Matt, thanks so much for your labor of love on this thread (and to others who are regular contributors!). I have been on Agon for a long time and this is the best overall equipment thread I have followed to date. I found it a couple of years ago when I was in the market for a mid level DAC (<=$5K), and while the discussion is focused on the highest end products, the principles of auditioning and the theory of how designers and users are solving problems trickles down more effectively than I have seen for capital gains;-).
I actually ended up getting a much cheaper but well reviewed (and to me very good sounding) DAC than somd I had been considering, and then swapping the switching power supply out for an outboard LPS, largely after reading Steve Nugents and others design comments And references to Paul Hynes designs. Now enjoying tone, PRAT and sound stage in digital several levels ahead of anything I have experienced before. Keep up your reviews and discussion, I will know what to look for on the used market in a few years...
The more recent discussion on servers is also really helpful. Thanks again, kn
I actually ended up getting a much cheaper but well reviewed (and to me very good sounding) DAC than somd I had been considering, and then swapping the switching power supply out for an outboard LPS, largely after reading Steve Nugents and others design comments And references to Paul Hynes designs. Now enjoying tone, PRAT and sound stage in digital several levels ahead of anything I have experienced before. Keep up your reviews and discussion, I will know what to look for on the used market in a few years...
The more recent discussion on servers is also really helpful. Thanks again, kn