source

[iansheadphones]

as my cd player is no longer practicable i need to invest more money on a new source any suggestions/ ideas the sonos looks like it could be good any advice much appreciated

[FauDrei]

You haven't mentioned any specifics so...

How does a computer/squeezebox with f.e. Audio-GD DAC19-DSP sound as a suggestion?

[insomniac]

I'm currently using the older DAC-19MK3 with 2 x PCM1704UK chips and DF1704 digital filter and really enjoy the sound it produces. The DAC19-DSP should be a nice step up in SQ with the DSP replacing the DF1704 and improved BPM gain modules fitted.

I prefer the chassis on the older model though but the new one looks interesting so I may pick one up at some stage for comparison.

Hows the Reference 1 sounding now Valter?

[FauDrei]

Every now and then I want to write a line or two about Reference One but bas*ards like Ashkenazy, Pogorelich or that bi*ch Hahn do not let me.

That and also... I am biased toward A-GDs gear (look at my previous recommendation ) and I'd feel guilty and absurd glorifying in a headphone focused board a single piece of gear that takes half of anybody's desktop, weights 15 Kgs and costs a grand and a half. Just by definition, anything with those attributes should be damn good.

Oh, yes... the answer... It sounds damn good.

[FauDrei]

BTW, Dave... that DAC19mk3 that you have it was, IM(biased)O, the best $500 DAC you can get. Those PCM1704 chips are "ear openers".

Now that mk3 is not produced any more, the title goes to DAC19-DF. But having and knowing what DSP-1 as reclocker, buffer, filter... can do, I strongly suggest spending additional $150 on DSP version.

You are right about the case.

[iansheadphones]

thanks guys will check out dac tonight. i like the idea of streaming music from napster etc but not sure about quality of down loads crap in crap out is the old but very true saying. the olive looked good as i could store my cds on it as well but cold not find dealer in uk.
Ian

[insomniac]

Mar 9, 2010 1:26:27 GMT FauDrei said:

Every now and then I want to write a line or two about Reference One but bas*ards like Ashkenazy, Pogorelich or that bi*ch Hahn do not let me.

Well Valter, you can't really argue with guys of that calibre. Best just sit back and listen

That and also... I am biased toward A-GDs gear (look at my previous recommendation ) and I'd feel guilty and absurd glorifying in a headphone focused board a single piece of gear that takes half of anybody's desktop, weights 15 Kgs and costs a grand and a half. Just by definition, anything with those attributes should be damn good.

Well the other way to look at it, you could spend similar amounts on a various collection of lower cost DAC's, whereas the Ref One may be the last DAC you ever need to purchase (wishful thinking). No need to feel guilty unless the Wife/GF/Significant Other happens to stumble upon the Receipt

Oh, yes... the answer... It sounds damn good.

Glad to hear that it lives up to the name of "Reference"

BTW, Dave... that DAC19mk3 that you have it was, IM(biased)O, the best $500 DAC you can get. Those PCM1704 chips are "ear openers".

Gotta agree... the PCM1704 is now a favourite of mine. Love the term "ear openers" btw

Now that mk3 is not produced any more, the title goes to DAC19-DF. But having and knowing what DSP-1 as reclocker, buffer, filter... can do, I strongly suggest spending additional $150 on DSP version.

I've always been curious about the DSP-1 and I'm glad to see it make an appearance in the Mid-range gear. I suppose the extra $150 is a small price to pay when taking into consideration Audio-gd's development costs, programming the Cyclone chip and incorporating it into the design etc. The same DSP upgrade would probably cost $500+ from a UK/US manufacturer.

Dave

[iansheadphones]

checked out the audio gd 19dsp £509 looks good or should i consider the ref3 £900 being matched to a GS solo linear when it gets built still need to sort out source though!

[mrarroyo]

I have a Monarchy NM24 which uses the PCM1704K 24/96 chip. You can find used examples of this unit in Audiogon for under $850 USD plus S&H. Good luckl

[FauDrei]

Mar 9, 2010 23:35:20 GMT iansheadphones said:

checked out the audio gd 19dsp £509 looks good or should i consider the ref3 £900 being matched to a GS solo linear when it gets built still need to sort out source though!

Well Ian, if you can stretch to DAC-3 REF (not Reference 3) I'm pretty sure you will not regret it. It is the latest and greatest SE DAC from A-GD with two PCM1704 per channel, two completely separated channels and central completely separated input/receiver/buffer/reclocker/filter section. Three R-core trafos - one for each channel and one for "central section", all in class A. As I'm firmly convicted that source is more important than amp matching with Solo should not be a problem, but the star of the show will be DAC-3. Beware though DAC-3 is bigger than DAC-19 - check the dimensions, A-GD is not really familiar with miniaturization.

You still need transport (if we consider DAC being the source)? If some kind of squeezebox is not your thing, get a half decent laptop and M2Tech hiFace, hiFace being optional but highly recommended. Why? A brief search on, Head-Fi, diyAudio (even a review on 6-Moons) will explain.

...and after that you will, of course, need proper headphones...

[iansheadphones]

Thanks again did not reply yesterday as i think you all had more tragic news to discuss Rick and his family must hold you all in very high esteem to have take the time to get in touch at such a difficult time for them all.

[iansheadphones]

Headphones got a pair of grado 225i in december just did not think it was going to set all this in motion good job i have a large limit on my credit card!

[Spirit]

Mar 9, 2010 11:36:00 GMT insomniac said:

Well the other way to look at it, you could spend similar amounts on a various collection of lower cost DAC's, whereas the Ref One may be the last DAC you ever need to purchase (wishful thinking). No need to feel guilty unless the Wife/GF/Significant Other happens to stumble upon the Receipt

I'm hoping to complete my headphone setup before this becomes an issue again ;D

PC-> HiFace -> Buff2 -> AK Class A -> dunno... HD600 for the moment.

[freddypipsqueek]

Just an idea.

I have an old Arcam BBII which Colin at Chevron Audion has converted to NOS and fitted with a new clock. The sound is simply stunning. Also the SD WAVE readers he has look tempting and I will soon be fitting one to the BBII - I currently use a Roksan Kandy with clock mod. I refer to the BBII because it is an old TDA1541A unit which easily holds it's own.

Having said the above I would find the DAC sound you love and then buy the best. DAC's last. Say you spent £400 more, over 15 years thats about 8p a day - MAX - for much better sound quality.

[iansheadphones]

Thanks for all the advice i have opted to go for the stagedac small and headphone focused
Ian