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Accustic Arts Drive 1 Mk1 vs Mk2 driving DAC 1 Mk4

I just replaced my Accustic Arts DAC 1 Mk3 with the Mk4 Friday. I really like it! It's not a "Knock your socks off!" upgrade like when I switched from my Herron preamp and monoblocks to the Karan integrated amp last month. It's more of an "This just seems 'right'!" upgrade like when I inserted the Stealth Indra's in my system.

I'm now assuming that upgrading from the Drive 1 Mk1 to the Mk2 would be the next logical move for me. Is this upgrade really the right one to do next? I'm not expecting to have a "Jump up and say WOW!" experience, something as simple as "Yes, this sounds more real!" is good enough.

For those who've made this move, what are your thoughts? Should this be my next move, or is it just something I should eventually get around to after upgrading other areas first?

Thanks,
Chuck
krell_man
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,083 posts
 
I think the PSU has been upgraded. If you can get a good deal, I'd go for it. Later down the road, you'll want the new tube dac and the Mk2 will be the perfect match.
teajay
1,691 posts
 
Chuck, take a look at my review of the AA Drive 1 MK2 here on the GON. Yes, the MK2 sounded better then the MK1 with the MK4 DAC, that's way I upgraded to it in my system. The MK4 DAC still is a great reference piece, but what untill you hear the Tube hybrid reference sometime in the furture in your system, which goes to another total sonic level.
krell_man OP
827 posts
 
Tabl10s and Teajay, thanks.

Teajay, I reread your review this morning before I posted this question hoping to have a point of reference before starting. In your review you said that you were more giving the differences between the Ensemble transport as it was your prior reference transport. I didn't think that you had even tried the Mk1, I thought that you went straight to the Mk2.

I'm hoping that the difference in the Mk1 and the Mk2 is like going from the Theta Data Basic and the Theta Data Basic II, that was a nice upgrade.

Chuck
kpoulard
42 posts
 
Chuck, I think you will appreciate the upgrade from the Mk1 to Mk2. I had the Mk1 for about 4 years before upgrading to the Mk2. I was able to detect a wider soundstage, and a more refined presence with the Mk2. A clearer image of the music details was also noticeable. A feel there is a an uptick in synergy between the Mk2 Drive and the Mk4 DAC vs the Mk1. There are other features I like as well: The capability to turn-off the blue light in the well of the transport and the display window is updated.

Ken P.
P.S. I got your email. I'll follow-up with you on tomorrow.
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