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ljbrandt

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  1. [h=1]Some other options I've seen:[/h] [h=1]Micca OriGen+[/h]Fostex HP-A3 Apogee Groove
  2. Looking for suggestions for a new DAC to use with a non-integrated power amplifier for desktop speakers. I currently use a Stoner Acoustics UD120 DAC with an integrated tube amp which I enjoy very much, but I'm looking for an alternate setup with more power. The stoner does not have volume controls and I'd rather not use the PC's volume controls. I'm looking for a DAC that can double as a pre-amp for line out (RCA) signals to use with the separate amp. I'd prefer something that is under $200 and that the volume control minimize the SQ/signal degradation for the output to the amp. I do not need a headphone amp I'm considering an ifi nano, but open to anything else that meets this criteria!
  3. I was going to try doing this anyway. Is there any bargain brand toslink cable (capable of 24/192 throughput), that is a recognized solid performer, similar to the way the beklin gold is to USB cables? Also, what do you guys think of this SPDIF converter: HiFime UH1-Digital 384Khz USB to I2S/DSD/COAX interface (no DAC)
  4. I would like to connect my PC to a Yamaha RX-Z9 receiver for 2-channel music playback and I would like to use the BB1792 DACs inside the Z9. What it the best way to connect these two for the best digital audio fidelity. Some options I've been considering: 1. Toslink PC->Z9 (not ideal from what I've read) 2. PC-->USB/SPDIF converter--->Z9 (via coaxial) 3. Firewire I.LINK...not sure if this is even possible? Perhaps there's another best option or perhaps the differences are so minor that the 1st option would be indiscernible from the rest? This would be a product to complete option#2: http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/smsl-x-usb-xmos-usb-to-spdif-converter-dac-dsd-iis-digital-audio-interface.html
  5. Great point! I suppose my expectations of DSD were very high going into audition the nano and I came away a little disappointed that it didn't sound any better than high quality PCM. What you said makes sense and explains what I thought I heard. Doing a little digging on DSD, I found that some experts believe high rate PCM (ie DXD and 24/384) is actually superior to DSD for various reasons...one being dynamics. But I have to admit, I'm not expert and most of this stuff is over my head :-)
  6. I should also mention to that I was only comparing the two as DACs only. I did not use the headphone section of the nano.
  7. I tried DSD material today with the nano, both converted (4x in JRiver 20) and pure native DSD files from 2L. Although DSD was better (smoother) sounding than PCM material on the nano, I still felt that the UD120 was clearly the better DAC - even when playing PCM 24/192 vs DSD of the same recording (2L). I had to be careful with the level matching too, b/c the nano only outputs 1.6v vs the standard 2v. The UD120 just presented a wider soundstage with better instrument separation and overall clarity...the curtains were lifted but there was no listening fatigue. Just my amateur opinions here...I have no affiliation with Stoner.
  8. I received my Nano yesterday and have been listening to some hi res PCM files, going back and forth between it and my old Stoner UD120. Call me crazy, but my inital impression is that I actually prefer the Stoner DAC over the nano; at least on PCM over ASIO. More specifically, I felt the 120 to be airier, more detailed and have a wider soundstage...it was almost like lifting a curtain off my speakers after listening to the nano. The nano isn't bad by ANY means, in fact, I know I would love it if I had nothing to compare it with. The sound is darker, warmer and it has a cozy soundstage...high frequencies are more subdued and rounded. I haven't tried DSD yet, but I'll report later on that. I'm fairly new to this hobby, so please take my opinion with a huge grain of salt.
  9. Ok, okay...you guys convinced me - I just needed a little pushing since I'm actually QUITE satisfied with my current Stoner UD120 DAC, which BTW, is no slouch. One person in another form actually thought the UD120 had a wider soundstage than the iDSD nano! But such is the world of audio enthusiasm, I must see what else is out there and I've been wanting to dip my tow into some DSD playback. Now to decide which player to use (foorbar is too complicated for me ATM). I'm leaning toward JRiver, but HQPlayer has peaked my interest due to the above suggestion! Also, as far a USB cables go...for now I'll stick with the stock cable and then maybe try the Belkin Gold or possibly blue jeans usb cables and see if I can hear any differences. A couple pages back in this thread, someone suggested that a USB 3.0 cable may actually make a difference for the nano seeing that it does use a 3.0 port.
  10. I've been interested in purchasing a iDSD nano for awhile. With the setup I've, I've convinced myself that spending over $200 for a DAC just isn't reasonable ;-) Right now, I'm using Stoner Accoustic's new UD120 and it is pretty good. The thing holding me back from the nano is the idea of having to purchase other items to go with it, ie quality USB cable & JRiver media player (for DoP up-sampling...which I hear is a must with the nano). My question is, in your opinion, is the nano worth spend the extra money on a nice USB cable and premium software? Thanks in advance - looking forward to your reply!
  11. Budget audio enthusiast here looking for some advice. I hope this is the right forum. My current setup: PC-USB--->Stoner UD120 dac--->Indeed TA2020 T-amp--->MB Quart Vera speakers Everything sounds very nice in this setup at reasonable levels, but I found myself longing for more power to improve dynamics and quality at more "spirited" listening levels. I tried a few smaller sized class A/B amps, such as the parasound Zamp, but I just wasn't happy with the sound compared with the Indeed T-amp; plus, I concluded, that I would probably need more than 45w/ch to be happy with my Vera bookshelves. I also have a Martin Logan sub I'd like to integrate into the system I found a pretty good deal on a used Yamaha RX-Z9 receiver in good condition and decided to pull the trigger. This is a HUGE departure in amplification, coming from my T-amp, but I read some great things about the Z9. Here's my question - how do I (best) integrate this beast into my PC setup? Do I use the Stoner UD120 dac to feed a signal the analog inputs of the Z9 and use the receiver in an amp only configuration (pure direct mode Yamaha calls it)? I don't think I could use bass management this way on the Z9 if I wanted to add the sub. or Does the Z9 actually have a better DAC section than the UD120? Should I instead send a toslink signal directly to the receiver from the PC? If I did this, I'm wondering if I'd be limiting myself to a 24/96 digital streamfrom the PC's soundcard, even though the Z9's BB1792's can decode 24/192. However, I'm positive I could use bass management this way and integrate my sub. Lastly, there is a "i.Link" port on the back of the Yamaha which is essentially a firewire input. It is supposed to be used with i.Link compatible devices, such as blu-ray and SACD players...but I'm curious, even without a driver, if it would recognize a connection from a PC (and vice versa). If possible, this would seem like the best solution..but I'm curious to here the experts' thoughts! Thanks in advance for your advice!
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