System #214 (SL3)

[Bernard]

Bernard, isn't great when the 'little things' make a profound difference !

Yup. Especially when they don't cost you much.

I'm looking forward to tube rolling in my DAC; I just found out that I can use the 6922/6DJ8, of which I have a few types.

 

[Bernard]

I got rid of my DIY DAC as I had to frequently troubleshoot to find out why it was not working (I gave it away). At the same time I realized that the DAC in my Marantz CD Recorder was better than it, so that's what I'm using as a DAC now; its great because it works every time. Yes, I know, I'm using a ten-year-old DAC; can't afford to buy a new one right now.

Roberto tells me I should buy a DSD DAC now.

 

[Bernard]

I finally removed the captive power cord from my ARC SP 9 Mk II preamp, and replaced it with an IEC inlet, and am using a dedicated Foundation Research LC1 power conditioner to power it.

Improves everything top to bottom.

I will forever be greatful to Moon for putting me onto the LC1. What a great device!

 

[Bernard]

I was always concerned that I was living on the edge, driving my Koetsu Rosewood directly into my ARC SP 9 MK II, as I had to use it with the gain set at at least 3 o'clock. I was convinced that the Koetsu was running out of steam.

Then I came across two tiny Beyerdynamic microphones on eBay for $100 the pair, so I bought them and built a step-up transformer using them. Basically bought a case and connectors, and put them all together.

I did indeed have a problem before. There is no gain problem anymore; my system came alive at once. The Diana Krall LPs are indeed magical. I do, of course, have that LC1 providing power.

 

[twich54]

ahhhh, the subtle tweaks, Bernard it's the sign of a mature system that just continues to improve ! .... :rocker:

 

[roberto]

Hola Bernard,

The knowledge wise is in you Bro, please keep us posted all your new little toys and how your improved sound is coming along...
A big hug from Costa Rica,
Roberto.

 

[Bernard]

I got back from a friend a power conditioner I had lent him. I plugged it into my DAC. That, with the conditioner plugged into my preamp, makes for amazing sound....running out of superlatives here.

 

[Bernard]

Here's a picture of my well-shielded SUT. Not much to be seen here. It's a simple circuit, with the inputs connected to the primaries of the transformers, and the outputs connected to the secondaries. No resistors on the secondaries.

 

[Bernard]

I got tired of futzing with an SPDIF-input-only DAC and the required USB/SPDIF converter (a pain to troubleshoot the combination), so decided to replace them with a DAC that has a USB input; after all, the MDAC worked great. I took delivery of this baby (used, from Canuck Audio Mart) a few days ago.

I’m so impressed with it that I may go all-digital. BUT, have to first find a buyer for my turntable and records. If anyone has any ideas, please PM me.

PS Audio Nuwave DSD DAC

 

[amey01]

PS Audio Nuwave DSD DAC

Congratulations Bernard. Nice DAC.

So you're getting rid of the Koetsu too? Wow.

 

[Bernard]

Thanks Adam!

If I went all digital I would have to get rid of the Koetsu. The last Sugano cartridge (a Supex) got me more than I paid for it......

But then, Adam, what would I choose for an avatar? A picture of the highest quality USB cable I can find ?:devil:

 

[amey01]

A picture of the highest quality USB cable I can find ?:devil:

HAHAHA !!! :ROFL:

It might be a little bit long to fit neatly on the avatar. Maybe just a close-up of the magic-dot on the end connector?

 

[Bernard]

I heard an interesting comment on my DAC today: I played for my sister-in-law, a big fan of Nana Mouskouri (but a non-audiophile), one of her favorite songs of NM, and asked her if she heard a difference. She said yes, it sounded better, but it highlighted the fact that NM’s voice is breaking, which was not apparent on my old DAC. NM is in her eighties.

 

[roberto]

Hola Bernard, that´s the price you pay when the device is that good. It shows everything. The good and the bad. You can hear a feather hitting the floor. Congratulations with your new DAC. I do believe that you will be in Nirvana State soon. Keep listening to the music. It is the best medicine available.

Regards from Costa Rica my dear friend!