Alex Peychev

Hi Guillaume, As a manufacturer, I thought it would be appropriate to give you some additional information, aside from what Chris was already so nice to advise you in his reply. Please take this information for what it worths to you. The initial review Chris was so nice to write on the DSD-MR was for its initial version - the DSD-MR MK1. Then the DSD-MR was redesigned to MK2 and now it is at is final version called SE - Special Edition. Each successive redesign of the DSD-MR brought considerable sonic improvements. However, in the SE version, we have implemented very sophisticated technologies, previously unseen in any of our digital products. Based on the feedback we have received on the DSD-MR SE performance, everyone who auditioned it agrees that this our best sounding DAC ever, and by far. All of the above said, and as Chris already suggested, it would be very nice if you consider auditioning the DSD-MR SE. I am sure you will enjoy the fine balance between natural musicality combined with detail and clarity that makes you want to hear more and more of your favorite recordings without being fatigued over a short period of time. Best regards, Alex

All works really fast with the latest Roon build on my iPhone XS Max too.

I agree. It is quite amazing indeed that Audirvana comes close to Roon, especially on a Mac platform and considering the cost. However, as mentioned in my earlier post, Roon still has the edge, at least to my ears and in my audio system. Of course, anyone who uses a Mac for audio playback will be very happy with Audirvana, no doubt about it. Damien has always done a great job and the latest Audirvana is no exception. Thanks for your valuable input.

You are welcome. Image of the Audirvana System Optimizer is attached now for clarity.

Sure, it can be turned On or Off on different levels, including completely off. However, this feature is great because it stops Spotlight and Time Machine, for example, and other things in the Mac OS which do not need to run. Audio quality is better with those services stopped. Also, it stops the services only when audio file is played. When playback is stopped, everything with the OS is back to normal. In other words, this is not a permanent system optimizer, such are some other available optimizers. Hope this helps.

The plan is to show again with Davis Acoustics (speakers) and Esprit Audio (cables) in the Atrium 4.2, Room 205 at the Munich High-End. If you have plans to visit, it would be nice to meet you there. Alex

That is correct. One can play native DSD up to 256 and PCM up to 384kHz/32bit. All PCM rates are being converted to DSD by a FPGA-based DSD modulator with DSD128 or DSD256 selectable rates (soon even on the cheaper DSD-SR and upcoming DSD-AR). Digital filter is 64 bit and can be set to Normal, Slow or Zero (no filter at all = perfect impulse response). We have tried many software based DSD modulators (including the one built in Roon), so did many of our customers, but the FPGA-based modulator is always preferred. At least this is the feedback I am getting. Alex

Well, this is the case because the Synology works on a 12V linear power supply and also the streamer is 100% linear powered. Since the LAN connection is galvanically isolated, the DAC does not see any unwanted noise coming from the USB or DTR connections. The other privilege of Roon Core being on the Synology NAS is because it runs on Linux and so there are not so many other processes running (everything else is stopped) except for the Roon Core. Also, the low-power Intel processor in the Synology results in much less noise from the internal switching power supplies compared to other computers with powerful processors. Downside is that Roon Core on the NAS cannot perform some intensive tasks, such as DSD to DSD upsampling, for example, but I am not interested in any DSP functions which call for more powerful CPUs. Alex

You are welcome again, Matt. I did not hear a difference between NAS Core and MBP Core, but I think this is because the Mac USB connection was used in both cases in order to provide equal playing field with Audirvana. However, Roon with the Core on the NAS sounds best when my streamer is used. In that case I am using the MBP (or iPhone / iPad) for remote only. Alex

Matt, The outcome is the same in favor of Roon. More relaxed, more air, more analog-like. A subtle difference but it is there. Alex

You are welcome, Matt. I can eventually try with Qobuz too, but I also guess that the result will be the same. My streamer has the capability to directly stream from Qobuz or Tidal accounts so I have tried it. But Roon sounded better. I guess the superiority of Roon playback is because of their RAAT protocol. Alex

I have downloaded the latest Audirvana on a MacBook Pro. Music files are on a Synology NAS. Roon Core installed on the same NAS as well. NAS running on a linear power supply. Both Roon and Audirvana playing from the same library native, no upsampling or other DSP. The DAC is connected via USB to the Mac. The Mac is on the LAN via cable, not wireless. I must say that the latest Audirvana is really good and has very subtle SQ differences compared to Roon. However, I feel that Roon still has the edge. It sounds richer and overall more analog-like. This is the very reason why we have been using Roon for some time now (although other programs such as JRiver MC, for example, offer better features and flexibility). After trying just about every computer audio playback software available, it was clear that Roon provides the best SQ (most natural and analog-like sound), at least in my opinion. Again, the latest Audirvana is probably one of the best options for Mac now, especially if one wants to play directly from the Mac or from external drive connected to the Mac and not bother with NAS and network playback. Audirvana also has a built-in OS optimization for audio playback which is a big plus when the DAC is connected via USB to the computer. Alex

Sure, I will contact Damien and try the new Audirvana on both Mac and Windows and share my honest impressions here.

On Windows or Mac platform? I've also heard good things about the latest Audirvana so will try it.

Thank you, Matt. My impressions are also on the positive side as the new Roon version seems to be sounding richer and with a better detail at the same time. This is especially audible with well done recordings. However, the new Roon version is not very forgiving with some not so great recordings. Alex