[mcrespo71]

Agree on the Ack dAck.  I've owned both versions and if it's smooth you want, it definitely has it.

Michael

[Jim N.]

I picked up a Red Wine Audio battery powered Scott Nixon NOS DAC from another Audio Circle member while my Bel Canto DAC2 was out being modded by RAM. The sound was quite beguiling at first, what I assume people refer to as "more analog". No "hard S" sounds, no over bright piano notes, etc. I almost didn't want to put the Bel Canto back in when it was returned. I did, though, and am glad that I did. It was like a veil had been lifted from the sound. The detail and dynamics from the modded Bel Canto really made the music come to life. A rare "hard S" or slightly bright piano note is a small price to pay for all the benefits IMO. And no, I don't find it fatiguing at all. I posted awhile back about spending 14 hours one day listening to music directly, not just having it play in the background.

I'm not saying the NOS sound is bad at all. It was a nostalgic type of sound for me. I just prefer the modded BC DAC2. Neither is perfect so it comes down to personal preference. You can probably pick up a more pleasent sounding NOS DAC for less then you can an upsampling one. Perhaps the NOS better conceals the sins of the recording. It is not fatiguing and can be a viable budget alternative to a harsh/glare system.

I currently have 3 DACs and rate them in this order: The RAM modded Bel Canto DAC2, Modwright CIA VDA1 w/power supply and the RWA/Nixon.

[Eduardo AAVM]

A pic from our last reunion:

[GHM]

Jim N,

Nothing against RWA. But you should hear a NOS DAC on good linear power. I think you would be in for a surprise. Not all NOS DACs are created equal.

Good listening

[Jim N.]

Jim N,

Nothing against RWA. But you should hear a NOS DAC on good linear power. I think you would be in for a surprise. Not all NOS DACs are created equal.

Good listening

I have no doubt that there are differences among NOS DAC's just like there are differences between upsampling ones. I wish I could try them all but unless I hit the lottery I'm staying with what I have . I would not turn down an opportunity to listen to one and would approach it with an open mind. I like being surprised and having my beliefs/preferences challenged. Odyssey gear certainly has done that!

I should have made it clear that it was just my opinion based upon (obviously) very limited exposure to NOS DAC. I don't judge what other people hear and enjoy (my tagline is mostly in jest and just my way of saying I prefer digital).  For the $270 used the RWA/Nixon cost me it was quite a bargain.

One thing that I have learned in audio is that people have different preferences because it is a personal experience. The point is to enjoy the music!

Good listening to you too my friend!

Also, I truly enjoy Audio Circle. I read the posts on AA and it's sad how many threads degenerate into name calling and "last word-itis". This is a great forum, both informative and gracious.

[GHM]

I totally agree with you my friend. AA can be a hornet's nest sometimes. I don't post over there much any more. Too much fighting going on. I feel like AA..especially the speaker section should be changed to Merlin and B&W speaker forum.

[Bemopti123]

Hi Jim:

I am curious about the RAMs effect on the DAC2.  How did the sound change?  Are you still breaking it in?

I have both a 47 labs shigaraki DAC as well as DAC 2.0 at hand and I like each of them for their particular reasons.

The 47 Labs Non OS is nimbler in passages and smooth over all...still a little lite on the lower end of things

while

the 2.0 is fuller, slammier overall, sometimes forceful according to the way the song was recorded.  

Both have their beguiling attributes, too bad that I am not a twin, so I could listen to two systems and two DACs at a time.

[Jim N.]

Hi Jim:

I am curious about the RAMs effect on the DAC2.  How did the sound change?  Are you still breaking it in?
.

It's broken in. Doug Jesse @ RAM keeps it running for about a week before he ships the unit so he can better assess his work. I've put another couple of hundred hours on it.

Cymbals were what struck me first. The stock unit rendered them quite well but now they seem to shimmer and hang longer with beautiful detail. The dynamics are improved. Last night I listened to a Japanese re-release CD of Dave Grusin's "One of a Kind" which opens with several "snapped" electric bass notes that explode out of the black. I listened to that track ("Modaji" ) repeatedly for over an hour just marvelling at the detail of the bass guitar strings, the sound of them slapping against the pickups, the bending of notes, the precussive effect from snapping them and some rumbling from his amp cabinet.

The vocals on Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" sounded more like individuals harmonizing. "Maxine" sounded lovely. On Steely Dan's "Deacon Blues" and "Babylon Sisters" the "hard S" sound was greatly reduced. On the unison horn playing (Great (Tom) Scott chart!) on "Deacon Blues" you can pick up the different instruments.

Sheesh, here I am indulging in audiophoolespeak. Must be that damn Chocolate Midrange I had for desert .  Anyway, to put it simply, I feel I got more than my money's worth.