[zybar]

Earlier today I had the chance to compare my stock ECD-1 dac to a Dodson dac (their expensice model - list around $8K) at Phil's place (Sonic Spirits).  For the first time, I was able to hear some of the weaknesses Steve at Empirical has pointed out in previous posts.  Specifically, the treble sounded a little unnatural and not fully developed, the soundstage depth wasn't as deep, and the sound did get a little cloudy and congested when the music gets complex.

Again, only when in direct comparison to the Dodson were the above wekanesses identifiable.  I wasn't able to hear these weaknesses when I compared the stock ECD-1 to the Turbomod P-3A.

I am even more anxious to hear the EA modified ECD-1 at my place in a few weeks (Wolfy, you are bring the ECD-1 and transport right?).  I am hoping Steve's mods address these issues and that it gets close to the Dodson.

If you have money I highly recommend you contact Phil and listen to the Dodson.  

George

[mcrespo71]

If you have money I highly receommend you contact Phil and listen to the Dodson.

No kidding!  Phil is one of the best dealers I've ever dealt with.  

[JoshK]

Does the Dodson have volume control?

[zybar]

Nope.

George

[PhilNYC]

Hey Zybar,

thanks for coming over and bringing your ECD-1 and EA-modded S7700.  The EA S7700 was pretty darn impressive as a transport...I just contacted Steve to arrange to get mine done (just the basic mod package + Jensen caps for now).

I agree with your assessment of the ECD-1 vs. the Dodson.  I also thought the comparison of ECD-1 vs. Resolution Audio Opus 21 was interesting...the ECD-1 was clearly more defined and robust in the low frequencies, whereas the Opus 21 was much more accurate and natural in the highs....but as we said, both appear to be in the same performance class, whereas the Dodson really was in another class (as it should be given the price difference).

Anyways, glad you had a good time.  And thanks for helping me out with the speaker toe-in...I am definitely liking the results!

[zybar]

Phil,

Glad that you are enjoying the small placement changes.  

Man, I have the sound of that Dodson in my head and can't get it out.  

Good thing I didn't ask to take it home...it never would have come back (and the wife would have killed me!!).

Let me know if you get the other Dodson model in.  Maybe it has enough of the family sound to work for me.

George

[Sa-dono]

Again, only when in direct comparison to the Dodson were the above wekanesses identifiable. I wasn't able to hear these weaknesses when I compared the stock ECD-1 to the Turbomod P-3A.

So can you hear these "wekanesses" in your system, with the stock ECD-1, now?

[lonewolfny42]

I am even more anxious to hear the EA modified ECD-1 at my place in a few weeks (Wolfy, you are bring the ECD-1 and transport right?).  

George, If its back by then , I will bring it to the Rave...I've not checked with Steve....my words ,"take your time Steve , I'm not in a rush".

[PhilNYC]

Let me know if you get the other Dodson model in.  Maybe it has enough of the family sound to work for me.

George

George,

There's a strong possibility that I'll have a demo unit of the DAC-263 (the less expensive Dodson DAC) available for audition in a few weeks.  Will keep you posted...

Phil

[zybar]

I am even more anxious to hear the EA modified ECD-1 at my place in a few weeks (Wolfy, you are bring the ECD-1 and transport right?).  

George, If its back by then , I will bring it to the Rave...I've not checked with Steve....my words ,"take your time Steve , I'm not in a rush".

Chris,

Let's hope it gets here in time.

George