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PC-Audio vs. High-end CD Player-GAME OVER

Hi All,
I just auditioned the Wavelength Audio Cosecant DAC on a very nice system at the local dealer. It was run through a Hovland 200 preamp , a Plinius amp and Avalon Eidolon Diamond speakers. This is all in a very well treated, good-sounding room.
It was, in a word spectacular. Beautiful tone, excellent bass, imaging soundstaging, etc. What was really amazing was a sense of space, or ambience that was imparted. We then compared the same CD's (Diana Krall, Jennifer warnes, some jazz), on a Levinson CDP. I'm not saying that the levinson is the last word in players, but it was what he had on the shelf.While it sounded good, it was much more bright, and "constricted".
Control was through an Imac using I-tunes, and the CD's had been nurned using Apple Lossless.
I ordered my Crimson on the spot.

David
deshapiro
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I agree. Tube DAC's can be really wonderful, and 16-bit data is just fine. 24-bit can be a bit better, but I'm happy to listen to 16-bit all day long.

Using the DAC's in these inexpensive converters is like playing your Wilson speakers from a Bose lifestyle. Waste of time. The DAC's in these things are all compromises. These devices are only good for the digital outs IMO, and even they need a lot of work to reduce jitter. The Transporter analog output is a bit better, but I personally dont care for the D/A chip in it. Too sterile and electronic sounding for me. If is is the only decent DAC that you have heard, then you may think it's wonderful. There are many steps on the pathway to good sound quality.

Steve N.
jc51373
538 posts
 
" Do you think 16/44.1 recordings sound better than 24/96 recordings?"

this question can NOT be answered with one sweeping statement like you may want it to. But to answer your question in my opinion, it depends on the DAC and the implementation. I personally have listened to 24/96s that don't sound better than 16/24s, on my DAC in particular.

Believe it or not, 24/96 does not mean better sound, it is not that simple. And quite honestly, after listening to enough harsh and hollow sounding 24/96s I just assume not bother with them when I have a much better sounding option.
tpk123
61 posts
 
I know people are going to jump all over me but for god's sake, why are the Wavelength DACs so expensive? I understand supply and demand and even if they do sound so good, that's great. But I thought the point of this was to acheieve superior sound with convenience for a fraction of the cost. Well there are DACs up to $15k there.....not sure what that is a fraction of? Maybe hiring the band to come to your home and perform live?
ptt660
20 posts
 
i agree with tpk. i will convert once the cost of implementing a pc based system comes down to a reasonable cost. a couple of hard drives, a quality external dac, and god knows what else will easily run well over 2k. i will let you guys pay those inflated prices to stay on the bleeding edge. eventually prices will comes down, especially on those aforementioned dac's that cost 1.75k. and up. for now i will just enjoy cd's on my lowly $500 cd player. convenience can wait.

regards,
Paul
jc51373
538 posts
 
One other thing I forgot to add...Who said anything about "Fraction of the cost"??? Particularly in this hobby, there is little rationale to the $$ we spend on this equipment. And I tend to agree that you don't always have to spend gobs of cash to get the best sound. And Wavelength should be one of the better examples of this fact.

Just remember, these are DACS that many agree outperform $15K Reimyo and Meridian CDPs (no exaggeration). There is some perspective for you, which in those terms makes Gordon's DACs a relative bargain.
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