Mamba315

AVI speakers use optical inputs as well

Buying the NOS1 (now "a") felt like cheating. It's not the cheapest DAC, but it's an utter steal considering what it costs to make and the level of sophistication it represents. Anything else that "might" be competitive is almost invariably 10x the price. Plus, as mentioned, nobody else provides the level of customer interaction that Peter does. Not even close. I have a Benchmark DAC2 for watching movies, and because it's a veritable swiss army knife. The Phasure gets 99.5% of my listening time. Nothing else I've ever heard can be so delicate one minute, and so violent the next. It's not so much a DAC, as it is a portal into another place.

When I tried both into my ClassD Audio amp (which has both types of input), I preferred the XLR outputs on the DAC2. I mostly noticed that the lowest bass was more coherent through the XLR's. The RCA outputs sounded slightly band limited in comparison. I know that both measure extremely well, but those were my subjective impressions. I used Blue Jeans XLR and RCA cables, both in a 6' length.

Cycleman, What are your thoughts now on The Ones vs LS50? Looks like the 1+1's were sent back or sold? Thanks!

There is now an upgrade available for the Phasure that was recently announced. Peter says it will make his DAC completely immune to the computer and OS's influence. This has been the goal for a long time, so its exciting to see Peter believe he's got it. Certainly looking forward to hearing the change for myself. In addition to improving the sound further, this should make organizing a true blind test somewhat easier next time around. There will be a next time, right?

I have been following the progress of the upcoming AVI ADM40's for a few months and I'm betting they'll smoke everything in their price range. The 40's will be their "cost no object" active floorstanders with top of the line drivers, more accurate filters, higher voltage amps, specially built 3-way crossovers, and integrated DAC (there will also be analogue inputs). The 40's themselves are 2-ways (estimated 400W/channel), but with the upcoming 12" subs being made to match they'll become full range 3-ways (estimated 800W/channel). At current exchange rates, we're talking about $5K for the ADM40's and "probably" another $3-4k if you want stereo subs. Subs will not be necessary for everyone, but in a room your size I'd probably recommend them. Read a little about AVI and I think you'll see they are genuine about making the best active systems possible for the dollar. That's why they've chosen the "direct" model, and I think they have the engineering talent and experience to take on all comers. The prototypes have garnered some good comments but the real fun begins when the production units start shipping in the next month or two. Can't wait to read the reviews!

I've been contemplating some of the same issues. One product that I've been researching is the Metric Halo LIO-8. Connects to a Mac with Firewire (needed for initial setup; later you could do a PC via AES). It's an 8-channel DAC (and ADC) with integrated DSP capabilities, integrated headphone amp, and the option to add mic pres as well. Sound quality is supposedly excellent all around. Use it for playback and you could parametrically EQ or apply digital crossover slopes for a fairly complex active system (up to 8 channels obviously). Plug in your headphones at night when the neighbors are sleeping. Tack on the mic pre option and all you need is a measuring mic to do room/driver measurements. EQ accordingly, etc. Pretty handy for one box. Im not currently aware of any other single box device capable of doing all that, and at such levels of sonic quality as well. But it retails at $4700 with 4 mic pres. Street price can be found lower but still not "cheap". Still, I want one. I believe there is more to be gained with proper application of this device than continuing down the old 2 channel DAC route.

How much are you looking to spend on these components? Some good value options in speaker cabling would be Anti Cables, bulk Magnet wire, or solid-core copper cabling from a Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Not too sure about the upgradability of the power cable, and am not familiar with 3.5mm cable options Having owned the Audioengine A5's for about a year, I would caution about getting too carried away with upgrading the cabling. I would say the money is MUCH better spent saving for better speakers. The A5's are good for the price, but better speakers are a much better investment than cabling in the long term. Just my opinion, of course.