Monarchy DIP Classic or Upsampler

DTB300 · « **on:** 8 Nov 2004, 09:10 pm »

Hi everyone...been asking around at other audio forums (no luck yet) to try to get some opinions on the Monarchy equipment...Here is what I have

Denon 2200 -> StraighWire Info-Link .5M CoAx -> Channel Islands DAC w/CI Power Supply -> ARC SP16L -> Martin Logan CLSIIz's

Would you buy the DIP Classic or the Upsampler as a Monarchy addition for improved Redbook sound? Both are marketed as improved jitter from player to DAC. Thinking of the Classic, but other have used the Upsampler with good results too.

I do own some SACD's (30) and just a few DVD-A's (5), a a few hundred Redbook....

Later....Dan

MttBsh · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 12:41 am »

Dan,

I think it will depend on your DAC. I have no experience with the Channel Islands DAC, but the Monarchy Classic DIP made a huge difference in sound quality when I was using a Monarchy 22B DAC, and also made a diiference when I was using a M Audio Superdac. Both had much better dynamics and soundstaging with the DIP in. However, when I bought a Scott Nixon Tubedac Plus, I couldn't hear any difference with the DIP in or out. The Tubedac does so well that it apparently doesn't need an anti-jitter device in front of it.

Matt

DTB300 · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 12:50 am »

MttBsh

Thanks for the info on the Classic DIP and the changes it made in your system.

Interesting about the Scott-Nixon TubeDac. Very nice looking product and with the external power supply, not a bad price at all. I have seen others talk very highly of the Scott Nixon stuff. Looks like I will have to investigate further to see what it is all about.

Thanks,
Dan

dave_c · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 02:19 am »

Hey DTP, I had the CIA and thought it was a great piece. I didn't get a chance to get to try it with the upsampler, but I did get it modded by Modwright and it made a big difference. That being said, my experience with the DIP upsampler and the Panasonic XR45 was extremely positive. I don't think you can go wrong either upgrade route. Mod or DIP; either will probably upgrade your performance.

have fun!

audioengr · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 02:39 am »

0.5m S/PDIF cable is not recommended. If you replaced this with a 1.5m cable, it would probably improve things. See this article that I wrote:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue14/spdif.htm

dave_c · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 02:52 am »

I really like the sound of 24/96, but some people like the non-OS 16/44 sound. I haven't heard any non-OS gear so take it FWIW.

Also, I forgot to mention that I had my DIP upsampler Modded by Empirical Audio and that made a big difference too. Aside from normal Power Supply, Cap and diode upgrades, I had a Superclock and USB adapter installed. Really really good sound.

DTB300 · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 02:17 pm »

Steve.... Interesting article on cable length...

"0.5m S/PDIF cable is not recommended. If you replaced this with a 1.5m cable, it would probably improve things. See this article that I wrote:"

Looks like I will be looking for a 1.5M Coax to replace what I already have

Basically, I am looking for an upgrade to the system I listed, but have to keep it around $500 or less (WAF you know...) and with the Monarchy stuff, that would be around $250 - even better for the WDAF - Wife Dollar Acceptance Factor

Monarchy has had some good things said about it by folks (both classic and upsampler), but I am leery about upsampling and adding things that are not there. I have read some people say the upsampling can add noise to cymbals and high end sound.

I also have seen and read many good things about the Scott Nixon TubeDAC+. But I have been happy with my CI DAC & CI PS and would need to sell it to get the SN. So if I find I do not like the SN, I no longer have my CI DAC!!!

The Modwright mods for the CI are $250 + Ship for the DAC and Power Supply, and as Dave C stated and others, the mod had made an excellent change to the CI DAC. Since I have been happy with my CI setup, maybe the Modwright path is a good one...Wonder what his turnaround time is lately....

Man, this hobby of ours can drive you crazy...so many choices to try to improve the quality of playback...and then to decide based on a budget the best direction to proceed.

Thanks....Dan

DTB300 · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 04:10 pm »

Dave_c....sent you PM on the Modwright mods...

Thanks...Dan

djbnh · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Nov 2004, 10:26 pm »

Chris VenHaus' site reports the following:

Quote

>>>Optimum length for digital (SPDIF) Interconnects is 1.5 meters or more!

audioengr · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Nov 2004, 01:25 am »

Quote

Monarchy has had some good things said about it by folks (both classic and upsampler), but I am leery about upsampling and adding things that are not there. I have read some people say the upsampling can add noise to cymbals and high end sound.

I also have seen and read many good things about the Scott Nixon TubeDAC+. But I have been happy with my CI DAC & CI PS and would need to sell it to get the SN. So if I find I do not like the SN, I no longer have my CI DAC!!!

The Modwright mods for the CI are $250 + Ship for the DAC and Power Supply, and as Dave C stated and others, the mod had made an excellent change to the CI DAC. Since I have been happy with my CI setup, maybe the Modwright path is a good one...Wonder what his turnaround time is lately....

Upsampling can be much better than not, but the circuitry has to be done right. If you are really interested in the Monarchy, you should consider the modded one that Dave C. has for sale. It will also allow you to wire USB from your computer or laptop and run 24/96. This technique creates the best sound that I have ever heard. I wouldn't bother with a stock one myself.

As for the S/N TubeDAC, this is one that improves 100% with mods. I just shipped a modded one to byteme, so you might wait for his reaction to it. I thought it was very musical and it is also not too expensive. The EA mods are $300.

Tuckers · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 06:19 am »

And the Classic is better by a fair margin for redbook. It has a more natural effect, and the music was smoother.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 07:19 am »

Quote

As for the S/N TubeDAC, this is one that improves 100% with mods. I just shipped a modded one to byteme, so you might wait for his reaction to it. I thought it was very musical and it is also not too expensive. The EA mods are $300.

byteme.....How's it sound ? Thanks.

doug s. · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 11:54 pm »

i wouldn't get the monarchy stuff w/o an audition &/or return option. the stuff is too hit-or-miss, imo. i bought a gw-labs dsp, which is basically the dip & upsampler in one box. it made my modded art di/o unlistenable, in the upsampling mode it was so harsh & edgy. in non-upsampling mode, it dint do anything one way or the other. fortunately, i had a 30-day in-home trial period.

personally, i kinda think it wooda been better if it upsampled to 88.2khz, as that wooda been an easy doubling of the original signal, instead of the fractional upsampling needed to get to 96khz...

ymmv,

doug s.

Paul L · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Nov 2004, 04:06 pm »

The Monarchy appears to be the same as the GW-Lab but it is not. This was stated in Bound Per Sound review of the Monarchy Upsampler. I have used the standard monarchy DIP with the DIO set to 88.2 with good effect.

doug s. · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Nov 2004, 04:10 pm »

Quote from: Paul L

The Monarchy appears to be the same as the GW-Lab but it is not. This was stated in Bound Per Sound review of the Monarchy Upsampler. I have used the standard monarchy DIP with the DIO set to 88.2 with good effect.

interesting, cuz the review of the gw-labs in s'phile said it is, the same eng'r having done both pieces... as far as the dip, well, since i had no ill-effects in my using the gw-labs while it *wasn't* in the upsample mode, i guess ymmv...

doug s.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #15 on:** 25 Nov 2004, 05:24 am »

Noise and vibration cause jitter, jitter causes fatigue. I'd spend the money on power filtration and vibration control...