Tascam DA-3000
Steve over at Decware has a modded DA3000 (ZDSD). He had Jensen make special output transformers that are internally mounted. They are coupled to the balanced output stage and convert to unbalanced for output. This allows for the same voltage output as balanced with a pot to adjust the out voltage. There are some positive reviews of the mod on his forum. http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZDSD.html |
Rodge827 Unfortunately, the transformers only impact the output of the D/A stage, and have no impact on the input analog buffers (all those op amps) coupled to each other with electrolytic caps. Those buffers are between you signal source and what gets digitally recorded. I can see their argument about the digital hardware only recording without the need for a computer. I may keep it just for that, but still use an Ayre or Benchmark to run digital into the Tascam bypassing its input stages. Although its kind of expensive substitute for a computer these days. |
DTC: I suspect the Ayre will work fine. I am leaning toward keeping the Tascam for simply converting digital from an Ayre QA-9 or maybe a Benchmark ADC1 to .wav files, because the variables of the computer conversions of USB data streams are eliminated. I think Audio Advisor carries Benchmark and maybe I can get one to try out. If it does not work, I'd be back to finding and (paying for) the Ayre. |
Music Direct and Benchmark themselves also have trial periods. I agree I would rather go straight to disk, but if you have a computer near by you can go direct. All you are sending is the bits, the timing is not an issue. For the price of the Tascam you can even buy a PC and then transfer to your main system over Ethernet. You could even use the PC as your music player if you do not have one already. I'll be interested in the results you get from the Benchmark. If you happen to be in the Boston area, you can try my Korg. |
