Herbalizer

I agree, although for different reasons -- won’t go mainstream because CD Redbook “is already” high resolution for the average music consumer. This is compared to downloads and streaming, which is how most people get their music. Do you really think the Industry cares about the few of us with High-End Rigs? they don’t and won’t. Best to find a nice 44.1kz Redbook SPDIF converter .. let your dac upsample...into a warm and fat front end...and be happy with a huge collection. If you want more resolution between the ears.. reach for your favorite tonic and chill-out.

Scot Couldn’t find any online. I Think I’ll wait till it hits the market and decide if it’s worth it. I'm usually not an “Early Adopter” (except for the Legato). A separate power leg makes sense for an Audiophile application…. Especially since USB was not designed for streaming audio. However, I don’t know much about how it all works. My plan is to get maybe 5 or more years out of my current digital/server set-up, and then, when all new technology hits – upgrade the whole front end anyway…so no huge investments now. Bryce

Received the Legato last week and wanted to use my first post here on CA to give my initial thoughts on the Converter. First, thanks to Chris for running a tight ship around here – I would not be enjoying my collection in such a simple way - if it were not for this place. For many reasons, I decided to go the USB>SPDIF Converter>DAC… approach to acceptable sound for my system and needs. I’ve had the digital front end up and running since the beginning of the year, with crappy sound thru the USB input (as expected) and enjoying my CD’s using my CDP as a transport via optical to my Cullen DLIII DAC… all the while being very patient while waiting for a Streamlength firmware SPDIF converter to start shipping. I’m Okay with 44.1 kHz Redbook as a source (the Legato doesn’t do 24/96). I was attracted to the Wavelength protocol as I had a near religious experience with a Crimson running off a Macbook thru top shelf McIntosh with Sonus Faber Homage Memento’s at a local dealer here in NYC a few years ago. So I knew what was possible. The Legato appealed to me for the same reason the DLIII did… attention to power supply, isolation and the output stage. I exchanged a few emails with Pat at Analog Research Technology, peppered him with questions, and then waited for one to ship. It arrived nicely packed (with included SPDIF cable), but missing instructions, a power cord and receipt and/or invoice… I suppose this could be a good thing if you have a wife that opens your mail. Pat is just getting up to speed with production on the Legato, so I have no idea if the omissions are part of the “Grand Plan”. It’s a very professional piece of Hi-Fi Kit. Definitely a solid build at this price point. The case is all silver extruded aluminum with alum end plates with a type of gasket between (about 6 ½”x3”x9”deep). I tried to post a pict in this post. Both front and back plates have screen printing for the logos and such. My original plan was to keep this thing around back, but with the great looks and the size, I decided to put it up front with everything else. It has no light or switch. Exposed fasteners on the front plate are executed very thoughtfully. Keeping with the minimal approach – it came up in MIDI with as “Legato” with no available settings and nothing to set. It runs cool. For cables I’m using Kimber USB and the crazy long U-Byte SPDIF that comes with the Legato. I’m running everything with a new headless Mac mini controlled with remote and screen sharing on an ipod touch + itunes with no problems -- quick and easy. At first listen with my two reference albums, I was at first happy – but then realized something was missing, it sounded a little flat and the music failed to take me away. All the soundstage and width was there, but a noticeable lack of dynamics, depth and no real “meat on the bones”. After switching back to same reference CD’s in a transport via Optical to the same DAC … all the magic was back! On the way to the fridge for beer I realized the problem had to be in the computer. I remember reading somewhere that Lossless was bit perfect but that for some reason decompression on the fly was problematic for some playback systems. So I had my beer, and ripped my two reference CD’s in AIFF, hit play and WOW what a difference. All the fine qualities that are hard to achieve on any system was fully realized, with plenty of depth, huge dynamics, and that hardest of all to accomplish - midrange “meat on the bones”. Everything seems to be in place top to bottom…sometimes I feel the DLIII is somewhat light on the bass on some tracks when it was fed the optical from a transport, time will tell if this is still the case coming from the Legato. I can state with confidence that Apple Lossless is an inferior codec for my system. I haven’t had enough time with the Legato to relate anything else except my digital playback is the best I’ve had in my system and I’m very happy --- and consider my search for a way to experience critical listening through a computer – over. I now have to re-rip my collection, but I consider it a small price to pay. All things being equal, my vinyl front-end still sounds better having more to do with the way vinyl loads a room… but that is a lot of work and not a good comparison, as digital has many other advantages. The biggest surprise with the Legato has been internet radio… it’s a game-changer in my opinion. I have no idea how a 128k stream can sound so good. Check out SOMA FM (Groove Salad). Some Backstory: My intention with this lengthy post is confirm that – with a good SPDIF converter …. one can still get some excellent results with a mid-level DAC (even one that’s a few years old) and not have to upgrade to the latest QB-9, Weiss or Alpha. Although truth be told, If I had the cash, that’s what I would have. I’m sure similar results could be obtained with a variety of Converters, not just the Legato. I have no association with Analogue Research Technologies, except that I bought one. Regarding Hi-Res or 24/96… I just don’t get the attraction with the current state of affairs. My experience tells me that mastering is much more important than the file size. Of course for an “ultimate” 2-Channel experience, well produced Hi-Res can’t be beat. Music is the driver for me not the quality of the source. I can stand a limited bitrate but not access to good music (my collection is 44.1). Life is too short for me to spend time finding really good music I like and have it be 24/96 as well. My goal was to buy a total front end digital server for under $2500.00 including computer/dac/converter and cables - that includes some flexibly with the inputs. I like to think I have succeeded without compromising too much on Sonics and ease of use. Though I listen to just about everything, my reference CD’s are usually Downtempo Electronic stuff out of Austria/Germany. They seem to have a lock on that sound. It’s mellow with very organic studio productions made for high-end systems with huge dynamic range and crazy imaging. Referencing all matter of Juke Joints & Cultures into sonic landscapes. Don’t have to worry about crappy mastering or compressed loud tracks with these -- Check out Tosca “No Hassle”… it’s a crowd pleaser that works in the background or intense listening. Bryce