How does that work? Do you run it at low volume and use the SUT for gain? Do you encounter any loss in resolution due to how digital volume control works?Topping d10 user, here. I like to run it into a couple step up transformers, though.
How does that work? Do you run it at low volume and use the SUT for gain? Do you encounter any loss in resolution due to how digital volume control works?Topping d10 user, here. I like to run it into a couple step up transformers, though.
How does that work? Do you run it at low volume and use the SUT for gain? Do you encounter any loss in resolution due to how digital volume control works?
I can’t argue with the outcome. I use a transformer volume control instead of an active preamp and am at a similar loss to describe how it sounds. But it sounds significantly better than my system does with any other preamp I’ve tried.No digital volume control. I’ve got these lundahl 1538xl mic input transformers wired 1:2.5. With the transformers, the low end is a lot richer and the sound is slightly less hashy. Sounds much closer to my analog. I use a passive pre, basically a 25k stepped attenuator. They say, on the interwebs and all, that passive pre’s are light on bass, so maybe that’s part of it.
Anyway, it’s way too hot a signal, so I put a voltage divider after the transformer before the 25k attenuator to knock it down pretty close to where it was.
I can’t tell you exactly why it sounds better, it’s not the extra voltage, clearly. It sounds significantly better though. Maybe it’s the decoupling.
Because those who have done controlled listening tests between DACs measuring at that level (assuming the right suite of measurements done right with the right test equipment, and that they actually know how to set up a proper test) know they’ve not a chance in distinguishing them; they know how it sounds.
On the recording side of things, and you are aware of a lot of this I'd assume.. outside of the ADC/DAC conversion points and whatnot, there's a fascination in some/many circles with the careful use of adding what amounts to distortion to make things sound 'better'. They don't call it adding distortion but that's basically what's going on. And you'll see people praise classic gear from the '50s, '60s like the Teletronix LA-2 compressor or old tube EQs that you can set in a way that it almost fights itself pulling sound up and down in the same frequencies but which results in a sound people have liked, something with more character, or what this or that transformer sounds like in a microphone preamp. Things that are chosen not because they measure totally flat, but because they subjectively result in 'good sound'. Compression itself being a distortion, but one purposefully applied to a recording...and then choosing the distorter that distorts things in a way that they find most pleasing, most full of "character". And I think the situation with the step up transformers and DAC must be playing in that world. So the DAC is doing its measurably good thing and then that bad word distortion is being added to make it have more character. I don't think a DAC or ADC should add ANY character, because I think you need these perfect conversion points...but I'm all for adding seasoning elsewhere if the cook is good.Unfortunately, Ive yet to hear any high end/excellent measuring dacs. But if I can get a “as good as it gets” DAC for under $500, that is very good news.
“No digital volume control. I’ve got these lundahl 1538xl mic input transformers wired 1:2.5. With the transformers, the low end is a lot richer and the sound is slightly less hashy. Sounds much closer to my analog. I use a passive pre, basically a 25k stepped attenuator. They say, on the interwebs and all, that passive pre’s are light on bass, so maybe that’s part of it.
Anyway, it’s way too hot a signal, so I put a voltage divider after the transformer before the 25k attenuator to knock it down pretty close to where it was.
I can’t tell you exactly why it sounds better, it’s not the extra voltage, clearly. It sounds significantly better though. Maybe it’s the decoupling.”
Interesting and good to know. On a related note and my to do list is to replace the dead battery of a Grace Designs Lunatec V2 mic pre (super clean and clear sounding, reminds me of my Forte Model 3 amp) and try it in a playback setup. It has 0-60 dB gain in 10 dB increments and 10 dB trim pots for each channel. Also high pass filters of 6 and 12 dB @50, 75, 100, and 125 Hz. Ive got a Creek OBH-12 passive pre I could use to change both L and R volume simultaneously as well as vary the mic pre: passive pre ratio. Then, if the amp has volume control, I will have 3 options for changing volume with this setup.
Once you get your D70 you can amuse yourself with filters and DSD upsampling.That's what I"m after at least. I like seasoning things in a way that doesn't appear to be seasoned. But the DAC is not one of those places. Just do the conversion and stay out of the sound.
Does it have different filters? My Berkeley Alpha has them but they're there more for studio use, replicating worse gear than itself.Once you get your D70 you can amuse yourself with filters and DSD upsampling.
Because those who have done controlled listening tests between DACs measuring at that level (assuming the right suite of measurements done right with the right test equipment, and that they actually know how to set up a proper test) know they’ve not a chance in distinguishing them; they know how it sounds.
I'm not sure what capability it has thru the front panel. I do software upsampling and perhaps it's there the filters are applied. "DSD sigma-delta modulator filter type" are where the settings are in Audirvana and there are audible differences depending on choices. Whether one is "better" than another is subjective. Totally optional settings these are.Does it have different filters? My Berkeley Alpha has them but they're there more for studio use, replicating worse gear than itself.
FWiW the P50 linear power supply is sold out, but the dac is available for 185. Those P50 are hard to actually GET from drop. Thought I had purchased one in the past, but it fell through after I patiently waited for 1.5 months.