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I like loading CD's and playing albums. It's actually a big turn off for me to use streamers and such. Vinyl is ok, but it's a bit much flipping the record so it's special mood only. Sooo it's mostly PCM for me, unless I get something SACD capable.
PS Audio is updating their PWT to play SACDs. It already does DVD-As in addition to Redbook.
Here's another one:http://en.auneaudio.com/index.php?s=Home/Article/detail/id/83.htmlhttp://parttimeaudiophile.com/2016/01/30/review-aune-s16-dac/
Keeping the S16 in-house for several months gave me the opportunity to put it up against many well-known sub $3K DACs which is the target (call them giants) this killer wants to slay. So during the last few months and in no particular order the following converters made it in my place:The Marantz HD-DAC 1, which never stood a chance against the Aune; it clearly lacked in detail retrieval, soundstage dimensions and sheer impact on the lower registers. I was expecting something more from the Marantz DAC and remained somewhat puzzled by the 90s sound. Digital has done a leap ahead in recent years but Marantz lost the pace.The Pioneer U-05, which has the edge in bottom octave reproduction as it packs a faster and better defined slam, but loses a point in timbre, where the Aune manages to be both warmer and more engaging. Probably the best of the lot along with the Aune. Depending on the system (warmer or monitor oriented) this could be the right match for those looking for a very well made, under $1K DAC.The Mytek 192 DSD (now replaced by the new Brooklyn DAC), probably the worst in terms of tonal balance and timbre, with its metallic and edgy sound. That said, it was among the best when it came in bottom-end extension, and definitely packs more detail than the Aune. I cherish a more natural voice timbre to ultimate bass and find hard to listen to more than 20 minutes with the Mytek 192 which has “listening fatigue” written all over it.The Hegel HD12, which apart from being the only one not to work properly with my Linux streamer, was, for my taste, too warm — almost syrupy. I can imagine several listeners picking this one as it will never offend, even with the worst recordings, but it won’t make your great ones shine either. The Hegel HD12 and the Mytek 192 sit on the antipodes of digital playback with the Aune placed somehwere in the middle and closer to the Hegel when it comes to sweetness.The Schiit Yggrdasil, a reasonable value for money, but with a slight harshness in the upper mids and an overall grain in the sound. The Aune appears more forgiving on certain recordings, despite the Schiit being a ladder-DAC and the Aune a ΔΣ design. The “Yggy” as many call it is well built, costs and weights three times more but did not manage to confirm the rather high expectations created by the community and certain forums.Finally, the Geek Pulse XFi with external power supply, a total disaster when used with the single ended RCA output for both soundtstage and macrodynamics, where the much cheaper Aune demolished it in all possible ways. Things were very different through the balanced connectors where the gap was much, much narrower and on certain things, such as bottom extension, the Pulse had the Aune “by the XLRs”.
It just seems to me to make sense to process DSD as DSD and PCM as PCM. The more crunching, the more opportunity for error. The reviews I've read seem to be consistent with that approach.
I think that's what I'm doing currently--running JRiver
In case anyone's looking for a decent USB to S/PDIF converter ---- PCM only, but you can convert DSD to high rate PCM at the source with good results, some say better than with straight DSD ---- there's lots of discussion about the subject here:http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=137912.0Also a few tid-bits here:http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=140244.msg1497676#msg1497676We've had good experiences with some very inexpensive converters. Most notable is a Phiree unit, well under $100, that goes to 96k/24, available on Amazon:http://amzn.com/B00OMP81JQ-Tommy O
Hi, Datahut.DAC technology/capability has been zipping along at breakneck speed for a couple years now. New models seem to come out every 18 to 24 months with upgraded DAC chips and/or new bells and whistles to catch shoppers' eyes. I did not check the Benchmark DACs, but both the 851D and Mytek 190-DSD are two-plus years old now. That's almost like buying a new four year old automobile. It's still new, but 2016 models are better. [Okay, that's my perception.]I'm interested in getting the most from my money, so I'm keenly interested in manufacturer-direct products with quality manufacturing history/reputation. Just my two bits. YMMV.Michael
Hello, I know this post is from more than 6 months ago, but I just discovered it!I'd like to know what has Cambridge 851D that is obsolete, or what new technologies it does not has.Thank you!Relayer_CR
I remain extremely happy with my Gustard X20U DAC, which was under $900. I haven't directly compared it to a Schiit or Vega, but at least one person sold their other more expensive DACs when they got the Gustard. I also recommend the Triode Wire Labs USB cable. The pair would set you back about $1100 or so.
Hello, Relayer.I wasn't suggesting the 851D was obsolete, but that newer DACs offer better sound and capabilities. I checked the Cambridge website for specs and immediately noticed the 851D does not support DSD. If you want DSD capability, you must look elsewhere. If you have no need for DSD, it's all good.I have the same Gustard x20 DAC that ACHiPo spoke of. I am very happy with its price and abilities.Good luck in your search.Michael
