Your Next Upgrade? (Part 2)

I run every source through the magic of DSP via BACCH. Yes, even vinyl. I can listen to vinyl without it and I sometimes do. Never for more than 12 seconds. EQ adjustments for sad hearing should not be source dependent. Once your hearing deficiency is on record and corrected as best as it can be, why would a source make a difference. I am assuming you are thinking only a fuel would digitize precious vinyl. I do. I admit. [Hides]

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I’m a fuel/fool too. I used to run my digital into DSD conversion and into my DSD DAC Mk 2 via i2S. Sounded great. I only moved to analog out via XLR as there was a slight advantage to using the balanced circuitry.

Not clear to me how to cleanly implement DSP from three standard sources: streaming; CD/SACD; and vinyl. Streaming by itself no problem using ROON. CD I have digital out from my transport but how to DSP? Run it to my MAC then back to my PMG 512 for DA conversion? And vinyl, would need to AD, and certainly would not want that analog signal anywhere near my MAC or any PC. convert all my vinyl to digital? Then I would loose the tactile advantage that vinyl provides over streaming but does preserve the unique mastering done for some vinyl. For now I’ll stick with my McIntosh analog EQ. Yea, I know, phase shift but it’s not clear to me that all that added silicon and copper to do DSP for vinyl and CD would be better.

Hi. There is at least one Roon extension which creates a radio station on your local network so that you can ā€œtune inā€ (via the Live Radio feature) a connected Raspberry Pi with a HAT enabling SPDIF input from any source.

Yeah, I’ve been playing with one of these, too. Been diverted by other things, so I haven’t gotten far enough along to decide if it’s better, or just different. I spent too much time trying to get a 3602 to work in client mode.

Since my home hi-fi system has already received many upgrades, my focus has currently shifted to my new, high-quality car hi-fi system. Last week, I replaced the standard Toslink cable between my DSP amplifier and the subwoofer amplifier with an Audioquest Vodka. With the Vodka, the frequency response is extended downwards, punchier, and more integrated. Today, I added Epplugs RCA analog termination plugs to the open RCA inputs. The sound seems more clearly structured and reveals finer details better, along with improved soundstage imaging. I shielded the open digital input with a Phonosophie connector and attached Phonosophie clips to the cables. The individual results are small, but noticeable overall and further enhance the listening experience. I also plan to connect the Xangsane Blackhole to the amplifier chassis. Once you’re hooked on tweaks, you can’t stop at the car. :joy:

Cheers, Andreas

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When audio Dementia hit me, I stop listening music and go take a walk, and normally, it will solve my problem and stabilize my Craving for more upgrade!

but now, I have a subwoofer hitching, for a third one!

I think I’ve narrowed down my search for an integrated to the Accuphase E-800S. There’s a ton of reasons, but ultimately I am after something that combines amp/preamp. It does have slots for a DAC and a Phono Pre. I may purchase the phono pre, only as a nice to have and I suppose more consolidation. I really don’t spin anymore, but if the itch did come along, I can scratch it.

Integrated Accuphase E-800S McIntosh MA9500 Luxman L-509Z Gryphon Diablo 300
Amplifier Class Pure Class A Class A/B with autoformers Class A/B with LIFES Class A/B with some Class A
Power Output (8Ī©) 50W (Class A) 300W 120W (claimed more) 300W (first few watts in Class A)
Damping Factor 1,000 Lower (due to transformers) I couldn’t find easily. High
Sound Profile Warm, lush, organic, silky smooth, highly refined mids, deep bass Warm, ā€œslow,ā€ less detailed compared to Accuphase, classic ā€œMacā€ sound Neutral, dynamic, crisp, detailed with solid bass, open Muscular, authoritative bass, dynamic, can be a bit harsh on highs
Volume Control Balanced AAVA (analog, ultra low noise) Standard potentiometer LECUA (electronic controlled attenuator) I couldn’t find easily. Laziness.
Build Quality Top-tier, meticulous Japanese engineering, often considered superior to McIntosh Excellent, but some reviewers find connection terminals ā€œcheapā€ Excellent, comparable to Accuphase Excellent, solid construction
Aesthetics Classic gold faceplate, analog meters, luxurious feel Iconic blue meters, black glass panel Elegant, silver finish, analog meters Modern, imposing design, large chassis
Modularity Two option board slots (DAC/Phono) Built-in DAC/Phono Built-in phono stage, headphone amp Option for phono or DAC module

Here’s a decent review:

I’m still not 100%, but I am pretty certain this is it. I really want something that I can listen to for quite a while…. 10, 15, 20 years?

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But……..it’s gold colored

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I like the design. Too much now is touch screen.

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In the dark it looks silver.

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You don’t have to explain anything about an Accuphase purchase. Nope. I am intensely jealous! I don’t get my very own Diablo 333, or anything Accuphase. Sigh.

Remember, 1 Class A watt equals 10 class AB watts. Enjoy the joyride!

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I just put some Stack Auva feet under my P20. They’re just as effective there as under any other component in my system. I think they are the best bang for buck of anything I have.

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Yes, they’re really awesome anywhere. (Under a component).

Well, they did nothing as a cable lifter for my power cords, but so was any other I have tried. Maybe no carpet helped.:thinking:

But I like to lift all my cables up so I can clean the bugs under easily.

My best upgrade on the trip was last night:

I love sweets, but these black pearls only exist at Maui. I felt good now.

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Wow. What a presentation. An artiste!

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Is that the Maui Black Pearl cable lifter with the clamp down? Looks great, hope you are having a great time.

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@vkennedy61 I’ve only heard an Accuphase system once and really liked it but their industrial design is damned near intoxicating.

The E-800S is gorgeous and, as others have remarked, staying away from touch displays makes the brand that much more compelling.

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I agree about the design. I like the very slow evolution of some design changes. Porsche 911, BMW 3, 5, 7 series, McIntosh, Luxman, Volvo, etc… For me it’s important that even if I have a ten year old product, the design doesn’t feel terribly dated.

For devices like DACs and Streamers, I understand that tech is moving much faster, and changes in my stack will be more ā€œfrequentā€ for them then the Pre, Amp, or in this case Integrated.

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Did you know, first Philips, Quad CD player had a removal DAC chip, for replace and upgrade, since the format was fix :wink: !

I always wonder with new version, was it software or hardware that Justify it? or both!