[pjchappy]

I just got my DAC+. . .it is a fully burned in unit.

I just plugged it in, let it warm up for a bit, and am now listening to it. . .

Quesion 1:  What exactly does the sync filter do ( I have the newest DAC+ w/ the switchable filter).  I did a quick search, but I got too many results and couldn't find a good answer.

Question 2:  I reversed the leads on both my speakers.  Is that correct, since the DAC reverses absolute phase?

Question 3:  I feel I am missing some bass. . .and not just b/c my VMPS sub is out of commission for now.  My P1s don't put out prodigous amounts of bass, but something is missing.  Was I not supposed to reverse both leads?  I am getting a good center image, though.

p

[MikeCTM2]

hi pjchappy   i'm a proud owner of a tubedac+ too.   just got it a few weeks ago.   the sync filter switch adds +3dB to the 17k or 20k hz freq.   that's it.   i have mine off.    with phasing, i'd suggest just experimenting with both and see which sounds better.  i did that just recently with my crossover.  it allows me to do that.   i didn't like inverting the phase.   i'm more of a veteran with car audio and it reminded me a little bit of when i had done it to one of those speakers.   i'm using a tube preamp though.  

Thirdly, i can make a good guess about the bass issue.  it's because you don't have the 3Xac external power supply.   I took hantra's (and others) advice and got the 3Xac and also a great (experimental) p/c from nathan at eighth nerve.  In addition, i was lucky enough to have an Amperex 7308 orange label tube, which now sits in the DAC.    in my newbie opinion, bass is an element that is sensitive to power cords, power supplies, etc.      do i like i did too and read all the tubedac+ threads 'till you have them about memorized.

[JohnR]

Technically, a discrete-time signal such as coming off your CD player exists only for an instant, 44,100 times a second. To "fill in the gaps" the DAC holds each value until the next one is ready. This is known as a zero-order hold, and it has its own frequency response, which has the shape of the mathematical function named "sinc." (Note: not "sync.") In effect, it rolls off the top end a bit. Hence the name of the filter, which compensates for the effect of the zero-order hold and makes the response "flat" again.

Personally, I am very much enjoying my little DacKit, no sinc filter (no tube either) -- perhaps there is virtue in simplicity after all

Hope your new DAC works out for you. Tube circuits generally do tend to roll of the bottom a bit higher than solid state, because of the coupling caps. You could always try some tube rolling.

[pjchappy]

Thanks for both of your input. . . the PS will be my first upgrade. . .

The power supply I am currenty using is abit more beefier than the stock.  I do plan on getting the SN PS for this unit in the future, though.  I was also thinking that this slight lack of bass could be somewhat attributed to the fact that it wasn't warmed up for too long before I gave it a quick evaluation. . . I will have to wait and see.  Also, maybe my MENSA just gave a little more on this end.  Regardless, I'll listen more tomorrow as it will be fed a signal all night long. . .just to make sure it is nice and warmed up.

Regardless, for the little listening I did give it, I felt a more of an airiness, if that's what you could call it. . .I also felt a bit more detail come through, and a different, and slightly more detailed image and soundstage.  However, I haven't done a side by side w/ my MENSA and my current amp isn't what it should be. . .however, it has surprised me on detail. . .I was previously using it to drive my sub.  My initial goal to downgrade my system temporarily is just turning out to be a slow revamping. . .although I need the money b/c I am STILL   unemployed, I haven't been able to live w/o good sound. . .Anyways, my descriptions of what I got are from a very new ear in terms of the audiophile world. . .but, I have heard at least one other system w/ components costing at least 4 to 5 times more, and it really was a joke.  A $1000 Best Buy system w/ ANY speakers would have sounded better.  The guy had about $5000 (conservative) on CD player, DAC, amps, etc. . .yet he was using $300 vintage Polks.  I've heard decent things about some these older Polks; however, w/ this set-up, there was NO soundstage, NO imaging, and very low detail.  The system I set-up for my brother in law, which consisted of hand-me-downs from me, actually had imaging and soundstage (nothing spectactular and detailed), yet it only cost him about $400.  This guys system sounded like the music was coming from speakers that were place right next to each other. . .they were 6' apart, and I tried VARIOUS seating positions. . .it all sounded the same.  

I just couldn't get what he was so amazed about. . .it really was sad.  He has made several 'upgrades' that he convinced me to go listen to. . .no difference whatsoever. . .and I truly gave it a try. . .I would just love for him to listen to my EXTREMELY modest system for 5-minutes (even the fact that I am redoing it. . .). . .I would love for him to get a tiny glimple of what he is missing. . .b/c I know I am still missing a lot, too.  His system was just $8000 worth of sound w/ way overly emphasized bass.  For me, mine is involving. . .though I no what I a want, and I am trying to improve what I feel is lacking. . .SLOWLY.  As soon as I get a job, the pace will pick up dramatically.  

p

[Hantra]

A word about the bass. . .

The bass with this DAC is tighter bass, and quite a bit more natural IMO.  It is truer to what I would expect at a live show.  On the first listen, some have commented about the bass from mine also until they get familiar with it, and realize it is more natural, and more live bass.

[pjchappy]

How big of a difference do you think the SN PS would make in terms of bass?

Thanks again!

p

[Hantra]

PJ:

The DAC is VERY sensitive to ANY power changes.  

A friend of mine hooked up his Power Plant with Multiwave, and when he changed waveforms, the freaking soundstage would shift!  You could alter the height and width of the soundstage!!!  

So. . To answer your question, I think the PS makes everything better, but you may also think about what power cord you will use.  I wholeheartedly recommend Audience, and not because I have one for sale.  

B

[pjchappy]

Well, I'll have to get the SN PS, first. . .I have a beefier unit than the stock, but not the 3xac. . .


Good to hear it'll make an improvement, though. . .

p