Hellenback

This thread is miles long and many of the links in this thread are dead. Is this BDP160 ZIP file linked file in drop box all I need to rip with the Pioneer BDP-80FD? I'm getting an 80FD but as the links are dead I do not have the proper naming scheme/directions for ripping the ISO with the BDP80. (ie Do I need to rename the BDP160 ZIP file to use with the BDP80 and what else is required? Live links are fine if no one wants to re-post directions here.)

Believe me, I wanted to hear a difference with the Pono 24/192 files. I just cannot honestly say that there is an audible (or spectral) difference between the 2012 well remastered HDCD titles and the 24/192 Pono versions. Having said that, with HDD space so cheap these days, if given a choice between two files at close to the same cost, ie redbook vs 24/96 (or 24/192) I'd take the HD version. Only because there might be something unheard (or unmeasurable) in audio that may present itself with better gear in the future. There are quality converters out there that could be used to create the highest quality redbook version if space ever became an issue. As for buying new versions of music I already own when there is no discernible difference in SQ? I'd rather buy new music with the money.

As seen on this track, which is consistent throughout the DL, the 2015 is quite a bit louder than the 2010. I imagine it was mastered with portable players in mind or maybe to mask the tape hiss that is more prominent on the 2010 master. I personally prefer 2010 as it allows for much more room to adjust volume than the 2015 version. 2015 is clear but really quite loud. If I want it loud I'd rather just turn up the 2010 edition. It's probably a matter of preference but I don't mind a little more tape hiss to get better dynamic range in a recording. I had to knock the volume down quite a bit to enjoy the newer version on HD650 headphones through a dedicated DAC and headphone amp. Not high end by any means....but approx. $1500-> $$2000 gear value with a warm presentation. Track 1 "I'd Have You Anytime" analysis: 2010 graph on left 2015 graph on right (click to enlarge) If anyone can help me with interpreting the non-musical information in the blue/purple ares on these graphs I'd appreciate it. I assume it's "ultrasonic noise" but don't know how/if it affects a recording 2010 version foobar2000 1.2.9 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1 log date: 2015-01-28 02:03:40 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statistics for: 01-I'd Have You Anytime Number of samples: 17295360 Duration: 3:00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Left Right Peak Value: -0.71 dB --- -2.66 dB Avg RMS: -17.89 dB --- -17.95 dB DR channel: 14.29 dB --- 12.00 dB -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Official DR Value: DR13 Samplerate: 96000 Hz Channels: 2 Bits per sample: 24 Bitrate: 2521 kbps Codec: FLAC ================================================================================ 2015 version foobar2000 1.2.9 / Dynamic Range Meter 1.1.1 log date: 2015-01-28 02:04:16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statistics for: 01-I'd Have You Anytime Number of samples: 17033568 Duration: 2:57 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Left Right Peak Value: 0.00 dB --- 0.00 dB Avg RMS: -12.90 dB --- -12.89 dB DR channel: 10.53 dB --- 10.09 dB -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Official DR Value: DR10 Samplerate: 96000 Hz Channels: 2 Bits per sample: 24 Bitrate: 2863 kbps Codec: FLAC ================================================================================

I find the SACD from 2003 to be excellent and the HD tracks download is also very good. Perhaps some don't like the brightness compared to the DCC but there is definitely more definition in the former two. The DCC softens things up but it seems to take some detail away. None of the (measurable) versions has a DR value above 10 with the DCC and MONO discs coming in at 10 vs. the others at 9. At higher volume over a long listening session, the DCC would be a less fatiguing listen.

@Pintu If you are listening only to 44.1/16 files then the hi-face would not be of much use to you. Some hear the coax/bnc input as better than usb even with standard 44.1/16 bit resolution so you might want to get a less expensive usb -> bnc(or rca) converter. That way if you do get some hi-res music files you'll be able to hear them in all their glory!

Very hard to find a smoother sounding or more feature laden DAC for SP/DIF converter for hi-res out over USB (the coast is still well under $500 with a good USB->SP/DIF converter). (You also get a decent headphone/pre-amp with the Matrix Mini)! I'm looking forward to doing a direct comparison with the LD DAC_I and the DacMagic very soon.

The Tri-path amp sounds interesting. I would very much like to get into a little DIY if only to construct good cables at a decent price. I'd have to make some room in a crowded apartment but I think it would be very rewarding. Thanks for your comments and impressions.

I'm sorry to offend with my comment. I only realized you were quoting someone's previous post later when I re-read the post. When I did re-read it, it was too late to edit (at least I couldn't see an edit selection at the time). It is my opinion that the previous poster just meant that the diminishing return on a Weiss DAC2 was not worth it to him. To each their own within their means. I'm not used to a forum where you cannot modify/delete/edit a post later so it was there and I couldn't do anything about it. I think your title "no giant killer" is a bit misleading as the Matrix punches far above it's weight/cost. Someone else who owned a Bel Canto posted they could not distinguish a difference between it and the Matrix. I personally think that's what makes a "giant killer" but it is an overused (and often misused) phrase. Just FYI the DacMagic in Canada is $500 (plus 13% tax in Ontario) The Matrix is $320 to the door. $320 + 50% = $480 so I wasn't exaggerating

Even giant killers can't kill some really big giants! I would certainly hope the Weiss DAC...that costs literally 10x as much would sound better. The fact that you even mention them in the same review is a little odd, unless you feel the need to let people know you own a Weiss DAC2. The DacMagic costs 50% more than the Matrix, has no headphone amp yet some prefer the Matrix. Personally, I don't think the Matrix can be beat for the money (and maybe twice as much) but I haven't heard every DAC under $600. I plan on comparing the Matrix to the DacMagic and the Little Dot Dac_I in a few weeks and will try to remember to post my impressions here.