stevedollar

Whatever suits you ... I'm really pleased with how the iNova functions in a multi-purpose media system ... I get terrific sound on Blu-Rays, and thru the iPod dock. And when I get around to other sources, it can handle those. I'm not really concerned about newer, better, cheaper DACs. I am concerned with convenience + high quality + versatility + cosmetics ... I hate having a bunch of wires and cables everywhere (like there aren't enough already). And I have never gotten this much enjoyment out of my iPod.

I agree. Although I've barely done any listening in the few weeks I've had the unit due to travel. Maybe in 3-4 months when it's all broken in, I'll have a better idea. The HUGE difference I have noticed is how much better Mp3 and other compressed files sound. Because of my line of work, I get serviced with a lot of promotional downloads, and higher-rez files are rarely an option. So that's nice. <br /> <br /> <br />

I'm sure you have a lot more experience to compare with ... My "acoustic memory" is zilch, but that ain't so bad. This is the first new gear I've had since 2008. Kind of starting over from scratch (aside from the phono, cabling). I have to do a lot of rejiggering in the office space (which is the only listening space I have right now). Hope to add either some Nola Boxers or those new LSA 0.5s in due time. Ultra near-field listening! Gonna be enjoying this ...

Just unboxed a new iNova yesterday. It's still breaking in. Having basically listened on a MacBookPro and some Senn 600s for the past 18 mos., it's immediately made a major impression. Done most of my attentive listening via iPod in the dock, and been having lots of "ooh-ahh" moments. First impressions: 1) Gorgeous design, nice heft, idiot-proof ergnomics. Love the texture of the faceplate (I got piano black). 2) I have listened variously to Mp3 and AIFF files played from iTunes, iTunes via Pure Music, files funneled from a Glyph HD via Firewire 800 and out thru a Wireworld Starlight USB (not broken in), files from the MacBookPro only ... Can't really make notable distinctions yet. The biggest surprise was hearing MP3 files sound really freaking good ... and since so much of my interesting music is downloaded from weirdo web sites (typically unusual OOP material from UbuWeb, Destination Out, many others), that's a huge boon. 3) On AIFF ripped from CDs via iTunes, it's a total wow. So far, I seem to dig the feed from the iPod the best. The tube-on/tube-off option seems to make no difference. Upscaling on sounds maybe better than no upscaling. But the whole rig is less than 24 hours in play at this stage. It is good to see that the unit kicks ass straight out of the box. I'd like to audition this with some speakers but it's not really an option right now. It's a desktop office event for the time being. I can definitely say that I don't think I've wasted a penny on the purchase. It's a no brainer product, especially if – like me – you haven't enjoyed a system with an up-to-date, audiophile-approved DAC in the mix in 4 or 5 years.

I bet that 4k would take it. I wouldn't buy any used equipment, no matter how pristine, for less than 30& off list. But this being a hot item, maybe demand is there.

Thanks Barry ... I know exactly what you mean. The QB-9 was like that, in my 30-min listen to it ... I also like that the ULN-2 can be used as a recording device, which would not be a primary use for me but could be handy to have as an option, just for fun. Will keep it all in mind!

The Cullen DAC sounds very intriguing for the price. I can't really see spending more than 1500 on a USB DAC (maybe about what a used Bryston goes for?) The QB is impressive for sure, and the Cary Exciter looks interesting, too. .... Now that I've done more reading here (thanks to this thread, and the helpful redesign), I'm really curious about the ULN-2. Personally, I'd love to see comparisions between the ULN-2 and "audiophile brand" DACs at the same price point.

My last speakers were LSA monitors. I was very happy with them. 1k new for the basic model. But you can sometimes find the "statement" version (retail 2500) for close to the same price on the resale market online. Great value and appealing cosmetics.

I've mostly heard the Nines, in the DeVore suite in Vegas, backed with pricey Nagra gear, but my god it's heavenly how good they sound. They would be my speaker of choice. If I could afford them or thought I'd have the right kind of room, the Silverbacks would be a shoo-in.