SN Chibi Saru (Dackit) vs. 47 Labs Shigaraki Dac?

mshan · « **on:** 7 Dec 2004, 02:29 pm »

Has anyone critically compared the Scott Nixon Chibi Saru (pre-assembled Dackit) with 47 Labs Shigaraki Dac?

If so, how does the Chibi Saru compare to Art Dudley's description of the Shigaraki? (http://www.sakurasystems.com/reviews/reviews13.html)

Also, how much difference does the 3XDC power supply make?

And what types of digital interconnects and transports are most synergistic with the Chibi Saru?

Horizons · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Dec 2004, 05:20 pm »

I could be wrong here (frequently I am) but I am fairly sure that the Chibi Saru and Shigaraki dacs are almost identical 1543-based dacs with passive output stages.

The beauty of these dacs is that they are fairly immune to jitter and digital cable differences. I have heard the Nixon and I like it a lot. Everything I read about the Shigaraki matched my experience with the Nixon to a "T".

I am using a similar dac now (1545A) but I now insist on powering my dac with a battery, that is a major upgrade larger than any cable difference IMHO.

http://www.diyparadise.com/dackit/1545dackit.html

Dmason · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 01:35 am »

Horizons,

I totally agree about battery power. Huge "upgrade" far beyond what all the dicking around in the world with cables could do. I recommend going straight to the battery Nixon DACkit.

Now what is needed is a GOOD battery powered transpo......any ideas.

mshan · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 01:43 am »

What do you guys use for battery power? (I'm actually interested in the Chibi Saru - i.e. the preassembled Dackit)

Jay S · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 03:08 am »

Btw, non OS dacs may be less susceptible to transport quality but they are certainly not immune. There was a huge difference between my Cary 303 and my Tosh 2109 as transports to my TubeDac... and it was not splitting hairs either. It was the difference between a highly musical system and a barely listenable system. A current entry-level player may be a better transport but I think you will be rewarded by improvements in transport qulaity.

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 03:08 am »

The dac I'm getting will use a wheel chair battery. You can find them on ebay.

Dmason · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 03:37 am »

9V SLA from BatteryMart.com with charger.

The NEC Multispin is found by all to be a really good transport with the Nixon stuff. A good unit overall. Or use anything, and add an Apogee clock for about $3000

I'm using a Sony DVP-7700S.

Hantra · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 04:06 am »

Quote from: Horizons

I could be wrong here (frequently I am) but I am fairly sure that the Chibi Saru and Shigaraki dacs are almost identical 1543-based dacs with passive output stages...

Actually I think Nixon's DAC is a better design than the 47 Labs. Same basic principal, but with better parts. And if I'm not mistaken, fewer parts.

Passive Chappy · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 06:12 am »

Hey Dmason, someone had suggestion the DVD player below as a battery powered transport.

I'm wokring on getting one. I'll keep you and everyone else here posted on my progress.

http://store.yahoo.com/dynadirect/dv-gd1000e.html

Horizons · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 05:35 pm »

Quote from: mshan

What do you guys use for battery power? (I'm actually interested in the Chibi Saru - i.e. the preassembled Dackit)

Here is the battery that I am using with my DAC. It came with a wall-wart trickle charger so I wired up a switch. This lets me switch from battery powering the DAC to charger charging the DAC. Works for me.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towp1250.html

mshan · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 05:37 pm »

Has anyone specifically compared a battery powered Nixon Dackit vs. the Nixon 3Xdc power supply?

If so, what sort of differences have you appreciated?

Also, has anyone noticed any perceptible differences by using different battery powered sources?

Horizons · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 05:39 pm »

Quote from: Dmason

Now what is needed is a GOOD battery powered transpo......any ideas.

Dmason:

Wow, battery powered transport. Now that is a cool idea. Let me know if anyone finds one at a decent price. Some transports could be converted but I wouldn't want to try it on mine (Sony 222ES).

When you power your DAC from a battery first you think something is missing. The noise floor drops out from under you. I tried powering my DAC with a 12V wall wart and it sounded thin and bright in comparison. My battery powers my DAC all day long between recharges so it's not inconvienent at all. I suspect that a transport would suck a lot more juice though...

Dmason · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Dec 2004, 10:58 pm »

Horizons,

You should hear what happens when you add a battery powered fast amp

to fast, sensitive speakers.

What happens when you take a fast amp and add access to current direct to battery

This combo makes other amps now sound artificial and mechanical. Music sparkles because, no noise. Ambient cues? You can generally "hear" the recording venue on better productions. I doubt I will be back on the Grid, once I can find a workable battery powered transport. Just a matter of time.