To Colekat:
D-02 is a very good DAC, but it is a bit dry and forward for my taste. It is a matter of taste of course, like wine people have different tastes. Some like dry Pinot Noir, others Merlot with full body. I compared many other digital gear, and so far D02 had the highest resolution, biggest and most accurate sound stage with prper instrument delineation, space, size and right timbre.
I suspect that my complaints are coming from the output stage, not the digital circuitry. I prefer a more laid back and relaxed presentation. I also prefer a bit more mid bass. As for the SACDs , many people would disagree, I like my older D03 dac that sounds more analog. USB with hi-res material sounds superb, and can compete with the very best.
I like older p01/d01 vuk combo and Soulution 745 as well.
As for the amplification my favorites are Soulution, Dan D'Agostino and Audio Research. I liked Soulution monoblocks the best. My second best is Dan D'Agostino. If you like valves I would recommend Audio Research and VTL. It all comes to personal taste. Also dont forget, there is no such thing as perfect sounding gear. The magic lies in the right combination of the equipments and cables. Like Soulution pre/power with Focal Stella Utopia,etc..
D-02 is a very good DAC, but it is a bit dry and forward for my taste. It is a matter of taste of course, like wine people have different tastes. Some like dry Pinot Noir, others Merlot with full body. I compared many other digital gear, and so far D02 had the highest resolution, biggest and most accurate sound stage with prper instrument delineation, space, size and right timbre.
I suspect that my complaints are coming from the output stage, not the digital circuitry. I prefer a more laid back and relaxed presentation. I also prefer a bit more mid bass. As for the SACDs , many people would disagree, I like my older D03 dac that sounds more analog. USB with hi-res material sounds superb, and can compete with the very best.
I like older p01/d01 vuk combo and Soulution 745 as well.
As for the amplification my favorites are Soulution, Dan D'Agostino and Audio Research. I liked Soulution monoblocks the best. My second best is Dan D'Agostino. If you like valves I would recommend Audio Research and VTL. It all comes to personal taste. Also dont forget, there is no such thing as perfect sounding gear. The magic lies in the right combination of the equipments and cables. Like Soulution pre/power with Focal Stella Utopia,etc..