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I own both the X20 and X20 Pro and use them in different systems. I felt the X20 Pro was noticeably (incrementally) better in dynamics and detail than the X20, but otherwise very similar. Based on PeteG's observation I guess the improvement of the X22 over the x20 Pro would be too small to justify buying it and selling the x20.

Thanks for your response. My take-away is that the 004 is a wonderful value. I have found that running my Gustard x20 pro through my old McIntosh MSD4 preamp section improves the life and dynamics of the sound. It also slightly reduces the definition, but it is worth the slight loss of detail. I am considering the 004 as an upgrade.

Did you run the Chord Dave and 004 directly into the amplifier? I was wondering if a good preamp would improve the 004 by providing the missing life and dynamics.

I join the naysayers on Roon. I have over 2000 classical albums that have been carefully categorized and tagged in JRiver. Roon made a total mess of my collection. Impossible to navigate efficiently. The metadata connections, ie photos and text were sometimes interesting, but not nearly good enough to give up efficient access to my collection so I can listen to music. For classical listeners with large collections I think it is worthless. I canceled my trial subscription and removed it from my computer. I can not understand how anyone could pay for this mess.

"I would think any pre-amp that sounds different than J. River thru a good quality Dac directly connected to a power amp is different because it is coloring the sound. You might prefer the coloration which is fine, but that is likely what is going on." If coloring the sound means better imaging and"center fill" between the speakers, better dynamics, and more body and air, then I am for it. I think it depends on the quality of the preamp. My experience is that a passive setup produces the ultimate in clarity, but other desirable qualities in the sound might be diminished.

The new McIntosh Mcd1100 looks interesting. http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/1587.asp

Bill: I love JRiver. Zillions of classical recordings organized just the way I want it, almost. My preferred set up a couple of years ago was to go direct to my amp using a Lynx L22 analog out balanced with Windows xp and software volume control. At that time I was using a Keyspan remote sometimes programed to the JRiver volume control and sometimes to the Lynx mixer. I had a Goldpoint passive volume control also. I could hear no real-world deterioration from loss of bits by using software over the Goldpoint. Since that time I went to Windows 7, an outboard DAC, Neko D100, and upgraded my pre-amp. My preferred method now is to use the preamp with its remote volume control. Yesterday for an experiment I went back to the direct method using the JRiver volume control. Very very clear.Female vocals sounded fabulous. Probably the impedance matching was not perfect because I lost imaging, some dynamics and body to the music. Back to the pre-amp. David

Hello Bill, good to hear from you. I am embarrassed that I asked the question before actually trying it. In my set up in Windows 7 with a Musiland usb to SPDIF converter JRiver volume only works with WASAPI event style.

Isn't direct sound required to use the JRiver volume control?

Thank you for offering your home. This date will work for me. I can drive from the Upper West Side. I suggest that we bring our own test tracks with 3 or 4 tracks so we each can hear music we are familiar with. Hopefully this would not take too long since it looks like there will be a lot of dacs to compare. We might start out comparing DACS in similar price ranges.

If you are using the Lynx mixer, you can control volume with it, even in ASIO. A remote can be programed to run it.

If there is still interest in a meeting, I have put in an order for an Audio GD NFB-7 and, if it is delivered on schedule, could bring it in addition to the Neko D100. Is there still interest?

I did not find any detailed audiophile type descriptions that would be helpful in determining if the Mytek would be better than what I have. If you have some links, please share. When you say: " I am astonished from the difference with my previous dacs, Benchmark and Berkeley under all aspects. I have paid the Mytek less than the Berkeley." it naturally makes the reader curious as to why you feel that way. Just how is it better than the Benchmark or Berkely? Without a good review I look to you. If English is not your native tongue, I apologize for pressing you for a better description. If any one can provide a link to a good review, I would appreciate it.

Could you comment on these characteristics: Sound stage (3-d? forward, back deep shallow, etc.); texture thick or thin; digital sharpness or analog-like smoothness; blackness of silences; overall ease; warmth, accuracy in frequency response, dynamics, clarity of leading and training edge of piano notes; can you hear clearly the natural decay of piano notes? Does a sharp forte strike of a piano key feel real?

You might give the Neko D100 a try. They have a no penalty 30 day trial and I think a tour unit that you sign up for and try when you come up on the waiting list. I heard the Ayre at an audio showroom. To my ears it had too forward a soundstage. It was probably not broken in sufficiently. In addition to the Neko, I own a Lynx L22 whose sound is supposed to be very similiar to the Aroura according to the Lynx web site. The Neko is quieter and more musical, but the analog out on the L22 is very good.