Wylie's Occasional Newsletter
June 4, 2011
RUMINATIONS ABOUT COMPUTER AUDIO
I had a surprising thought last week. I haven't seen anybody online flaming people for writing that different computer audio software and/or hardware sound different. Given that any online comment that cables or amplifiers sound different often brings down flaming wrath, this is surprising.
Honestly, I think that the idea that "bits are bits" sounds very sensible. Not that I believe it; as with wires and amps I have heard sufficient differences that I believe that bits may not just be bits, though I have no idea why.
BEL CANTO DAC-PREAMP REVIEWS
It has been a long wait but reviews have started appearing about the new generation of Bel Canto DAC-preamps. ComputerAudiophile.com has added the DAC 1.5 to its suggested equipment list, and posted a review at
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Bel-Canto-Design-DAC-15-eOne-Processor-Review In the summary the reviewer says "The Bel Canto DAC 1.5 is unequivocally a great value at $1,395. The DAC works every time and its sound quality is very good.
I'm still waiting for a review if the DAC2.5, but Stereophile has published one for the 3.5VB. It's a typicallly long review, but this sentences makes a good summary: "...the only other digital sound I've enjoyed significantly more was when I heard the Meridian 808i.2 CD player ($16,995)...." The reviewer said the DAC 3.5VB is worthy of Class A.
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WIREWORLD FIVE-STAR CABLES
The problem with cables is that are so many more cables than reviews. I felt lucky to find that British magazine What Hi Fi reviews lots of Wireworld's cable, and has rewarded the following their top five-star rating.
Remember that Wireworld loans cables for home audition. I don't stock cables, but I give discount for special orders.
(Prices are in pounds; currently the £ is about $1.64)
Wireworld Chroma 6 £ 60
Best HDMI cable £50+, Awards 2010. Everything about this cable is top-notch: it delivers excellent sound and vision
Wireworld Oasis 6 £ 130
The '6' version of Wireworld's Oasis interconnect is an adept performer with very little to dislike and one we'd recommend
Wireworld Stratus 52 £ 100
Even better than the original, Wireworld's new, flat Stratus is a great sounding mains cable for the money
Wireworld Luna 6 £ 37
It may not look the most appealing, but the Luna 6 serves up a great, refined sound that deserves an audition
Wireworld Starlight 6 £ 90 It's hard to fault a cable that has as many plus points as the Starlight 6, especially at this competitive price
Wireworld Ultraviolet 5 USB £ 50
Best USB cable, Awards 2010. Compared to a bundled USB lead, the sound the Wireworld makes is leagues ahead
Wireworld Luna 5 biwire £ 5
Stellar performance from a biwire cable priced firmly at ground-level
Happy listening,
Wylie
