OK, Bwhite you are making me jealous. So, I think it is necessary fir ne to stick up for digital, heh heh...
I think most of the problems that many digital components have is with AC cords. They are so AC sensitive and most people do not see the value in putting some serious $$$ into a great AC cord. I know I did not up until a few months ago. I have heard a Dodson 217mk2 DAC with numerous AC cords, and I really did not like it one bit until I mated it with a Kimber Palladium PK10 AC cord and a ML transport with an Elrod 3 Sig. This combo was STELLAR. I thought I was listening to totally different digital. All I can say is if you have a nice CDP or Transport, try out an Elrod 3 Signature on it. Unless you are using an amazing AC cord to begin with, you will be AMAZED at how good the Elrod will make your digital sound. OK... it still does not hold up that much to analogue... But it still can come very close. VERY CLOSE. I recently heard a reference system with MBL's top of the line Transport and DAC, and the sound was INSANELY good. It sounded like fine vinyl. I was in total awe. Of corse that front end is $37k or so retail and the rest of the system was about $130k or so... But this digital sound could rival much of the best analogue I have ever heard.
Also for all you folks you have the Supratek Syrah preamp... One of my friends just got one, and I will tell you AC cords can make a serious difference with piece. I have not tried an Elrod with it, but we did try a Kimber Palladium PK10, and this combination was very very good. I love the Kimber Palladium cords, they are about as neutral of an AC cord I have tried across the entire frequency band.
My theory with digital is that I have an Ayre CDP with an Elrod 3 sig AC cord plugged into a PS audio P300 plugged into the wall with a Kimber Palladium cord. This combo is about as much money as I will sink into digital, and I got every piece at very good prices. And truthfully, I am just way too lazy to switch 100% vinyl, heh heh.
KF
I think most of the problems that many digital components have is with AC cords. They are so AC sensitive and most people do not see the value in putting some serious $$$ into a great AC cord. I know I did not up until a few months ago. I have heard a Dodson 217mk2 DAC with numerous AC cords, and I really did not like it one bit until I mated it with a Kimber Palladium PK10 AC cord and a ML transport with an Elrod 3 Sig. This combo was STELLAR. I thought I was listening to totally different digital. All I can say is if you have a nice CDP or Transport, try out an Elrod 3 Signature on it. Unless you are using an amazing AC cord to begin with, you will be AMAZED at how good the Elrod will make your digital sound. OK... it still does not hold up that much to analogue... But it still can come very close. VERY CLOSE. I recently heard a reference system with MBL's top of the line Transport and DAC, and the sound was INSANELY good. It sounded like fine vinyl. I was in total awe. Of corse that front end is $37k or so retail and the rest of the system was about $130k or so... But this digital sound could rival much of the best analogue I have ever heard.
Also for all you folks you have the Supratek Syrah preamp... One of my friends just got one, and I will tell you AC cords can make a serious difference with piece. I have not tried an Elrod with it, but we did try a Kimber Palladium PK10, and this combination was very very good. I love the Kimber Palladium cords, they are about as neutral of an AC cord I have tried across the entire frequency band.
My theory with digital is that I have an Ayre CDP with an Elrod 3 sig AC cord plugged into a PS audio P300 plugged into the wall with a Kimber Palladium cord. This combo is about as much money as I will sink into digital, and I got every piece at very good prices. And truthfully, I am just way too lazy to switch 100% vinyl, heh heh.
KF