DACs and bass response?

Hi Steve. I took a cursory look at the overdrive info on your website http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/overdrive-dac and user manual. I couldn't find anything about the type/kind of D/A chip(s) or whether or not your technology is considered delta sigma, multibit r2r or something else. Please advise.

I decided to use a Analog Devices delta-sigma, but only because I can select the digital filters for it rather than it selecting the filter for me.  I cannot seem to get the HF transient response from older ladder chips that I can from newer delta-sigma chips.  It also supports 24/192 PCM, as well as allowing for reference voltage-based volume control.

I previously offered a tube DAC design using a ladder chip called the "Spoiler". It was very musical, but ultimately did not deliver on the accurate HF sonics that I'm after.  It also required hard-to-get expensive NOS tubes to sound really good.

The only other option is to design a ladder DAC from scratch or in an FPGA.  I don't have the bandwidth for that unfortunately.

BTW, audiostream will be reviewing my new SX DAC soon.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

I am sure you’re going to tell us if there is component out there that is capable of all of the above without the “tubey” distorted sound.

There are a few.  My own customized SET monoblocks fall into this category.

Others are:

Nagra VPA

Any Wavac

Prima Luna

Arte Forma Due Volte - I have the customized version of this one

I prefer SET amps, but the Prima Luna sounds really good at shows, and they use quality parts in them.  I always enjoy their room.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

Here is basically my setup, but this one was used at a show, so its not my amps or speakers. I have my own custom versions of both.

http://www.arteformaaudio.com.tw/due-volte.asp

The Vapor picture at the bottom.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio