New Esoteric P02 D02

No tubes in the chain...while I've heard and love some of the aspects of tube equipment, I've focused on getting my solid-state-only setup as far along as possible.

Hi Jon2020

Actually no. In my case it is the other way around. i like it better with xlr set at 0db. Need to listen some more since the diference is actualy not small. I am surprised. Only diference should be in the higher or lower signal coming out but sound print does change. Not sure I understand why.

My tought is that it may not be better or worse per se but depending on preamp and what it likes better to see or similar. In my case the sound character you would expect from the ARC ref 40 ann. seems more evident. Also being able to take vol. higher at preamp may make a dif. Not sure what it is. But need to listen more and will try to asses better.

Hi Tom, we are having this conversation in parallel :-)

Did not realize this thread was so active again. ON cables you now already, right? Just check for the new models II of 6300 if you are going for them. Or if the same is coming out for the 6100 which I haven't heard but I think they could soon.

The kid inside you will be very happy indeed! congrats.

No is the other way around. I do like 0db better. At least for now. Need to listen more, but I used to play at +6db and changed to 0db to try. Was surprised with how different it sounded. In theory it should have only affected signal level but it does change the sound footprint. I find at 0db the sound is more pleasant and engaging. relaxed in a good way. more analog like if you want. Fantastic both ways though may be a matter of likes or system matching. For me now I am enjoying very much the sound at 0db.

For low volume listening I think clearly the best is 0db.

Hi Eelii08,
Thanks for your kind response. I agree with you that at 0 dB, the sound is more relaxed and pleasant at low level listening. But there is a loss of dynamics when it comes to orchestral crescendoes. So I guess we can pick and choose depending on what we are listening to and when, like late at night. Cheers!

Yes, it is very much like you describe that I find. Also I am finding tha the choose of desired cables for the analog out of the Dac changes. With output at transport at 6 I liked better siltech. But with it at 0db i like better mexcel 6300 there. These are faster cables, not so relaxed as siltech, so I guess it gets you closer to a middle point or something like that.

Need to listen more since this is a surprise kind of. Would not have expected any change from just raising or lowering the output gain of balanced in transport besides the vol difference. Actaully havent touch that in almost 2 years... But it does. Cheers