Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Matt, thank you for taking the time evaluating the DSD-S!

You are absolutely correct when you said: "it is about accuracy and presence".

Though I understand that certain coloration would be favorable in some audio systems, this is something you will not find with my designs.

I prefer linearity, naturalness and superb extension, while preserving the free-flowing ease of pure analog, and without a sign of digital glare. To make sure this is the case, I am recording from my reference Kuzma vinyl rig and then A-B against the digital using both DSD and PCM formats.

Below is a link to a short video clip made by a visitor at the Sofia Expo 2013 using his digital camcorder. It is not a great recording and also MP3 quality, but it may give an idea about my audio system tonal balance:

Video clip at Sofia Expo 2013 link

Thanks again!

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Gonna change the subject for a moment since I've got a week'ish until my next report.

I need an opinion.

Is my stereo going to sound better in my current room:
19'x14.5' x 9' tray ceiling, hardwood floors with thin area rug, no acoustic treatment and no permission to ever really use treatments. Speakers on long wall. Glass doors on both side walls.

Or

15'x13'x10' (beamed ceiling - open basement ceiling with exposed support beams). 1 wall is cinder block (a short wall) and 3 are Sheetrock. Thin indoor/outdoor carpet glued to floor. I can do anything I want to anywhere - essentially a dedicated listening room. Can set stereo up any way I want.

Thoughts?

The 19x14.5 room is much bigger. My speakers are big and I'm worried I'll overwhelm the smaller room, even with treatments.

Alex - I resent that you are implying that my Overdrive adds coloration. I also have the same exact goals of accuracy and natural liveness and I in fact achieve them.

This was a cheap shot IMO.

Steve N./
Empirical Audio

Matt - if your speakers are large, and you are getting sufficient bass, I would stick with the big room.

Treatments can be attractive, such as the graphics covered side absorbers. They are actually art.

1/4 round tube traps are really just an extension of the speakers and look like furniture too. May people that see mine just think it is more speakers or part of the speakers because they are located right next to the speakers.

One thing that is important though is to eliminate as much of the floor bounce and echoes as possible. Thick, large area rugs work and overstuffed chairs in the room will help.

If you are not already using the EQ features of Amarra, then this is a no-brainer. They will make $20K speakers sound and perform like $100K speakers. The EQ is really easy to use (just see my Computer Audio Info webpages). You will need an audio analyzer hardware and software. I often use my iPad with an analyzer app and a Earthworks M30 mic and preamp. The Mic is around $600 and the preamp is $400. This mic is the reference that most professionals use. There is a compensation file included that makes the response of the mic ruler-flat. See the same webpages for links to this.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I suggest a rule for this discussion: No comments whatsoever from Steve or Alex with regard to one another's products. To do so is totally unprofessional.