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Source Components, Genuinely Need Your Assistance

Hello,

I currently own an excellent system that replays the source material incredibly faithful to the original recording. The system is exactly what I originally set out to accomplish.

Like many others, I set out to assemble a system that was supremely neutral and would replay the original recording truthfully.

My music collection is primarily R&B, Motown, Soul and Funk. Most of which was poorly recorded using standard/lower quality mediums & new music which was created primarily with the use of Digital Synthesizers. When listening to these recordings, voices and instruments do not sound 100% authentic. Its approximately 85% "real". Thing is I know its not going to get there simply because its not on the recording.

I know this because when I listen to any "audiophile" grade recordings, regardless of genre, my system sounds perfect. Simply perfect. I am completely satisfied.

I realize now, based on the types of music I listen to, I should have never ventured into this hobby as the recordings I listen to just can't do a high fidelity system much justice.

Now its simply too late, I am heavily invested and I want to enjoy my stereo with "non-audiophile approved" music.

--------------------------------------

I am looking for a new source component, DAC or CD Player that will "color" the sound to my tastes.

The midband must not overly emphasize vocals, but rather highlight them. Vocals should be completely organic, authentic, natural, realistic, believable, thick and enveloping. Budget $8000USD

So far I have found these favorable reviews:

Ancient Audio Lektor Prime
E.A.R. Yoshino Acute mk3
E.A.R. Yoshino DAC 192
E.A.R. Yoshino DAC4 (release coming soon?)
Vincent Audio CD-S8
Yamamoto YDA-01B

I'm looking for some assistance, preferably from members who have actually heard the components they are recommending or suggesting.

Once I have a solid list I will seek out the dealers and listen first hand, hopefully get some in home trials.

Any help is much appreciated.

Best regards,
Shawn
sk3383
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Al,
You and Chayro's suggestion of different speakers and especially your EQ
recommendation makes good sense. Grannyring in the context of this
discussion your advice is well reasoned. Assuming Shawn doesn't want to
dismantle his system, a high quality musically natural source is essential.
If the source is inadequate, nothing further downstream is going to correct
the deficiency the source generated. Some digital components can tend to
be mechanical, amusical and lack a natural liquidity and musical flow, a
good source can transform this type of sound. I would agree you don't have
to spend anywhere near 8000 USD to achieve a fabulous sounding front
end that effectively communicates music's joy and message.

Charles,
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Hmmmm

A nice organic, 'colored', euphonic, harmonically rich sound.

I recently got the perfect DAC - called a Killer:
http://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=4874.0

Trouble is hearing one unless you are in Australia.

BTW I am in two minds if it actually colors the sound - it sounds very harmonically rich all right - and that richness seems to increase with how good the source you are feeding it is.

Thanks
Bill
chayro
3,015 posts
 
There are a lot of products like that - but they just don't admit it.
Post removed 
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,410 posts
 
This one is easy- garbage in garbage out. A high fidelity system by definition is a faithful to the original system.

Realize that many recordings are mastered wit the sort of typical playback system in mind. That's why something can sound pretty great in a car and dreadful at home.

your best bet is an EQ and to recognize that when your source material isn't high fidelity, you're not going to make it into high fidelity.
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