UPDATE:
I finally got some listening time in…
I have been running the ODSE via usb off the computer to burn it in. I actually bought an inexpensive CD player with spdif out to burn in the DSD-S simultaneously. So both have been running non-stop since last Wed when I last posted. That's 216 hours additional. The DSD-S had about 468 last I posted. So its now at 684 hours; I would assume its nicely burnt in by now. The ODSE is just warming up with its first steps of 216 hours.
I reconnected the DSD-S to the usb and used my cables as always, no change in the rest of the system. For those curious, I have not yet set up any acoustic treatments, so no change their. Consistency is key!
I ran it DSD64 and DSD128. Overall, the extra hours clearly made a difference. That quirky imaging shift I mentioned before seams to be gone (that was SO weird) and the DAC really matured in many ways, like leaving a wine out to breath. I will say, definitively, that if I had to keep the DSD-S forever and never be allowed to buy another DAC, I would have no problem with that. It is that good. The overall sonic signature was the same as what I described last time. But the listening position has actually come up a bit more, and the definition of instruments in space and sonically has become more present, more lifelike.
DSD64 and 128 were hard to define, and subtle. In essence, the DSD64 created a broader sense of presence and warmth and the DSD128 was like turning the sharpness up on a TV. I preferred the 64 on vocals, jazz, blues and rock music while I liked the 128 when listening to classical. Its a push and change scenario, so you can do it on the fly; which is nice. I popped back and forth to fine tune each song. Cant say more then that really. It was nice to have it, i guess. Although I spent part of each of my listening moments deciding if I liked 64 or 128 better (which distracted me from enjoying the moment). If I was forced to, I would probably leave it on DSD128 most of the time. But its easy enough to switch that its truly switch as desired; there are buttons right on the remote to go from one to the other.
The DSD-S has a sense of accuracy and presence that is its sonic signature. Polar opposite of the Lampy. Tube lovers would need to run this guy through a tube pre-amp and amp to "warm" it up. Again, those who prefer the sound of the Meitner. and to a lesser extent the DirectStream should email Alex asap and set up an audition. I think the PS Audio Direct Stream is 70 of the DAC that the DSD-S is. Which is about right if you look at the price…
I did listen to hi-res and DSD on the DSD-S and it was wonderful! Truly wonderful! Enough to motivate me to look into it further when music I am looking for is available in that format. But I have nothing to compare it with, and thus leave that evaluation to another.
I did swap in his PC at one point, just to see since Alex asked. Again, no huge difference although the base clearly was more defined and was a tad more impactful with my more expensive Zitron PC. The noise floor also dropped noticeably with the Zitron. I have all Shunyata Zitron cables, and the affect is cumulative. So for me to truly veal his PC would take a LOT of time and effort… For what it is, its very good, and VERY flexible, which I liked a lot!
I did not listen to his USB - sorry Alex.
I listened exclusively this time with the 2.6 Version of Amarra, which I am very familiar with. I tried the Audirvana for Hi-Rez, and with my red book listening list very briefly. The Amarra/Audirvana differences are subtle and not dramatic enough for me to justify changing a software variable during my listening session.
I then hooked the ODSE back in and gave it a listen just to see. It's young and immature, but the ODSE magic was there. I assure you all that the DSD-S is an exceptonal DAC, but in my system the ODSE shines. It was that obvious, that quickly. There is some type of synergy between every part of my system, including the room, that makes the gear and accessories I currently have work together to make a whole that is greater then its parts.
I am left only to offer a heartfelt thank you to Alex for giving me the opportunity to listen to his wonderful DAC and the chance to tell you all about it. With the right system it is an unequivocal winner!
So, what now?
I will continue to burn in my ODSE and compare (next Wednesday if I can) the new Amarra 3.0 software and the Audirvana software with the ODSE as I am VERY curious to see if there are any differences.
I await a call from John about the Romulus. And I will try to convince someone to send me or lend me a Lampy 7 and an Allnic DAC. No rush on either.
In the off time, I will actually listen to music and enjoy my system. I think thats what I am supposed to do….
Steve is working on an upgrade for the ODSE to use the XMOS USB converter chip, which he says makes a big difference. Can't wait to hear that…
'fin
I finally got some listening time in…
I have been running the ODSE via usb off the computer to burn it in. I actually bought an inexpensive CD player with spdif out to burn in the DSD-S simultaneously. So both have been running non-stop since last Wed when I last posted. That's 216 hours additional. The DSD-S had about 468 last I posted. So its now at 684 hours; I would assume its nicely burnt in by now. The ODSE is just warming up with its first steps of 216 hours.
I reconnected the DSD-S to the usb and used my cables as always, no change in the rest of the system. For those curious, I have not yet set up any acoustic treatments, so no change their. Consistency is key!
I ran it DSD64 and DSD128. Overall, the extra hours clearly made a difference. That quirky imaging shift I mentioned before seams to be gone (that was SO weird) and the DAC really matured in many ways, like leaving a wine out to breath. I will say, definitively, that if I had to keep the DSD-S forever and never be allowed to buy another DAC, I would have no problem with that. It is that good. The overall sonic signature was the same as what I described last time. But the listening position has actually come up a bit more, and the definition of instruments in space and sonically has become more present, more lifelike.
DSD64 and 128 were hard to define, and subtle. In essence, the DSD64 created a broader sense of presence and warmth and the DSD128 was like turning the sharpness up on a TV. I preferred the 64 on vocals, jazz, blues and rock music while I liked the 128 when listening to classical. Its a push and change scenario, so you can do it on the fly; which is nice. I popped back and forth to fine tune each song. Cant say more then that really. It was nice to have it, i guess. Although I spent part of each of my listening moments deciding if I liked 64 or 128 better (which distracted me from enjoying the moment). If I was forced to, I would probably leave it on DSD128 most of the time. But its easy enough to switch that its truly switch as desired; there are buttons right on the remote to go from one to the other.
The DSD-S has a sense of accuracy and presence that is its sonic signature. Polar opposite of the Lampy. Tube lovers would need to run this guy through a tube pre-amp and amp to "warm" it up. Again, those who prefer the sound of the Meitner. and to a lesser extent the DirectStream should email Alex asap and set up an audition. I think the PS Audio Direct Stream is 70 of the DAC that the DSD-S is. Which is about right if you look at the price…
I did listen to hi-res and DSD on the DSD-S and it was wonderful! Truly wonderful! Enough to motivate me to look into it further when music I am looking for is available in that format. But I have nothing to compare it with, and thus leave that evaluation to another.
I did swap in his PC at one point, just to see since Alex asked. Again, no huge difference although the base clearly was more defined and was a tad more impactful with my more expensive Zitron PC. The noise floor also dropped noticeably with the Zitron. I have all Shunyata Zitron cables, and the affect is cumulative. So for me to truly veal his PC would take a LOT of time and effort… For what it is, its very good, and VERY flexible, which I liked a lot!
I did not listen to his USB - sorry Alex.
I listened exclusively this time with the 2.6 Version of Amarra, which I am very familiar with. I tried the Audirvana for Hi-Rez, and with my red book listening list very briefly. The Amarra/Audirvana differences are subtle and not dramatic enough for me to justify changing a software variable during my listening session.
I then hooked the ODSE back in and gave it a listen just to see. It's young and immature, but the ODSE magic was there. I assure you all that the DSD-S is an exceptonal DAC, but in my system the ODSE shines. It was that obvious, that quickly. There is some type of synergy between every part of my system, including the room, that makes the gear and accessories I currently have work together to make a whole that is greater then its parts.
I am left only to offer a heartfelt thank you to Alex for giving me the opportunity to listen to his wonderful DAC and the chance to tell you all about it. With the right system it is an unequivocal winner!
So, what now?
I will continue to burn in my ODSE and compare (next Wednesday if I can) the new Amarra 3.0 software and the Audirvana software with the ODSE as I am VERY curious to see if there are any differences.
I await a call from John about the Romulus. And I will try to convince someone to send me or lend me a Lampy 7 and an Allnic DAC. No rush on either.
In the off time, I will actually listen to music and enjoy my system. I think thats what I am supposed to do….
Steve is working on an upgrade for the ODSE to use the XMOS USB converter chip, which he says makes a big difference. Can't wait to hear that…
'fin