Going Digital!

[Kt77]

Hey guys,

I know that you might be wondering if I've some sort of hidden agenda for continuing to go on and on about the iFi Audio Micro iDSD DAC and iUSB Power devices, yet I feel it would be an injustice not to - as I've been sitting here collecting a few USB cables even before I got this tandem in, and have more of less settled upon the combination of the iFi Mercury and Black Cat Cable Silverstar USBs as being an extremely musical pairing, until last night that is when I installed one of those cheap as chips little WW Starlight USBs and within all of a track and a half - I knew exactly what Brotha Byron had been going on about.

Here was to my ears a very very very very refined, yet purposeful sound that had me smiling from ear to ear like Andy Warhol surrounded by a room full of suspect women wannabes ( no bad intentions meant, in so much as my choice of wordage to fit my excitement level to some existent ) but here I'm referring to layers and layers of the innermost structure of the notes themselves unraveling before my very ears/eyes in such a manner I had to sit there until 1:30AM, and afterwards laying there in bed asking myself how could I've gone this long without having this sort of musicality in my life much earlier?, it goes without saying I woke the wife and told her what I heard and knew right then and there, I had to leave a message for Brotha B - saying that he was right all along and that I believe he mentioned that billfort said it first - but this $96 USB has a certain refinement and musicality going on for it, it's scary.

Those of you reading this and sitting on the fence wondering if Byron or I are merely pulling your chain, or are getting paid to rave about these wares?, I'd say no..........., we don't receive a single red penny for merely trying to share the wholistic concept of something more deserving of other music livers attention - I mean literally ones wholehearted attention to the fullest - try to beg, borrow or steal this combination as a means of hearing what I now see/hear as one of the most musical pairings I've heard in over 32 years in this shared hobby - and one that as a few guys here have said - does put analog sources within ones mind - as it's very very very very close.

I'm just saying for the record ( pun intended ) hear these for yourself before you spend on a Hugo - Oppo - Mircomega Mydac or anything approaching say $1.200 - $1.500, as it might save you a few coins and satisfy your senses while bringing that same big arse smile to your face as well.........., trust me, you'll be grateful that you listened.

Peace,
scar

 

[slippers-on]

Nice comments Oscar!

I can't say enough about the iDSD/iPSU gear. I am so greatful to Lee Harvey for suggesting it to me. There's some real, great engineering going on in the iFI Micro! After all, the parent company has been around for a while.

If one has these products, one must upgrade from the stock cables to some audiophile cables to really enter into the real fidelity they have to offer...then one will see what these mighty mites are really like. As you know, some gear is only as good as the supporting gear around it....so if one has capable components, and own these products, if you haven't, please upgrade the cables from the stock. I've been using the WireWorld products....no snake oil with this brand, real science behind Wireworld cables. Of course system matching and "synergy" is needed with every cables, so...before a purchase of any cable, one must know the overal flavor of his system, thus one knows what a cable will add or subtract from the sound. Most audiophiles simply use the spaghetti upside the wall method, not taking into consideration the flavor of their system...throwing good money away.

From the first time the Micro was starting to run in, I suspected the warm, analog sound would be a bit to warm with both the tube pre and power amps thus the WW Starlight and the Silver Eclips 7. I am now hearing the Micro in all its glory! I won't go into detail, I believe Oscar and my self have already done so...but I will say, the Micro has given me some new thought...seeing that the Micro's performance and fidelity have left my TT in the dust...left it for dead, do I now bring the TT up to speed? Or do I do what others have done and simply discard the TT rig altogether? It's crossed my mind several times over the course of about 3 days. Nope...can't do it! Won't do it! But I now understand a new phono amp is in store and perhaps a new cart as well. Besides...there is still that little something something the Micro DSD doesn't have, that only vinyl does....that physicality! But upgrades to the TT rig is no rush, no hurry....having to much fun with the Micro.

So Big O....I hear Ya loud and clear....I can also say, I've never heard music like this in my home. And I've been listening to music from the late 70's. The bar has been raised with the Micro, having to upgrade the TT rig is a testimony to that. It's so hard to believe with the price paid for these two boxes one can have such fidelity. This isn't a Lampizator, or a Wired 4 Sound DAC, which are heavy weights that cost much more...this is the iFI Micro....The Heavy Weight amongs the Heavy weights...at least in the same ball park, that is. And once a person conciders the price of the iFI...its a no brainer.

I don't know If any one is listening..or reading. But if you are, and are concidering the Micro/ PSU for your system...And want to hear what DSD128 is all about, or even higher....I can whole hardly say yes...its a safe bet and when concidered against costlier DAC's on the market...this is an easy choice...that will make you happy and just as over joyed with this product as we are. Just change the stock cables and you'd be in bliss.

 

[Kt77]

Thanks little Brotha,

But truth be told...., I don't think anyone's listening or reading, but it's all meant in good fate to those few that are...., once again it was an industry insider whom put me onto these devices months ago, but for whatever reason they merely slipped my mind as I went on to invest in an Astell & Kern AK 100 MK II and Bluesound Node instead which could've in fact paid for both iDSD/iUSB with change to spare, as well as better fidelity - at least in my home that is.

But life itself is about making mistakes - yet more importantly learning from them as not to repeat them......., so in this sense I hope others are paying attention?, as I believe that after 15 system changes since 1982 that I've made enough mistakes for all of us, and while it has taken me the last 6 years to final realize one very important factor and that's to trust my own ears/senses and go with components which form a collective whole based upon how well they play together as opposed to against one another's strengths - but in the end......, I'm quite content with the outcome and see the light at the end of the tunnel just around the horizon and am reaching for it everyday in an effort to put the illusion of the Abso!ute Sound behind me and merely hear reality as I hear it, as opposed to being mislead to think that a system has to capture the fluttering of a butterflies wings at high speds as they pass outside ones window as an important factor in selecting a system or being consider worthy of ownership - not.

It's about how it draws you in, how it caresses your very soul, it's about feeling blessed to be alive and smiling while others are constantly making mistake after mistake, yet aren't willing to admit to themselves or other they merely can't hear..........., and at days end, it's about having that sense of peace in knowing you've chosen wisely.

" Synergy is Key "

Always has been, always shall be........, party on Garth. And partying I know you are, as we like to say " it's clicking ".

Be well as always, little Brotha.

Salaam,
h, h ( No he didn't ).

 

[marantzfan]

I'm still listening fellas.

One thing I have noticed is you guys are comparing it to DAC's in the $1,200-$1,500 range. Correct me if I missed something, but the Micro is $500' the iUSB is $249 and the Gemini (or comparable) cable is $249, so all in at $1,000, give or take? Also, it seems that the micro and the Gemini wouldn't be compatible since the jack and the cable are terminated backwards (ie, the cable is terminated opposite of the jack on the micro) or did I miss something there?

Finally, what software are you guys running? I'm sure it was mentioned somewhere in this thread, but there is a lot of text to read through.

 

[slippers-on]

You dont have to buy their cable and I certainly didnt. There is also an adapter for the Gemini cable....its the one in that static bag. The Micro it self is $500...the iUSB is $200. You dont have to get the iUSB. but if you do, both is $700. Others have compaired it to the HUGO DAC which retails for much more....and sounds just as good and others said its better. For the price paid, and the fidelity of the sound....you are getting away with stealing it seems....but I listen only in DSD 128.

Also, forgot to mentioned....I've used JRiver as well as HQPlayer. Both are great, but HQPlayer isn't as user friendly as much as JRiver is. HQPlayer will play higher resolutions, if your music/system affords it....JRiver goes up to DSD128 and thats all I use....but we all know technology doesn't stop...JRiver will get there in due time....I use JRiver as my HQP trial has expired. Billfort is a HQP man all the way!

 

[frankbooth]

This thread has gotten me off my ass and finally bought a mac mini and started ripping my collection. I'm about 50 cd's into about 1200 and in the next few weeks, I'll be ordering the dac with usb.
One thing my wife and myself are looking forward to is getting the three cd racks out of our living room and getting some space back!

 

[Scott Tex]

I prefer digital ... yes.. I said it!
High rez downloads playing directly from my Oppo 105 out of its dedicated 2 channel outs & dac to my Leben CS 300X is magical with most music & recordings.
Very musical, textured tones. vocals, nice soundstage and imaging ..
what not to like ..

 

[slippers-on]

This thread has gotten me off my ass and finally bought a mac mini and started ripping my collection. I'm about 50 cd's into about 1200 and in the next few weeks, I'll be ordering the dac with usb.
One thing my wife and myself are looking forward to is getting the three cd racks out of our living room and getting some space back!

Sounds great! Know the flavor of your system and order your cables accordingly. The Micro has a warm analog sound, so system matching with USB and RCA's are a must.

And speaking of space and racks..... I have often thought about Art and all the CD's he has...just think if he could get started on buying hard drives and ripping his 4k... give or take, CD's in flac and moving the racks out of his listening room. His amp and new speakers, he'd have a lot of fun converting his flac up to DSD 128 , and He'd have that much more room in his listening studio...that would afford him more space.

 

[slippers-on]

I prefer digital ... yes.. I said it!
High rez downloads playing directly from my Oppo 105 out of its dedicated 2 channel outs & dac to my Leben CS 300X is magical with most music & recordings.
Very musical, textured tones. vocals, nice soundstage and imaging ..
what not to like ..

Great! I've heard those Oppo's have a wonder onboard DAC as well! And yes...its magical! Some of these Marantz SACD players have an on-board DAC, but I never hear about anybody using it as you are with your Oppo....I wonder why?

 

[Kt77]

I'm still listening fellas.

One thing I have noticed is you guys are comparing it to DAC's in the $1,200-$1,500 range. Correct me if I missed something, but the Micro is $500' the iUSB is $249 and the Gemini (or comparable) cable is $249, so all in at $1,000, give or take? Also, it seems that the micro and the Gemini wouldn't be compatible since the jack and the cable are terminated backwards (ie, the cable is terminated opposite of the jack on the micro) or did I miss something there?

Finally, what software are you guys running? I'm sure it was mentioned somewhere in this thread, but there is a lot of text to read through.

That's nice to hear/rear marantzfan,

But as I'm late to the party this time around as it was an earlier night for me then most, and I see Byron has already responded, I'll add that I was told and believe that the iUSB Power and Gemini were intended to be used with the iDAC which was their very first DAC from a few years ago, also it seems there might've been different versions of the iDSD DAC as I see ones with both male type A USB fixtures ( current one ) and another with the exact same type B ( older version ) while google searching their images.

I think the use of the Gemini USB Cable is more of an afterthought with said iDSD DAC using the provided adapter that comes with the gear - but in hindsight I too would say it's merely $700 invested - as some might be pleased to use the stock cables whereas that would be their first mistake - cabling is one of those gray areas where some believe, while others do not - but in my world all of it makes a grave different in voicing ones system to their set preferences, lest one wishes to follow the crowd and not venture into the unknown because of saving a dollar, or because one fears wasting that same dollar where it could in fact change the overall sonic signature of ones system to the point, they become enhanced with its sense of correctness and fidelity - unless I'm missing something?.

The RCAs and USBs ones decides to invest in should be seen as components, and are needed in such manner as to match the sound of ones system based upon the flavor that's needed - but then some would have us believe those $1.00 stock cables are all that's needed - so it's best to adjust ones cable budget accordingly and do it right once and be done, I mean look at Byron buying $900 ICs, and knowing him well......., I knew that hurt him to spend that much, but I'm glad to see/read/hear he knew it was essential in the betterment of his systems sound.

I intent on sampling both Audirvana Plus along with JRiver and see which ne sounds/feels right, and go from there.

And long term - these little devices are indeed - kicking mucho arse and taking names while they walk over the bodies/shells of their more costly competition it's not even remotely funny, how musical these devices are......, but as some would have us to believe - it's subjective.

But it's not.........., it's about having the ability to heard, and then acting upon it to select wisely, eh!.

Be well,
scar

 

[Kt77]

This thread has gotten me off my ass and finally bought a mac mini and started ripping my collection. I'm about 50 cd's into about 1200 and in the next few weeks, I'll be ordering the dac with usb.
One thing my wife and myself are looking forward to is getting the three cd racks out of our living room and getting some space back!

Good deal.

But don't be surprised once you hear just how much more musical those rips are through these devices - you'll want to sale the remaining CDs on the spot.

Welcome aboard and after you've things setup, please share your findings with us as well......, and I've to give it up to your wife for supporting you on this venture and moving into the new age of home entertainment - the writing has been on the wall from where I sit for over 5 years now..........., it's becoming more and more computer generated as I type this - the times are a changing, that's for sure.

Take care frankbooth, and keep us all posted.

Byron, back to your side of the street to finish our evening News report.

 

[Kt77]

Great! I've heard those Oppo's have a wonder onboard DAC as well! And yes...its magical! Some of these Marantz SACD players have an on-board DAC, but I never hear about anybody using it as you are with your Oppo....I wonder why?

Brotha B,

He stated he's using the Oppo BDP - 103 along with a DAC into the Leben CS-300 driving his triple stacked JBLs, and the reason they aren't it's simple really - the other players aren't " Oppo's " and having owned the BDP - 103, and now the BDP - 105D, it's very obvious to me whom makes far better players as far as design - reliability and features go.

In some cases you'd expect the companies with history to have better R&D in said matters, but no it was the newer firm here that came out swinging, and now the big boys are playing catch up " Oppo's Rule ".

Sounds likes.........., what's going on with the iFi devices in my mind as well, get off your behinds and join the crusade, lest you like living in the Stone Age?, I know I couldn't bear it........, I like having lights and gas - and speaking of gas - the systems " Cooking ".

Read between the lines.
h

 

[Kt77]

Sounds great! Know the flavor of your system and order your cables accordingly. The Micro has a warm analog sound, so system matching with USB and RCA's are a must.

And speaking of space and racks..... I have often thought about Art and all the CD's he has...just think if he could get started on buying hard drives and ripping his 4k... give or take, CD's in flac and moving the racks out of his listening room. His amp and new speakers, he'd have a lot of fun converting his flac up to DSD 128 , and He'd have that much more room in his listening studio...that would afford him more space.

" Moderator Alert ".

Stop B, let him be. It's just a matter of time before the path is presented to us all.

 

[marantzfan]

Ok, so there is a USB A to B converter (or vice versa, I forget which you need) included with the Micro. I was wondering why nobody had mentioned anywhere about getting appropriate cables.

 

[Kt77]

Ok, so there is a USB A to B converter (or vice versa, I forget which you need) included with the Micro. I was wondering why nobody had mentioned anywhere about getting appropriate cables.

Yes there is, it also includes quite a few other little connected type cabling so you're covered there. The in box USB is okay as a means of getting them off the shelves and into ones system - but in the end the end user has to understand in advance which flavor of USB cabling is needed to match the sonics of any given system much like a standard cabling loom, as no one size fits all.

But as a few have pointed out, this combination is on the warmer side of the sonic spectrum which is intended as a plus to take that digital edge off the overall sound compared to say the sound of early digital or CDs - so in said case either an IC or USB made of quality silver plated copper in both positions goes a long ways in restoring balance to its sound - and here I think that both Byron and I are referring to the interconnect that enters your preamp or integrated in my case, and said USB cable between the iDSD and iUSB as the most vital seeming both are close to the Source and therefore have more of a direct impact on the sound further downstream.

As always it depends upon the sonics of your amplification - if it's warm?, then silver or hybrid based cabling should be used somewhere as it stands, yet on a more neutrally balanced system - said silver plated copper still offers the speed and nimbleness of notes that properly designed silver conductors offer, but here assisted with the richer - creamier more weighted presentation of copper as a means of adding yet another layer of refinement to the entire picture if you will.

In an analytical system, I'd think matters would work themselves out sonically due to the warmish nature of the components nearest the Source, and blend in much easier in said case - but whom among us seriously likes listening to brightish components to begin with?, certainly not I........, but I do like that fine balance between refinement and detailing that keeps my attention focused upon the music as opposed to merely listening to what the component are or aren't doing.

It's all on how one views/hears any of thus that matters.

Enjoy the ride, but fine tune her accordingly.
scar

 

[Scott Tex]

I am utilizing the Oppo 105D as my Dac as well as my pre via DH Labs Revelation Silver Sonics & Leben.
Yes I really like the dac in the Oppo 105.

 

[Kt77]

I am utilizing the Oppo 105D as my Dac as well as my pre via DH Labs Revelation Silver Sonics & Leben.
Yes I really like the dac in the Oppo 105.

Now we're talking........, and here I was thinking you were using the 103, you're doing even better. And in truth, there's nothing not to like about your setup in the least.

Which EL84s are you using with your Leben might I ask?, as I'm a born again EL84 user, but seeming that I've used the username as related to one form or another of EL34s since 1998, my fondness towards EL84s only started 2 years ago, but I know in my mind, there's no going back to any other power tube type in my future as a much prefer their honest presentation.

Be well.

 

[Scott Tex]

Now we're talking........, and here I was thinking you were using the 103, you're doing even better. And in truth, there's nothing not to like about your setup in the least.

Which EL84s are you using with your Leben might I ask?, as I'm a born again EL84 user, but seeming that I've used the username as related to one form or another of EL34s since 1998, my fondness towards EL84s only started 2 years ago, but I know in my mind, there's no going back to any other power tube type in my future as a much prefer their honest presentation.

Be well.

Well in my first Leben CS300 that I owned and sold .. not the X .. I was running with old stock Mullards and Telefunks for the pre stage. It was really sweet.
Unfortunately at this time in my Leben CS300X that I just recently acquired.. I have sovteks in them but will be searching and purchasing the Mullards & Telefunks once again as I think it was the most engaging sound for me.
Incidentally, I have changed my triple stacked JBL L212s to utilizing just 2 pairs in the D'apalloto arrangement.
Have you thought of adding any mods to your Oppo?
What tubes are you running with now?
Cheers my friend.

 

[Kt77]

Well in my first Leben CS300 that I owned and sold .. not the X .. I was running with old stock Mullards and Telefunks for the pre stage. It was really sweet.
Unfortunately at this time I have sovteks in them but will be searching and purchasing the Mullards & Telefunks once again as I think it was the most engaging sound for me.
Incidentally, I have changed my triple stacked JBL L212s to utilizing just 2 pairs in the D'apalloto arrangement.
Have you thought of adding any mods to your Oppo?
What tubes are you running with now?
Cheers my friend.

Scott Tex,

Thanks for the follow up - nice selection there.

Nice speakers as well, as I've been following quick a few videos on YouTube on vintage JBLs ( thanks to Byron ) and enjoy their sonic strengths along side several of the Altec Lansing's.

I purchased the Oppo's solely for watching Blu-Rays as I sold off my CDs and SA-CD collection back in 2006, so only the 103 ever made it onto the audio rack one time and while I was impressed with its sound playing a few of the CD-Rs friend of mine from Japan and Britain were kind enough to send me, they remain in our bedroom for those weekly movie nights the wife and I share.

My primary tubes consist of either Mazda ( French NOS 50s ) or Siemens Sliver/Chrome Plate ( German NOS 1962 ) 12AU7s along side either Tungsram Silver Plate ( Hungary NOS 50s ) 12AX7s and a single NEC - TEN Kobe Japan or Thompson - CSF 12AX7 ( French ) dead center and either Polam/Telam EL84 ( Made in Poland ) or Sylvania Black Plate 6QB5s and said tandem locks everything in music wise beautifully I might add.

Cheers to you as well young man.
h

 

[Scott Tex]

Nice stuff KT .. interesting..
I don't have much experience with different tube flavors.. I do own a 6L6 tube amp and sounds good in its butter zone but doesn't quite have the connection with everything as the el 84 Leben has. Nor does it wow me in low level listening as does the Leben.