[Tyson]

Not sure if anyone is interested, but I did a pretty in-depth review of this unit here on AC - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=58798

[bbaker6212]

your comment of "The Duet right now is very close to the top echelon of digital playback devices I've heard" sound much more positive than the Computer Audiophile review.  It's strange how they seem to say the bolder mod takes it up ~25% or...a notch or two...above decent mid-fi sound, but then in the last sentence compare it to the very expensive Transporter.

[Tyson]

Well, you know what they say about opinions.  You should take theirs about as seriously as you take mine.

[mgalusha]

A re-boxed Duet/buffer should be very nice. In addition to eliminating 4 jacks, plugs and two cables it also eliminates the power umbilical. I did this with my SB2 and put the Burson modules in the chassis with the rest and it sounds, to me, very good. As you say, the lack of noise from the VFD and it's associated power supply is a very nice thing.

[bbaker6212]

Excuse my ignorance but what kind of buffer are you talking about here?

[Tyson]

bbaker,
Any DAC is primarily 3 segments - Power Supply, D/A chip, and analog out.  The D/A chip, not much to be done there, but the PS and the Analog out can both be improved a LOT on the Duet (and any mid-price DAC).  Burson Audio makes a buffer that has been used w/the Duet/Squeezeboxes that was a big improvement to the analog signal, so Wayne (and mgalusha) put the Squeezebox (Duet) and the analog buffer into the same box, plus Wayne has developed a new analog buffer circuit designed specifically for this application to supercharge the analog output of the Duet (Squeezebox).  Combined with the Power Supply upgrade, it addresses the weaknesses of the Duet.  At least in theory (for me), since I've not heard the new Bolder Buffer yet.  I have a feeling I'll not only be getting the buffer, but also the rebox as well.  Man I'm so broke   But I'm also so happy

[jhm731]

IMO, all this money spent on Bolder Mods/PSUs would be better spent on Pat's Duet digital output upgrade and an external DAC with a BNC input.

I know you "audiophiles" like to believe all those Jensen caps, silver connectors, Bybees and those cute little ebony pucks do something "special" to improve a very, very, basic linear PSU design.

IMO, until Bolder starts publishing specs on his linear PSUs that show they outperform $50. off the shelf linear PSUs, they're way overpriced.

[Tyson]

And your opinion, sir, is an underpriced joke.  IMO, of course.

[jhm731]

And your opinion, sir, is an underpriced joke.  IMO, of course.

And you keep sending Wayne those big checks, while I listen to the best for less. 

[Tyson]

"The best for less", and you know this... how?

[rajacat]

And your opinion, sir, is an underpriced joke.  IMO, of course.

And you keep sending Wayne those big checks, while I listen to the best for less. 

Have you compared Wayne's digital mods to Pat's mods in the same system, same room? If you haven't then you don't really know much, do you?

--Roy

[woodsyi]

Let's keep things respectful, guys.  I would like this circle to be an objective place to discuss pros and cons of gears and mods, but I just would like everyone to be cordial and respectful even when you have contrary opinions. 

Thank you all.

[bbaker6212]

bbaker,
Any DAC is primarily 3 segments - Power Supply, D/A chip, and analog out.  The D/A chip, not much to be done there, but the PS and the Analog out can both be improved a LOT on the Duet (and any mid-price DAC).  Burson Audio makes a buffer that has been used w/the Duet/Squeezeboxes that was a big improvement to the analog signal, so Wayne (and mgalusha) put the Squeezebox (Duet) and the analog buffer into the same box, plus Wayne has developed a new analog buffer circuit designed specifically for this application to supercharge the analog output of the Duet (Squeezebox).  Combined with the Power Supply upgrade, it addresses the weaknesses of the Duet.  At least in theory (for me), since I've not heard the new Bolder Buffer yet.  I have a feeling I'll not only be getting the buffer, but also the rebox as well.  Man I'm so broke   But I'm also so happy

You're not saying the DAC chip doesn't matter right?  It's the most important part!  The sound of different DAC chips (and how they're implemented) makes a huge difference.  Oversampling, non-oversampling, etc.

[mr_bill]

And your opinion, sir, is an underpriced joke.  IMO, of course.

And you keep sending Wayne those big checks, while I listen to the best for less. 

Have you compared Wayne's digital mods to Pat's mods in the same system, same room? If you haven't then you don't really know much, do you? (in your words)

--Roy

And you've compared the expensive power supplies and mods to less expensive and you know that the more expensive is better? 
If you haven't then you don't really know much, do you? (your words)

The same argument can be made either way.

[Tyson]

mr_bill,
Actually, yes I have made that comparison.  And the more expensive PS is better, to my ears and in my system.  YMMV of course.

[rajacat]

And your opinion, sir, is an underpriced joke.  IMO, of course.

And you keep sending Wayne those big checks, while I listen to the best for less. 

Have you compared Wayne's digital mods to Pat's mods in the same system, same room? If you haven't then you don't really know much, do you? (in your words)

--Roy

And you've compared the expensive power supplies and mods to less expensive and you know that the more expensive is better? 
If you haven't then you don't really know much, do you?

The same argument can be made either way.

 

You're right.

[bbaker6212]

In the end, it doesn't matter how much it costs to make, or what techniques are used.  If it sounds good it is good

Btw, a battery is a great power suppy (eg, for a 12 volt amp) yet it is very inexpensive.

[Tyson]

Hi bbaker62212,
Of course DAC chips make a big difference.  I was simply stating that swapping out DAC chips wasn't an option in the Duet (to my knowledge), so there's not much to say about it when talking about modding the unit.  I dunno maybe they can be switched, but I think the Wolfson chips in there are pretty good.  If I "really" had my druthers, I'd like to have a DAC chip with true balanced output and run it through a true balanced output circuit, into my new balanced preamp and balanced amp.  But that's not possible with what's in there. Not a huge deal, but it would be nice.....