Going Digital!

[slippers-on]

I too have an Atoll 100 which, just like Adda's unit, has had the main output caps upgraded to Clarity Caps...which really helped that unit's dynamics and slightly cold/lean presentation. It was already very lively and highly detailed (compared to a Rega and Musical Fidelity M1) and with the new caps got the extra little bit of warmth and butt behind it that it needed to be a most excellent, well rounded budget DAC. The Gungnir edges it out in terms of smoothness and musicality (makes the Atoll sound ever so slightly grainy) and has great resolution and weight but for no more than I have tied up in the Atoll vs what I paid for the Gungnir I definitely can't say the Gungnir is a better value. I'm hoping the iDSD Micro/iUSB will create a wider performance gap against the Atoll than I'm hearing from the Gungnir.

Lee Harvey had one of the Shitt DACs I think the Bitfrost with all the upgrades...and said his new iFI micro bested it pretty good. what im hearing is a wonderful performance. My CDP retailed for $1500 and the gap is huge! But of course the CDP was redbook, I'm doing DSD. If your other DACs couldnt do DSD, then the gap in performance should be huge. The nature of this DAC is warm analog sounding...that's what they where trying to get with it. Did you by any chance get any idea how many hours are in the Micro? That way you'd have some idea of what stage it's in.

 

[tomlinmgt]

Lee Harvey had one of the Shitt DACs I think the Bitfrost with all the upgrades...and said his new iFI micro bested it pretty good. what im hearing is a wonderful performance. My CDP retailed for $1500 and the gap is huge! But of course the CDP was redbook, I'm doing DSD. If your other DACs couldnt do DSD, then the gap in performance should be huge. The nature of this DAC is warm analog sounding...that's what they where trying to get with it. Did you by any chance get any idea how many hours are in the Micro? That way you'd have some idea of what stage it's in.

No, I did not and have been meaning to ask the seller about that.

You know, the Rega had a very nice analog sound but it was just too polite for my tastes. It just couldn't present the music in a manner I found engaging...well, it actually had its moments with a few recordings but it just didn't happen frequently enough to win my favor. The unassuming little Atoll smoked it in this regard...especially after the cap upgrade.

Right now I'm looking toward my Altec 604's with a Pass F5 clone and possibly a passive pre of some flavor with the ifi pieces to be the show stopper. But I still have the IRS Betas to try out and if I find myself feeling rather productive one Sunday morning I'm liable to whip out some OB's using AE IB15's, TD15's and open back Radian 475's in a QSC wave guide....so I think I have some fun ahead of me. But, first I have to get all my ducks in a row so I'm fully up to speed with DSD upconversion. And it's frustrating 'cause I'm going through a growth spurt at the shop and free time is scarce. :sigh:

But enough about me....just keep doin' what your doin' Byron and I'll hop back on those coattails. :thmbsp:

 

[slippers-on]

No, I did not and have been meaning to ask the seller about that.

You know, the Rega had a very nice analog sound but it was just too polite for my tastes. It just couldn't present the music in a manner I found engaging...well, it actually had its moments with a few recordings but it just didn't happen frequently enough to win my favor. The unassuming little Atoll smoked it in this regard...especially after the cap upgrade.

Right now I'm looking toward my Altec 604's with a Pass F5 clone and possibly a passive pre of some flavor with the ifi pieces to be the show stopper. But I still have the IRS Betas to try out and if I find myself feeling rather productive one Sunday morning I'm liable to whip out some OB's using AE IB15's, TD15's and open back Radian 475's in a QSC wave guide....so I think I have some fun ahead of me. But, first I have to get all my ducks in a row so I'm fully up to speed with DSD upconversion. And it's frustrating 'cause I'm going through a growth spurt at the shop and free time is scarce. :sigh:

But enough about me....just keep doin' what your doin' Byron and I'll hop back on those coattails. :thmbsp:

Before I put the silver cable in, the Micro was warm side of neutral. Now it's just right and engaging. It's not overly aggressive nor laid back. To me it interpretation of the music is spot on. But of course my amps and Speakers are German voiced which is acurate, very transparent and clear. Every cable in my system is Cast Copper...all but the silver on the DAC. And of course hybrids...tubes/SS. The iFI has great synergy in my system. I love DSD.

 

[Billfort]

I love DSD.

There.

 

[frankbooth]

This combo is now on my radar along with the Chord. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Mac and start ripping this winter. Might snag that before the new year.
I find this thread interesting in the fact that a hardcore vinyl guy is enjoying computer audio so much. I'll be checking here to see this evolve.
Great thread!

 

[Kt77]

I've it from an insider that the Chord won't come close to even the iFi Nano DSD with like Hi-Rez Downloads - so save yourself a few dollars and use those towards musical purchases.

I'm so glad to see/hear that Byron is actually moved so deeply by what he's hearing of late - so much so - that I can personally tell because he calls me everyday going on and on and on about just how beautifully engaging it is for him - and knowing him as if he was my younger sibling ( we're Brothas in more ways then one after all ) I tend to believe his ear/senses/taste more then most - after all........., I know he understand what this quest has been about for all of us - and even more importantly that at some point we all have to realize when good enough is just that - good enough to get off the bandwagon of chasing sound as opposed to musicality and focus our attention where I all begins/ends -

Ones Music Collection, lest one feels the emphasis could remain on chasing slightly different sounding components on a monthly bases that is?, therein always lies the rub - where does ones priorities lie?, chasing equipment?, or watching their music collection grow?, and their musical taste boarden?.

I myself choice the latter.

Carry on Brotha B, express what you hear/feel - and as you well know - I can relate.

Peace,
h

 

[marantzfan]

Well, after reading pretty much this entire thread, the ifi micro just went on my list. Pretty soon here I'll be building a Mac Mini based music player and have been itching to get into DSD territory.

 

[Kt77]

Well, after reading pretty much this entire thread, the ifi micro just went on my list. Pretty soon here I'll be building a Mac Mini based music player and have been itching to get into DSD territory.

Marantzfan,

First off - I'm so hoping you're referring to items like their Model 7 alongside Model 2s or 8s!.:yes:

But I'd have to say in all honesty the purpose for this lip service approach to said iFi devices is meant to make others more aware of the alternatives available to them - as Byron and I chat on said matters of audio almost on a daily bases - there are times when like minded souls merely come to respect one another's ears/views and are more willing to ride along for the trip.

But as I'd more often then not tell anyone whom has gained an interest in say DACs retailing between $1.500 - $4.000 or more, is as digital is one of those areas which I've seen since day zero ( one ) as rapidly changing within every other month if not two - does it make sense to invest in something so costly to only see/hear it beaten by something that might only cost $200 - $500 a few months after you've spent those amounts?, I for one am not accustomed to using such gear as doorstops.

Unless of course it's upgradable?, and besides Wadia in the prime during the late 80s, I'm not familiar if anyone else offers said means of prolonging the life of any given digital component.

So in said logic the DSD Micro and iUSB Power and your venture with the Mac Mini ( like myself ) all make for prefect sense over the long haul, as it's much easier to cut ones losses on cheaper components as it is with ones that one has to spend a months salary on - but that's just the reality of more and more companies reaching out to greater numbers of music lovers through trickled down components - as they haven't forgotten the common folks whom can't afford Lumin S1s ( $16.000 ) or the likes - can you imagine how many DSD albums can be purchased for the differences between these two devices?.

In my world - it's the Music that guide me, and I then seen a decent system as the means to an end - not the other way around.

Growth is good........., I'm getting a great vibe as this thread moves forward, and it feels right to bring others along for the ride.

_oh

 

[enginedr]

I just installed the IFI IUSB Power to my Nuforce U192s USB to SPDIF converter .
took it up another notch . I am using the DSPeaker 2.0 as the DAC . pre amp and DRC . Controlled by a CI audio passive preamp To VTL 100 EL34 mono blocks .Driving OHM WALSH 2000 speakers and dual REL Q201e subs .My transport is MAC mini using Channel D audio Pure music . Loving this Computer Audio .

 

[livestrong]

Just wanted to say thanks for getting me off the fence Byron. This arrived today and let's just say I've been thoroughly enjoying it

Forgive the mess - I was just testing things out before neatly putting everything away...

 

[slippers-on]

Wow! Man...you got some room there! And it all looks great! You have to give your impressions of the iDSD as well as the iPhono. Thats a neat looking room. I might just have to get that little stand for my iFI gear. You iDSD Micro aint even broken in as of yet....and once you play around with it and get it to doing DSD 128 on the fly...your going to be in for some bliss.

 

[frankbooth]

Looks great!

 

[Kt77]

Just wanted to say thanks for getting me off the fence Byron. This arrived today and let's just say I've been thoroughly enjoying it

Forgive the mess - I was just testing things out before neatly putting everything away...

Abso!utely beautiful setup you've there livestrong,

Here's one for you starting I believe on page 58:

http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_068.pdf

And might I ask what are the footer type devices you've underneath your iRack?, as I love the look.........., and Byron this clearly shows what I was getting at - as far as where the front of the iFi components is located.

Once again this is a very tastefully done room - enjoy her. h, and you've had a wonderful " Journey " but the way.

 

[Art K.]

Just wanted to say thanks for getting me off the fence Byron. This arrived today and let's just say I've been thoroughly enjoying it

Niiice!

 

[slippers-on]

Livestrong...I suspect at this point your experience with the iDSD is, it may have a digital edge to it. It took a few hours for that to leave and with continued run in it will show its warm nature. And with DSD 64 and even more with 128 it will be the best digital to sound like analog. That is the experience I'm having with the iDSD...its sound unlike any CDP I've ever heard and closer to a very good vinyl rig. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

 

[livestrong]

Thanks, Gents! I didn't have as much time to play with the iFi today Well, a little anyway...

The Vincent is my favorite integrated that I've owned - I recommended it to the guy that bought my Tannoy's so I decided to find one for him! This one was a real beauty - so I hooked her up to my Tannoy's and plugged the iFi Micro iDSD into it for a little demo when he came with his buddy to pick it up! He already picked up the iFi in my recommendation, but when he heard it setup with the Vincent, Tannoy's, and some good high res tunes coming from the Mac Mini, he and his buddy both were pretty blown away. I could have sat there and listened to music with them all day - alas, duty calls! Family time today

I'll try to answer a few questions that were asked:

Kt77 - I'm assuming you were referring to the article on page 108 about the iFi Micro iPhono. Thanks so much for sharing, I read it! So far, the iPhono is absolutely fantastic. It is up there with the PS Audio GCPH in my book so far. I need to spend more time with her, though! And thanks, by the way, it has been a really fun journey - I'm having an absolute blast!

Those blocks under the iRack are also under my Cayin integrated, the Mac Mini, and the external hard drive. They're made by a guy named Mike out of Washington. PM me and I'll send you his email address. He also sells once and awhile over on AgoN under the name 'woodsage'. He makes quite a few other products now as well - cable elevators, turntable platforms, Mac Mini platforms, equipment platforms, and he even makes full racks! Here is his website: http://audiophilevibrationcontrol.com. If budget allows in the future, I will be buying more from him. He offers different colors as well and is awesome to work with!

Also, for what it's worth - I don't know whether the iFi iRack is worth it for just one piece to sit on. It is well made, has a nice design, is packaged very well, and hey - it looks cool

OK, enough of my thread crapping - back to Byron's "Going Digital" goodness!

 

[Catcher10]

Byron have you downloaded any DSD or DXD files yet?

 

[slippers-on]

I've purchased a few DSD files from acousticsounds and I've also up sampled some files to DSD...the ones Purchased sounds a little better. I may wait till I get my NAS setup before I start purchasing many DSD files..thems some big suckers!

 

[Kt77]

Thanks, Gents! I didn't have as much time to play with the iFi today Well, a little anyway...

The Vincent is my favorite integrated that I've owned - I recommended it to the guy that bought my Tannoy's so I decided to find one for him! This one was a real beauty - so I hooked her up to my Tannoy's and plugged the iFi Micro iDSD into it for a little demo when he came with his buddy to pick it up! He already picked up the iFi in my recommendation, but when he heard it setup with the Vincent, Tannoy's, and some good high res tunes coming from the Mac Mini, he and his buddy both were pretty blown away. I could have sat there and listened to music with them all day - alas, duty calls! Family time today

I'll try to answer a few questions that were asked:

Kt77 - I'm assuming you were referring to the article on page 108 about the iFi Micro iPhono. Thanks so much for sharing, I read it! So far, the iPhono is absolutely fantastic. It is up there with the PS Audio GCPH in my book so far. I need to spend more time with her, though! And thanks, by the way, it has been a really fun journey - I'm having an absolute blast!

Those blocks under the iRack are also under my Cayin integrated, the Mac Mini, and the external hard drive. They're made by a guy named Mike out of Washington. PM me and I'll send you his email address. He also sells once and awhile over on AgoN under the name 'woodsage'. He makes quite a few other products now as well - cable elevators, turntable platforms, Mac Mini platforms, equipment platforms, and he even makes full racks! I know he has a website, but I can't seem to find it. If budget allows in the future, I will be buying more from him. He offers different colors as well.

Also, for what it's worth - I don't know whether the iFi iRack is worth it for just one piece to sit on. It is well made, has a nice design, is packaged very well, and hey - it looks cool

OK, enough of my thread crapping - back to Byron's "Going Digital" goodness!

Hi livestrong,

You're more then welcome, and I'm the sort that merely gives credit where it's due - and your eye for details is quite similar to mine, which then caused me to focus upon your isolation devices and the likes.

I'm glad to see that you were aware of said review, and more importantly got second and third opinions on the sound of your system, which is always rewarding when others agree that you've done something right in voicing it, and it is as Byron and I like to say -

" it's clicking ".

As one has reached that point in their lives where it's time to stop and enjoy what they've assembled and buy Music instead of more toys. And from where I sit........., it seems you enjoy every single component in your system - so in that regards - job well done.

And PM sent on Mike in Washington.

Thanks,
scar

 

[Lee Harvey]

Livestrong, that's a nice looking setup you have there. I see you got the little iFI rack to go with your iDSD. You should consider getting the iFI USB power supply to add to the mix. The USB power supply will take things up a notch. I have been using one for almost two years now. The iDSD and PS combo have been so much fun to play with that my turntable rig has been setting idle for the past couple of months. I also have been using Tidal streaming service for the past month. It can sound really good but playing files from my Mac's SSD still sounds better. Once again that's a nice setup you have there.