thb

Bob, I'm using a Metric Halo ULN 2 via firewire from my MBP with Mountain Lion 10.8.2. I can use Direct Mode + Integer with 1.3.9.9 with no problems and very good sound. I haven't tried 1.3.9.10 yet, maybe tonight. Tom

I was a little reluctant to buy this since I feel I was ripped off on my purchase of Gaucho at 24/96 from HDTracks, but I bought it because this is one of my favorite albums. I think it sounds better than the redbook CD. Vocals are more up front, the bass seems tighter, the high end is not as bright as the CD, and it has not been compressed more than the CD. I think it is well worth the money for the 24/96 download.

Yeah, I was very disappointed. I contacted HDTracks and received a response from them with a couple of screenshots from the mastering studio (see attached files below) that said: "As you can see by the graphs there is energy way up to 30 kHz and above. The important thing to note is that if it was not 96kHz the energy you see above 30kHz would not exist. We feel confident that this demonstrates beyond a doubt that this album is true 96kHz/24bit, and we hope you feel the same." In the future I will be very cautious buying old recordings labelled as high-res.

Hey Nineteen ripped from CD: Waveform: Spectrum: Sounds as good as the 24/96 download and much less compressed.

From HDTracks: Gaucho - Steely Dan, Hey Nineteen Waveform: Spectrum: Sounds good although it's compressed and there's not much info above 20K or so.

From Lancia Media Factory: Little Big Horn by Gerry Mulligan Waveform: Spectrum: This sounds very good. It comes from a 1981 recording. From the Lancia web site: Faithfully restored from the original analog master tapes and available on 180g audiophile-grade vinyl LP (includes free MP3 download), 24bit/96kHz Hi-Definition FLAC, and MP3

From HDTracks: Jazz in the Key of Blue - Jimmy Cobb Waveform: Spectrum: This sounds great.

Thought I would try showing a few more examples of recent downloads. From HDTracks: Let it Bleed - The Rolling Stones Here's the waveform: And here's the spectrum: I think it sounds better than the CD, although it's a little louder.

@Bob, Yes about 80% of my files are Apple Lossless the rest are AIFF.

Bob, I have a ULN-2 and also have had crashes and non responses using the play button. After loading a playlist or an album into AyreWave, I find that if I double click on the track I want to hear I don't have any problems. Tom

...on the sound quality differences between the ULN-2 and 8. I plan on using whatever I settle on as mainly a stand alone DAC playing mostly 44.1 and 96k files (I only have a very small number of files at 192 and they're mostly samples of larger works). Also I don't plan on doing much recording, except possibly converting some vinyl to digital, but I would then have to upgrade my old B&O turntable too. So maybe the ULN-2 would work for me. Although the "extraordinarily natural low end" sounds very interesting. I like to follow the bass lines in many recordings. I'll have to look into getting a demo of the ULN-2 and go from there. Thanks again for the help.

While we're on the subject of the ULN-2, I'm curious about what I would miss out on if I were to buy a ULN-2 instead of an LIO-8. I've read most every thing on CA about both MH boxes and am very interested. I just don't know if I can find the money for the LIO-8. Thanks for any help on this. Bixby: I would be very interested to hear your comments about the sound of the ULN-2 if you get to demo one.

Chris, Off to work soon so this needs to be short. Thanks for your comments. I already ran across the Outlaw amps while reading the forums here. It seems that the most interesting gear for me tends to be only available online. Also, one step at a time is a wise plan.

Chris, The Rotel seems to be handling the maggies ok. It's rated at 130 watts into 8 ohms, but they don't rate it into 4 ohms - I'm guessing maybe 200 watts. Most listening is with the volume control at 10 to 12 o'clock. So my initial plan was inline with your suggestions - to first try some new DACs. But I keep reading that you need lots of power for the maggies. Do you think an amp could hide the true sound of a DAC as the dealer implied? I'm going to have to be patient and wait to read what people think of the W4S and Zodiac. Thanks again, Tom

I want to upgrade from my current DAC (Headroom Ultra Micro DAC), but wonder if I will be able to hear the benefits any new DAC may have without also upgrading my amplification (Rotel 1070 Pre and Power). One reason for the question is that my local dealer thinks my amp's "dark sound" will mask the subtleties of any new DAC. I think he just wants to make a bigger sale. He may not get any of my upgrade money anyway since I'm looking at DACs that are only available online (ULN-2, Wyred for Sound, & Antelope Zodiac). What do you think? Tom P.S. My system: MacBook Pro via Toslink -> Ultra Micro DAC -> Rotel RC 1070 Pre -> Rotel RB 1070 Power -> Magnapan 1.6QR & 2 Rythmic Audio Subs, GIK corner bass traps and absorption panels.