A most excellent list, Steve.
The question that bugs me is that of optimizing each component for best results. Should David use a reclocker for both pieces in the comparison even if one benefits and the other doesn’t (assumedly because the latter has better addressed the issue of noise and jitter reduction internally)? Does that fairly represent the potential user experience of each? What about different cabling/power cords that optimize each independently?
The purists’ "apples to apples" mentality would seem to require that the exact same cabling (even using the included power cords and perhaps generic digital cabling) with no external devices in play. Sounds fair, but what if one component would benefit tremendously from a reclocker or specific cabling to the point that it significantly outperforms the other and/or changes David’s preference? Even worse if one is much less costly than the other and investing a relatively small amount (i.e. that the total investment would be significantly less) would make it equal or even to outperform the much more expensive competitor.
The Terminator lists for ~$4400 and the Yggsrasil for $2400. Would spending less than $2k to optimize the Yggdrasil with a reclocker, cabling, etc. yield a better sonic result, thus making it a better purchase decision for the same or lower investment?
Seems that in the "bang for the buck" approach that the answer would be to address this with a "same or less total cash outlay" comparison as this is the real world dilemma for many of us. But then there are those that will choose to use each without any "supplements" (reclockers or upscale cabling, etc) that would find value only from the "apples to apples" comparison. And also those seeking an "all out assault" that may have interest in an ultimate sound quality comparison with each having every enhancement specifically optimized for that particular component regardless of cost. Who, short of the most diehard professional reviewer, has a sufficient number of these ancillary components available to even begin to satisfy all possible curiosity?
David has a real challenge on his hands trying to potentially satisfy each category of reader. I wish him the best of luck.
Dave
The question that bugs me is that of optimizing each component for best results. Should David use a reclocker for both pieces in the comparison even if one benefits and the other doesn’t (assumedly because the latter has better addressed the issue of noise and jitter reduction internally)? Does that fairly represent the potential user experience of each? What about different cabling/power cords that optimize each independently?
The purists’ "apples to apples" mentality would seem to require that the exact same cabling (even using the included power cords and perhaps generic digital cabling) with no external devices in play. Sounds fair, but what if one component would benefit tremendously from a reclocker or specific cabling to the point that it significantly outperforms the other and/or changes David’s preference? Even worse if one is much less costly than the other and investing a relatively small amount (i.e. that the total investment would be significantly less) would make it equal or even to outperform the much more expensive competitor.
The Terminator lists for ~$4400 and the Yggsrasil for $2400. Would spending less than $2k to optimize the Yggdrasil with a reclocker, cabling, etc. yield a better sonic result, thus making it a better purchase decision for the same or lower investment?
Seems that in the "bang for the buck" approach that the answer would be to address this with a "same or less total cash outlay" comparison as this is the real world dilemma for many of us. But then there are those that will choose to use each without any "supplements" (reclockers or upscale cabling, etc) that would find value only from the "apples to apples" comparison. And also those seeking an "all out assault" that may have interest in an ultimate sound quality comparison with each having every enhancement specifically optimized for that particular component regardless of cost. Who, short of the most diehard professional reviewer, has a sufficient number of these ancillary components available to even begin to satisfy all possible curiosity?
David has a real challenge on his hands trying to potentially satisfy each category of reader. I wish him the best of luck.
Dave