[jmimac351]

Have you heard anything about Ayre coming out with a new DAC?  I know they say the QX-5 twenty is awesome but the technology just seems to be changing rapidly.

No idea, but I don't chase flavor of the month digital... I chase analog output stages. 

I think that's where the magic happens.

For instance, I've had one of the Gustard DACs in here that a friend said I just had to try.  I'd seen the name(s).  I listened to it - flat / no dynamics...  perfect for making metal dome tweeters / bad speakers more listenable.  I thanked him, and still watch the hoards of people chasing YouTube videos and forum posts about DACs because an "expert on cheap" tells them it's great, yet that expert doesn't even have time to read the manual about basic features before opining about them. 

I don't know how people can really make heads or tails of any of it just by looking at numbers and measurements - but some people listen with their eyes and brain, rather than with their heart.  There's no telling them any different, so I no longer bother trying.

Sometimes people reach out to me for advice (not sure why).  I tell them what I think and they go on their way in silence. 

I suspect I didn't tell them what they wanted to hear.

[Cut-Throat]

Wire is crazy... spooky.  Matter of fact, if I were considering another piece of gear, I would be thinking of how much $$$ the wire is going to cost me as well.  I have found that wire is absolutely a Component.  I have a piece that has DAC / PEQ / Preamp All In One... studio grade equipment.  It's not my "main preamp"... but it could be at exponentially lower cost.  Besides the cost of the piece, that makes for eliminating a few cables as well... simplification. Point being, if someone can use an All In One piece as a preamp it can help save money for the wire people don't realize they need.  It can make a lot of sense.

How do you go about selecting wire to actually listen to?

[jmimac351]

How do you go about selecting wire to actually listen to?

I look at established brands.

I read between the lines to discern hyperbole from those who actually provide details and explain the "Why"... and those who have patents issued because of the "Why". 

I stay away from silver plated copper... and stick to copper. 

Then comes the hard part... you have to commit $$$ to buying wire and actually listening.  There is no other way. 

For me, that means I try Cardas and Shunyata Research.  Based on what I've heard so far, I will use one / both of those brands. 

I got the switch flipped when I installed one pair of "good wire" XLR between my source and preamp.  That cable was the Cardas Clear Sky XLR in 1M length.  I put it between my Ayre QX-5 Twenty and and Ayre KX-R Twenty.  The impact was instant, obvious... and shocking.  For the first time, I heard what "wire" was about.  Prior to that, I was using Mogami 2549.  Good wire... but not "this". 

I sent that same pair of Clear Sky XLR, along with another pair of Clear Sky XLR to a friend here on the forum.  He put it in and heard the same thing.  The Clear Sky kind of "juices" the sound.  Makes it BIG. 

I am not suggesting that presentation impact is the goal, I'm just noting that "wire" is a really big deal and, for me, must absolutely be accounted for when talking about any component.

[Cut-Throat]

  That cable was the Cardas Clear Sky XLR in 1M length.  I put it between my Ayre QX-5 Twenty and and Ayre KX-R Twenty.  The impact was instant, obvious... and shocking.  For the first time, I heard what "wire" was about. 

OK, so what is the physical construction of this cable?  --- Material, Gauge, shielding etc.

[jmimac351]

OK, so what is the physical construction of this cable?  --- Material, Gauge, shielding etc.

Maybe this should be another thread.  I am certainly no expert on wire!, but I think I've found a few clues... and I'm hearing it.  I have in house various amounts of Cardas Clear Sky XLR, Cardas Clear (full loom of 2x XLR and Speaker), Cardas Clear Reflection XLR (still need speaker), Cardas Golden Reference XLR (still need speaker), Shunyata Research Theta (speaker / need XLR).  I am going to try all of this wire, sort thru what I want to keep and in some cases, re-terminated... then sell the rest. 

I think that's the only way, for me; otherwise, buy, then sell for something else and try... and try to think of what I remember the other stuff sounding like... that's hard to do.

In a nutshell (Help me! I'm in a nutshell!) the way the wire is built, the speed of the signal vs the speed of the signal stored in the dielectric is "matched", in time (the dielectric acts like a capacitor - storing and releasing energy, but at different rates depending on material); otherwise, there is an "echo" with the signal from the dielectric following the main signal.  Just like with reflections from the speaker against the front wall - timing is everything.

That's a bit of what I think I understand about wire.

I have actually read both of George Cardas' patents.  I don't understand all of it, but I understand enough of it - and I'm a buyer. 

I would try the GR wire too as I see what they are doing with the helix design, but my amps must have XLR and the GR wire isn't available in that.  I could use single ended, but that's forcing it with gear that likes Balanced.  Plus, I'd need a pair of $250 adapters and at that point not sure what I'm actually gaining at that $$ vs another option designed for XLR.  Again, I that stuff figures into component selection / use.

"What outputs does this preamp have and what will I be using it with now and down the road?"

[corndog71]

I would also suggest Iconoclast cables which also have an excellent trial period / return policy.

[Presb4]

I have posted an internal build pic of the Raven Preamp over in the Spatial Circle with build impressions. https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=189142.msg2005987#msg2005987