I got all 4 Denafrips models running in my system, hooked up to the preamp inputs to allow for real-time switching among them. To ensure that the comparison is as valid as possible:
· Each DAC is connected to the server with a USB cable
· Selection of music tracks are done via an IPad user interface
· Fast switching between preamp inputs is done via a remote to minimize delay
· Volume levels are matched by using an SPL meter measuring a pink noise track
· If the two DACs have different output levels, use a high-quality passive attenuator to dial down the higher level until the SPL meter reads the same for both DACs.
· The inputs of the preamp are set up for the DACs without knowledge for the test audience
· Although not quite a double-blind test, this allows for a fair comparison between the DACs.
Using Roon, the music tracks can be synched perfectly but I found that quick successive switching back and forth between many DACs is too confusing, especially to others in the audience. I found that the best approach is a pair-wise comparison between two DACs, repeating a familiar musical passage on one and then the other. That way, the audience hears the musical performance as a whole and each person can zero in the aspect of the sound he/she is focused in to look for differences without losing the perspective of the whole musical performance.
The demo dry run is scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, March 31, in Farmingdale NJ.
Send me your email if you want to participate in the session and I will send details about the logistics.
Promises to be a fun event! And you can legitimately claim to be at the true world premiere introduction of the full line of Denafrips R2R DACs. Bring your own DAC and if we have time we can do a head-to-head shootout under the same controlled conditions described above.
Vinh Vu
Gingko Audio and Danacable
