Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Matt - the 18" cables were my own cable line, when I used to sell cables. They are bare-wire pure silver suspended in space. I don't have anyone to build them for me now, and besides the silver wire is getting very hard to source. Not to mention that every Tom, Dick and Harry thinks he is a cable designer.....

I would not expect the FD to make much difference if you have either transformer in the preamp output or the amp input already. It's primarily for no transformer situations, although it allows you to insert other analog sources like HT and vinyl preamp into a system with DAC direct to amps. That is really the reason that I created it, along with the SQ benefits when running balanced.

The fact that the soundstage is larger and deeper when using it Pre to Amps, even though there is already a transformer at the pre output indicates that somehow the transformer balanced output from the pre is not really that balanced. This is a similar effect that I get with no transformers in the Overdrive DAC or amps.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I just though of something that might make it a bit more unfocused. Because you already have transformers in the pre outputs, adding the second transformer in series floats the wiring between the transformers and the transformer cores on the FDs are not grounded. This can cause it to pick-up hum and RF, just like a ground-loop. Its essentially an antenna.

If you were to ground pin 1 on the FD input connectors to earth ground, it might eliminate this defocusing.

Connecting a transformer to another transformer is really not optimum. Only one is needed between components.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Thanks Steve.

So should I expect a similar result with FD between ODSE and Criterion since the Criterion has transformer on its input stage as well as it's output stage?

It sounds like the Rowland gear just doesn't play well with the FD. It's all about system synergy....

Matt - the FD really helps if you don't have transformer on the output. If you have it, you don't really need the FD.

IF the transformers in the pre were same ones used in the FD, now this would make a BIG difference. It would also add at least $4K to the cost, with dealer markup.

If you had a pre without transformers, this would be the one to get the benefits of the FD.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Ok. So I will pass on trying the FD with the ODSE between it and the pre-amp, and with the Aeris direct. I will, however, try it with the Direct Stream when trying it direct to amp. Neither the DS nor the Veritas have transformers.

Next update will be Monday.