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Audio Science Review = Rebuttal and Further Thoughts

@crymeanaudioriver @amir_asr You are sitting there worrying if this or that other useless tweak like a cable makes a sonic difference.

I don’t worry about my equipment unless it fails. I never worry about tweaks or cables. The last time I had to choose a cable was after I purchased my first DAC and transport in 2019.  I auditioned six and chose one, the Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Euphoria. Why would someone with as fulfilling a life as me worry about cables or tweaks and it is in YOUR mind that they are USELESS.

@prof "would it be safe to say you are not an electrical designer or electrical engineer? If so, under what authority do you make the following comment" - concerning creating a high end DAC out of a mediocre DAC.

Well, I have such a DAC, built by a manufacturer of equipment and cables for his and my use. It beat out a $9,000 COS Engineering D1v and $5,000 D2v by a longshot. It is comparable to an $23,000 Meridian Ultradac. Because I tried all the latter three in comparison I say this with some authority, the authority of a recording engineer (me), a manufacturer (friend) and many audiophiles who have heard the same and came to the same conclusion.

Another DAC with excellent design engineer and inferior execution is the Emotiva XDA-2. No new audio board but 7! audiophile quality regulators instead of the computer grade junk inside, similar high end power and filter caps, resistors, etc. to make this into a high end DAC on the very cheap ($400 new plus about the same in added parts).

@russ69 We must be neighbors. I frequented Woodland Hills Audio Center back in the 70s and 80s. I heard several of Arnie’s speakers including a the large Infinity speakers in a home.

fleschler
noske
783 posts
 

@fleschler

However, the older DACs can be upgraded to have that 3 dimensional, full bodied and warmer sound with modification of parts. The engineering is sound as is the basic construction.

I didn’t know that. You have previously commented on a recently deleted thread on how components (eg, an amp made by Benchmark) may be upgraded from stock, and this is always intriguing.

noske
783 posts
 

@kota1 

we are all willing to help here, start a new thread, post your concerns, we are there for you bro, no worries :)

Sounds like you work for the government.

axo1989
105 posts
 

@holmz 

Yep - It is hard to see and witness thoughtful threads, albeit with some divisiveness, get deleted out of hand… seemingly on a whim.

Well it is disrespectful toward those who put any effort into the thread, certainly.

Fyi it's still there at the link in the email notifications, just removed from the tech-talk index. Maybe the cleaners arrive later.

 

axo1989
105 posts
 

@fleschler 

Unless there are some performances/music that you find you can only obtain on vinyl (about 30-35% of my collection), you might prefer putting all your eggs in the digital domain.

Some electronic and independent artists I like release on vinyl stuff that isn't streamed, which is why the thought occurs to me. More physical stuff in my life I don't need right now though.

 

 

noske
783 posts
 

@axo1989

Well it is disrespectful toward those who put any effort into the thread, certainly.

Utterly disrespectful and unethical. A thousand plus comments, some of which were reference standard.

My opinion - this is not a site where anyone would wish to spend much time constructing thoughtful and educational posts given that thread was deleted without explanation or consultation.

Is it the wish of AG owners to just attract lowest common denominator chaff?

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