Paradisea DAC

GHM · « **Reply #300 on:** 28 Mar 2007, 11:42 pm »

Quote from: Jon L on 28 Mar 2007, 11:31 pm

Quote from: GHM on 28 Mar 2007, 10:47 pm
Does anyone know if the Paradisea Plus converts USB to I2S or to SPDIF ? I see more and more about this.

MHDT Labs uses the C-Media CM101 USB-to-spdif chip, so no I2S. In fact, they're pretty much the only "audiophile" company using this chip, and according to some, CM101 is not a high-quality chip. It would be interesting if people could report their experience with MHDT USB input vs. spdif input.

Thanks for the quick answer Jon L. I would like to know what would be the differences going I2S over SPDIF. I know this eliminates a conversion stage or two, but does it make a real noticeable difference in sound quality? Is this more about jitter? How high must the jitter be before the human ear can detect it? What would the jitter read on a USB to SPDIF connection on average compared to I2S? Crazy questions..I know..just trying to tap into the brainiacs knowledge around here.

NewBuyer · « **Reply #301 on:** 29 Mar 2007, 08:46 am »

Quote from: GHM on 28 Mar 2007, 07:00 am

Actually Newbuyer I use a linear power supply with the UD-10. I found it more reliable than the battery pack..which I do not use any more...I will certainly let you know how it goes. As long as it sounds just as good I'm happy. It will be a pleasant surprise if it sounds better. I really don't expect it to be worlds better than what I use know. We shall see. I'm only doing it to streamline the system..less parts.

Excellent, I'm looking forward to hearing from you about whether the UD-10, or the Paradisea+ (direct), sounds better!

As I understand it, whether you are using battery or linear power supply, the UD-10 still uses pulse-transformers to isolate the S/PDIF output from the external DAC. So this should effectively keep your computer power supply noise from reaching and affecting your external DAC. However, the Paradisea+ (directly USB connected to your computer) will not provide this isolation, as the Paradisea+ does not use pulse transformers. So computer power supply noise presumably will reach your external DAC through this direct USB connection, and potentially impact performance.

By the way, where did you buy the UD-10? I'm not sure where to purchase them... and what problems did you have with the external battery power supply?

jriihi · « **Reply #302 on:** 29 Mar 2007, 01:19 pm »

I did buy my Trends UD-10 from buyoyo.com. It took 3 days to Finland using express shipping option (default). Still waiting my paradisea+ and we396a tube...

GHM · « **Reply #303 on:** 29 Mar 2007, 05:55 pm »

Quote from: NewBuyer on 29 Mar 2007, 08:46 am

Quote from: GHM on 28 Mar 2007, 07:00 am
Actually Newbuyer I use a linear power supply with the UD-10. I found it more reliable than the battery pack..which I do not use any more...I will certainly let you know how it goes. As long as it sounds just as good I'm happy. It will be a pleasant surprise if it sounds better. I really don't expect it to be worlds better than what I use know. We shall see. I'm only doing it to streamline the system..less parts.

Excellent, I'm looking forward to hearing from you about whether the UD-10, or the Paradisea+ (direct), sounds better!

As I understand it, whether you are using battery or linear power supply, the UD-10 still uses pulse-transformers to isolate the S/PDIF output from the external DAC. So this should effectively keep your computer power supply noise from reaching and affecting your external DAC. However, the Paradisea+ (directly USB connected to your computer) will not provide this isolation, as the Paradisea+ does not use pulse transformers. So computer power supply noise presumably will reach your external DAC through this direct USB connection, and potentially impact performance.

By the way, where did you buy the UD-10? I'm not sure where to purchase them... and what problems did you have with the external battery power supply?

I purchesed my UD-10 from buyoyo.com as well. That has definitely crossed my mind Newbuyer about the isolation. We shall see or hear very soon which yields the better sound in my system. If the USB DAC doesn't meet what I have now then I will sale the USB DAC. If it's a draw then the UD-10 and original Paradisea will be sold.

The batteries worked fine. Only problem was I leave my UD-10 running all of the time. Changing out batteries and recharging them is a pain. I already have to do this with my keyboard and mouse. ..though not as often.

With a full charge the batteries last roughly 5 or 6 hrs. I would have to swap them out 4 times a day. With the linear supply it was plug and play. The sound quality was the same . I could detect no benefits from powering the UD-10 off batteries verses a linear supply.

Builder Brad · « **Reply #304 on:** 29 Mar 2007, 07:05 pm »

I am just looking for a couple of ideas and sugestions with this DAC and Stilpoint ERS fabric. I have already upgraded the op-amp , by-passed the ps rails and added a couple of by-pass v cap telflons across the output caps, and have been very pleased with the results. I have a couple of sheets of ERS fabric amd would like to know what parts I should consider shielding with thias material within the DAC. I am also thinking about using some of the fabric in my Squeezebox and would welcome any sugestions in this area as well.

Ultimately I know that I should listen to various configurations with this material, but I am looking for some sugestions to start me off.

Thank-you

Brad

rajacat · « **Reply #305 on:** 30 Mar 2007, 03:29 pm »

Quote from: Builder Brad on 29 Mar 2007, 07:05 pm

I am just looking for a couple of ideas and sugestions with this DAC and Stilpoint ERS fabric. I have already upgraded the op-amp , by-passed the ps rails and added a couple of by-pass v cap telflons across the output caps, and have been very pleased with the results. I have a couple of sheets of ERS fabric amd would like to know what parts I should consider shielding with thias material within the DAC. I am also thinking about using some of the fabric in my Squeezebox and would welcome any sugestions in this area as well.

Ultimately I know that I should listen to various configurations with this material, but I am looking for some sugestions to start me off.

Thank-you

Brad

I'm also interested in the proper use of the Stillpoints ERS fabric in both the Mhdt dac and the Squeezebox.

Raj

smccull · « **Reply #306 on:** 30 Mar 2007, 07:18 pm »

Raj,

Your timing is impeccable. I just put some ERS paper in my RWA modded Squeezebox 2 last night and hear a definite improvement. What I did was completely line the top and the bottom of the plastic enclosure in the ERS, then I covered it all in electrical tape so I would risk any shorts in the SB2.

I immediately noticed a lower noise floor, better bass and greater immediacy. The music had more emotion and it seemed as if one more veil had been lifted. Not bad for a $20 tweak!

I have a Paradisea on the way and hope to do the same, along with some of the other mods mentioned in this thread.

Gordy · « **Reply #307 on:** 30 Mar 2007, 07:37 pm »

My experiences with ERS have been pretty varied. Several years ago I tried some at various locations in some outboard x-overs and I felt it stiffled micro dynamics/air. I've had good results with AC ps's and wiring though and very good results when using it in and around digital boards. Try cutting small pieces just larger than the chips etc. and sandwich the ERS with packaging tape, trimming off the excess tape from around the sides. Use double sided tape to hold the ERS to test areas until you've decided it's a positive result. As for transformer EMI, I've had much better results simply using grounded mild steel shields than with ERS alone. I never did try grounding the ERS though...

Nick77 · « **Reply #308 on:** 31 Mar 2007, 05:38 pm »

Anyone able to comment on Paradisia plus vs Lite Audio Dac60?

rajacat · « **Reply #309 on:** 31 Mar 2007, 06:10 pm »

Quote from: smccull on 30 Mar 2007, 07:18 pm

Raj,

Your timing is impeccable. I just put some ERS paper in my RWA modded Squeezebox 2 last night and hear a definite improvement. What I did was completely line the top and the bottom of the plastic enclosure in the ERS, then I covered it all in electrical tape so I would risk any shorts in the SB2.

I immediately noticed a lower noise floor, better bass and greater immediacy. The music had more emotion and it seemed as if one more veil had been lifted. Not bad for a $20 tweak!

I have a Paradisea on the way and hope to do the same, along with some of the other mods mentioned in this thread.

I'll open my SB3 and see if there is any room to safely attach some ERS. I have the Constantine and it definitely has more room so I might try it first. I read somewhere that you could attach ERS using a hot glue gun.

Raj

GHM · « **Reply #310 on:** 31 Mar 2007, 07:30 pm »

Quote from: Nick77 on 31 Mar 2007, 05:38 pm

Anyone able to comment on Paradisia plus vs Lite Audio Dac60?

I've heard only the Pacific valve 62 in comparison to the Paradisea standard model. From what I gather the DAC 60 and 62 are very similar. The Paradisea has more of a solidity or weighty midrange. The DAC 62 was cleaner sounding on the top end with a tad more transparency in the midrange. After a few minutes the sound became some what irritating too me and the two other listeners. This may have been system dependent. With a difference mix of components some may find the DAC 62 to their liking. We on the other hand find it fatiguing. If you're a big detail freak the nod goes to the DAC 62. If you're more into midrange and easy listening the Paradisea.

Both have good clean tight bass.

I'll know soon whether the USB+Paradisea is as transparent in the midrange as the DAC 62, hopefully without the top end glare.

Nick77 · « **Reply #311 on:** 31 Mar 2007, 09:41 pm »

Quote from: GHM on 31 Mar 2007, 07:30 pm

Quote from: Nick77 on 31 Mar 2007, 05:38 pm
Anyone able to comment on Paradisia plus vs Lite Audio Dac60?

I've heard only the Pacific valve 62 in comparison to the Paradisea standard model. From what I gather the DAC 60 and 62 are very similar. The Paradisea has more of a solidity or weighty midrange. The DAC 62 was cleaner sounding on the top end with a tad more transparency in the midrange. After a few minutes the sound became some what irritating too me and the two other listeners. This may have been system dependent. With a difference mix of components some may find the DAC 62 to their liking. We on the other hand find it fatiguing. If you're a big detail freak the nod goes to the DAC 62. If you're more into midrange and easy listening the Paradisea.

Both have good clean tight bass.

I'll know soon whether the USB+Paradisea is as transparent in the midrange as the DAC 62, hopefully without the top end glare.

Thanks! Look forward to your futher comments on the plus.

drmike · « **Reply #312 on:** 1 Apr 2007, 02:53 pm »

where do you get the fabric?
thanks,
drmike

anthony a. · « **Reply #313 on:** 3 Apr 2007, 03:44 am »

i have a new paradisea on the way. too bad i don't own an old one for comparisons. we'll see how it mates with my gear.

F-100 · « **Reply #314 on:** 3 Apr 2007, 02:44 pm »

Quote from: drmike on 1 Apr 2007, 02:53 pm

where do you get the fabric?
thanks,
drmike

http://www.tweekgeek.com/product.asp?pf_id=ERS

Scott F. · « **Reply #315 on:** 3 Apr 2007, 04:14 pm »

The ERS Fabric works pretty darned well.

In my second system I use the SB3 and the Constantine. The SB is a fair ways from the wireless network transmitter so the signal strength is fairly low. In turn, I pick up a fair amount of EMF (and/or) RFI. The closer the SB was to the DAC, the noisier it became. The noise comes across the SB as a digital, whiney transmission noise and then there were the dropouts. When I'd separate the two, the noise and dropouts were minimized but it was still there. Mark (Blackmore) let me borrow a piece of the ERS paper. I placed the paper directly on top of the Constantine and then sat the SB3 directly on top of it. Guess what? .......no more noise or dropouts.

Science, it's pretty amazing sometimes

anthony a. · « **Reply #316 on:** 4 Apr 2007, 11:33 am »

wow. so you don't have to place the fabric on top pf the actual components, it is effective even outside the box? i did not know that. is it true that the cloth should be very carefully placed inside components as it can short the caps, etc?

shep · « **Reply #317 on:** 4 Apr 2007, 02:44 pm »

It will definately cause a short if you are not very carefull. I know cause it happened to me. Just gently put it in place with a bit of contact glue. Double check that nothing live is being touched. There are tiny fibers standing proud of the sheet.

anthony a. · « **Reply #318 on:** 4 Apr 2007, 05:41 pm »

hmmm, not sure i want to "risk" anything. will the fabric still be effective if you wrap one side of it using say, some regular paper or cardboard?

smccull · « **Reply #319 on:** 4 Apr 2007, 06:26 pm »

After I put ERS Paper on the inside covers of my Squeezebox I covered it with electrical tape to protect it from shorting out any of the circuitry. Don't know if this will help in your case.

BTW, I think maybe I put a bit too much (both the top and bottom cover of the SB) because as one of the other writers noted, I'm starting to notice that some of the "air" and maybe dynamics have been reduced a bit. THe midrange is more direct and present, but I'm not sure that's a good compromise. Gonna experiment with removing some and listen again. Go slow with how much you use.