EAR Acute Classic - has anyone heard or tried it

I believe the Acute is up to "4" status.

The "4" is a separate DAC with separate CD transport.  It came out 2 years ago.  The DAC is $8000 and the CD transport is another $5000.  The Acute Classic just got release a couple of months ago.  It is a single unit which is a CD and DAC, retails for $6800, as it replaced the Acute 3.  It has 2 output tubes instead of 4 tubes in the DAC 4, but is based on the DAC 4 design.  It is about half the price of the DAC4/CD transport, so seeing what the performance of it is. 

As long as we're all guessing here, I would say that if you weren't satisfied with the Acute 3, I would pass on this as well if you can't audition.  Given the price point, I would be very surprised if this were a significant improvement over the 3.  

I would say that if you weren't satisfied with the Acute 3

Charyo,  I stated that I loved the sound of the Acute 3, but only felt the DAC is a little dated.  Not sure I understand what you can gather from a price point - why couldn't a newer model 5 years later be a significant improvement?  Technology has changed drastically in the past few years.

How has DAC technology changed "drastically" over the past few years?  It looks pretty much the same to me.  

Manufacturers now using their own algorithms, DAC chips have significantly improved, circuitry advancements…..  So many factors contribute to a sonic difference (though it may look the same).  Doesn't necessarily make it better, but they are different.  Many companies are entering the DAC market as well, increasing competition and getting more performance for less money.  DSD, HDI, USB interfacing, file compatibility, etc.  

I believe that I read where the new "4" iteration adds SACD capability?
Happy Listening!

The Acute Classic is a replacement for the Acute 3. CD transport & DAC. The Acute 4 is a SACD transport that needs to be married to the EAR Dac 4.

I stated that I loved the sound of the Acute 3, but only felt the DAC is a little dated.

The tube and transformer section of these designs is pretty timeless but DAC chips/circuits technology seem like they evolve everyday. I think for CD playback, the Acute 3 was already pretty good. If you are never going to play CDs, the Dac 4 or something else is probably better. Just watch out though, as there are some super high end DACs out there that do 384Khz or even 768KHz but some of them sound really poor so specs aren't everything from my experience. Plus I don't actually own any music of those resolution that aren't just sample files.

I don't have any DSD files, so this is why I have a particular interest in the Acute Classic.  If I have hirez files, I'd opt for the Dac 4 with SACD/CD transport.   

Anyone compared this new Acute to the Acute3 ?

The "4" is an entirely differently unit than the Acute.  It is a separate DAC and CD transports.  The Acute 3 is now the Acute Classic.  There never was an Acute 4 (combined DAC and CD into one unit).

There never was an Acute "4".  The DAC 4 is a separate DAC with a separate CD transport.  The Acute 3 is now the Acute Classic, which is the combined DAC/CD into one unit

I have looked everywhere for any reviews or user feedback on this cd player and as yet not found anything. I use an EAR Acute 3 cd player through an EAR 868 and 890 and it is simply stunning. However, I feel TDP has really gone to town and come up with 2 new cracking digital source products. So, I would be grateful if anybody can provide any user feedback on either of these.

http://www.earyoshino.com/Acute-CD-Player/

http://www.earyoshino.com/Acute4/

http://www.earyoshino.com/Dac4/

Samhifi,

the dealer I work with just go the Dac 4 and is running pcm, hi res, and dsd files through it.  He will be getting the acute 4 cd sacd transport as well.  Let me know if you want his info and he can give you his feedback.  He is a super nice guy, honest, and great to work with.  Just send me a personal message.  I'm assuming you are in the United States?  But maybe not.

i had the acute 3 as well but sold it.  I am looking to get the acute classic since I'm not in need of dsd.  

Hi fischer3966

I'm in the UK and the nearest EAR dealer is a long way from me. I would be most grateful for any feedback and if they have previous experience of the Acute 3 that would be even better. I am seriously thinking of the new Classic so we shall see what the opinion is.

So, has anyone upgraded to the Acute Classic? Dac4 w/ matching transport?

I will be placing an order for the Acute Classic in the near future (hopefully in the next month).  There has been some issues with the DAC 4 and using DSD - it is pretty temperamental and has a loud pop when going from DSD to PCM tracks (that was my dealers experience).  He thought the PCM tracks were fabulous though.  Being I have no DSD, I will be getting the Acute Classic.

Acute Classic has replaced my LampizatOr Big 7 DAC (balanced). It is VERY musical and magnificient CD player & DAC ! In comparaison, the Big7 has wider stage and is more precise, but musicality and analog signature are what I was looking for in the first place. In this regard, Acute Classic is simply better. Paired with electrostatics (Tim de Paravicini was an ESL fan), and some nice tube amp, you will abandon your nostalgia for the turntable. I would say that this CD player sits on the very top of audiophile experience. The DAC section is not compatible with DSD format, so if you are looking for streming DAC capable to stream modern formats, you shall look for DAC4 which is the top of the line in EAR product list. It is also Tim de Paravicini's chef d'oeuvre and state of the art.

twodolphins

 

Are these Players still supported with Customer Service?

Good to read that the Acute Classic is relevant in 2022.

 

Happy Listening!