Digital Front End: Critical Listening

Hmm. Sjh32 it would seem a USB fed buffer (or IEEE1394 or similar async bus) would be the next logical step for the Levinson DAC, IMNSHO. A USB interface could, in theory, offer better performance for the same or less money. But it's all speculation until USB transports and DACs appear on the market.

what interconnects, digital interconnects and speaker cables are you using ?

mike

I have to admit, Aroc, that your suggestion is over my head. A USB fed buffer sounds like it uses a USB cable, but why that might be superior (bandwidth?), I can't figure out on my own. As with most of my hobby knowledge, I pick things up slowly over time, and that's what interests me in your post; I should probably have at least a conversational grasp of these subjects if I'm dropping over $4000 on digital gear (I love it when some bored looking saleperson tries to wow me with some marketing technobable and you just know they're full of shit,).
Is there a newletter or other publication for laymen that follows advances in digital audio, like Speakerbuilder was to DIY speaker building?

For analogue, my whole system is wired and connected with Audio Synthesis. Some of the RCA's(no balanced) are better than others but they're all at least "very good" according to the research I did when I bought the stuff. I also got a very good deal on most of it. I understand that varying cables can be used to fine tune a system but I don't think I'm there yet. First I need to get off my ass and build my DIY speaker which I finally got all the parts for but now need to design the crossover.

Ok I have my transport. The Thete Digital Data Basic II. What a difference over the previous combinations. I even A-B'd it aginst the MF A308CDR as a transport, no comparison. The Theta is warmer by far not nearly as bright, tonally the system is awsome even my step daughter things so. Well I also upgraded my speakers to the B&W Nautilus 803. It's only money. After almost a month of break in on the whole system it is comming in to its own. The Theta and the Tri-Vista are an execelent combo. Unfortunitaly I have little time to do critical listening as my grandson has taken over the Stereo and TV.

The system as it is today.
MF A308 Integrated
MF Tri-Vista DAC
Theta Digital Data Basic II Transport
Project RM-4 Turntable
Sumiko Blue Point Cartridge
Synergistic Research Kaladiscope Phase I Interconnects
Synergistic Research Signature 10 Speaker cables
Synergistic Research Digital Interconnect!
B&W Nautilus 803 Speakers
Monster Power HT5100 Power Conditioner

Remember to take the system as a whole.