20 and Hegel HD25, but the HD25 handles max 24-bit/192kHz, so had to stick with that frq. Even when playing 24-bit/192kHz, the e20 sounded less colored than the HD25 imo.

December last year, I started digging around the internet for a USB capable DAC, that could satisfy my fastidious ears. Having searched for a month, I found the Holy Grail of DACs: The exaSound e20 You can read what this DAC is capable of here: http://www.exasound.com/e20DAC/Overview.aspx It`s truly amazing! I have been an "audiophile" since I was about 15 ( 42 now ), so my equipment has seen a lot of upgrades during these years , but very few have made me go thru all my favourite albums again, like this time! Combined with Hypex` Ncore amps, the sound is so open, crystal clear, and detailed; that I catch myself holding my breath, in order to hear all the details of the recordings My once so proud speakers (Proac D25), are suddenly the obvious weakest link; despite having costed more than the DAC and the amp combined...; George at exaSound has been very helpful answering all my questions, and I can truly recommend the e20 with all my audiophile heart !!