[Agrippa]

Tell you what, since it's fast approaching 4am where I'm sitting and my thoughts are no longer terribly coherent, we'll just agree to disagree.  I can see this rapidly turning into a quagmire anyway, so sleep is the better option....

Before I climb upstairs though, let me just mention that Thorsten Loesch (Enjoy the Music, TNT Audio) and Peter Qvortrup (Audio Note), amongst others, still consider BB's venerable PCM63 the best-sounding DAC ever.

Not that it all matters in the big picture...

Have a good night, I know I will!

Agrippa

[Alex Peychev]

Before I climb upstairs though, let me just mention that Thorsten Loesch (Enjoy the Music, TNT Audio) and Peter Qvortrup (Audio Note), amongst others, still consider BB's venerable PCM63 the best-sounding DAC ever.

Well, say hello to Thorsten and Peter from me (Alex Peychev). Also, tell them (and you consider this too) that I am available anytime to prove (practically) how Delta/Sigma (Bitstream) DACs are sonically FAR superior to the older generation "ladder DACs" as PCM63 and PCM1702/04 are. Another words, WHATEVER you do, you will not get even close in quality to a well executed design based on Crystal or BB Bitstream DACs.

BTW, the Consonance player DSD1702 DAC, although inferior to the DSD1791 is still Delta/Sigma.

I am so sorry to hear that you've got it all wrong, but as they say - whatever makes you happy. The sad part is that Audiophiles take their current references for granted to be the best sounding solution which is very far away from the truth. I wish there was a better imagiantion going on here...

Enjoy the music!

Regards,

[Agrippa]

Ahhh, nothing like getting 10 straight hours of blissful sleep....  

"According to you, with a given transport/DSP/PSU/analog stage, ALL DACs will sound the same."

Not at all, some sound crap no matter what you do, while others can really shine when given the right environment.  Never did say anything to the contrary.

"I am available anytime to prove (practically) how Delta/Sigma (Bitstream) DACs are sonically FAR superior to the older generation....."

Well, the one's I've heard (more on that later) are no testament to this.  If you look back at what I've actually said, you won't find anything to the effect that nothing will ever be made that sounds as good as any particular older DAC, be it the PCM63 or something else.  The AD1853 which sits in the Audio Aero Capitole may well be a case in point, but sadly I have as yet been unable to audition it.  More great DACs will certainly arrive, but as of today, my belief is that the quality of a player is FAR more dependent on implementation than on the DAC itself (as long as it utilises one of the better-sounding DACs in the first place).  Clear?

"I am so sorry to hear that you've got it all wrong, but as they say - whatever makes you happy. The sad part is that Audiophiles take their current references for granted to be the best sounding solution which is very far away from the truth."

Drawing conclusions without sufficient relevant facts is a bad thing, Alex.  As a matter of fact I jumped on the bandwagon quite early and about a year go I still had a fairly high-end HT system, centered around a Denon A1 and a Sony XA777ES.  At that time, the MF had been stored in the attic for a good while, maybe 2+ years.  However, I never got to be really happy with the sound, so one day I dug up the MF again and swapped it into the system just to test it against the current stuff.  To make a long story short, I spent the remainder of the evening and night listening with a big grin on my face and the next day the entire system, bar the MF, was advertised for sale.

Today I audition new players regularly, either in shops, at home or at my friends' places (just about all of whom have HT set-ups), so don't think I'm stuck in the past or take my current reference for granted.  The day I find something I like better than the MF and which I can justify paying for, I'll certainly swap - it just hasn't happened yet.

Oh, and I'm not an Audiophile by the way, just someone who likes music and want it to sound good through my system.  At my place you'll find no Bybees, Pulsar Points, Hyper-this or Quantum-that.  I own what I own because it sounds great, not because it cost an arm and a leg or because it's been hyped to hell and back.  I also don't subscribe to the idea that just because it's new, sounds cool and looks good on paper, it's GOT to be better.

Agrippa

[Alex Peychev]

"At my place you'll find no Bybees, Pulsar Points, Hyper-this or Quantum-that."

Glad to hear that we have major similarities!


"I still had a fairly high-end HT system, centered around a Denon A1 and a Sony XA777ES. At that time, the MF had been stored in the attic for a good while, maybe 2+ years. However, I never got to be really happy with the sound, so one day I dug up the MF again ...."

Now I know that I can trust your ear! Whatever you do to the above two units will not take you very far... While sotck, these are both unlistenable.

"The AD1853 which sits in the Audio Aero Capitole may well be a case in point, but sadly I have as yet been unable to audition it."

Audio Areo Capitole, as well as their new DAC/Processor are signifficantly inferior to my modded SACD1000 as it was heard at CES in Las Vegas this year, so you don't really need to hear it..

As I said, now I trust your hearing and judgement, but believe me, you've heard nothing yet...

Regards,

[John B]

Audio Areo Capitole, as well as their new DAC/Processor are signifficantly inferior to my modded SACD1000 as it was heard at CES in Las Vegas this year, so you don't really need to hear it..

As I said, now I trust your hearing and judgement, but believe me, you've heard nothing yet...

I had the Consonance Reference SACD 1.0 player in my system for awhile, so I know the quality of the sound being spoken of, un-modded of course.  I also know that mod's can have a positive effect on a component, though at the level of the Consonance player I would think it would be a tweak more than a next level up, but who knows, anything's possible I guess.   I will admit to much doubt in regards to the well regarded Audio Aero Capitole being "significantly inferior" to a mod'ed SACD 1000.   It would help if the "significantly inferior" comment could be elaborated on as to what sonic aspects were so "inferior".   These generalized quality statements do nothing to create a clear picture of the differences between components...at least for me.

[satfrat]

"At my place you'll find no Bybees, Pulsar Points, Hyper-this or Quantum-that."

...: ...

                                    When I read statements like this, it makes me wonder if Bybee's have ever been experienced by those making the statements. Quite frankly, I have 22 Bybee's in my system NOT because I can afford them (14 more months of payments) but because after hearing what Bybee's bring to the table, I can't be without them in my gear. If I try something that I don't like, it goes back. But AT LEAST I try it before flapping my yap. Now Agrippa, if you've actually tried Bybee's in your system and didn't like them, then yap away,,,, and you have my apologies.  BTW, I'm not an audiophile either, I just like as clean a dynamic sound as I can get. Regards, Robin

[Alex Peychev]

I had the Consonance Reference SACD 1.0 player in my system for awhile, so I know the quality of the sound being spoken of, un-modded of course.  I also know that mod's can have a positive effect on a component, though at the level of the Consonance player I would think it would be a tweak more than a next level up, but who knows, anything's possible I guess.   I will admit to much doubt in regards to the well regarded Audio Aero Capitole being "significantly inferior" to a mod'ed SACD 1000.   It would help ...

John, I am sorry to give you the bad news, but what I stated in my previous post is the truth. I can not really elaborate, you need to hear it for  your self. In simple words, AE sounds like Hi-Fi, not like music (if that tells you anything). Have you heard Chesky records? Well, David Chesky him self ran 5 times to our room at the CES to hear his recordings as per him the sound is like he hears it live in his studio.  

One thing is for certain - you really need to hear it to believe it. It is beyond your current imagination... The Consonance, with a single DSD1702 DAC is not only theoretically, but also practically far away from the truth. Please note, I am referring to the stock unit...

Regards,
Alex

[Alex Peychev]

When I read statements like this, it makes me wonder if Bybee's have ever been experienced by those making the statements. Quite frankly, I have 22 Bybee's in my system NOT because I can afford them (14 more months of payments) but because after hearing what Bybee's bring to the table, I can't be without them in my gear. If I try something that I don't like, it goes back. But AT LEAST I try it before flapping my yap. Now Agrippa, if you've actually tried Bybee's in your system and didn't like  ...

Wow, well let me give you even more statements to think about.

1. My products DO NOT use Black Gate capacitors. Who wants Rubycon caps anyway?...

2. NO Bybee filters whatsoever. I've heard them too, not that I don't have the money.... Do you know what a Bybee filter actually is? I am sure you don't...

3. No Super Clocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or any after..

I just think that you enjoy marketing too much!... Oh, but there is BIG difference!!!, right?. Well, let me give you an example. One of my trusted Audiophile friends who has proven his hearing many, many times, got one of my modded SACD1000. Originally, this machine has a Filter Selector on the back with 3 positions. When the Philips is modded, that switch is disabled. Well, he called me the other day to tell me how he liked the sound MUCH BETTER while the switch is at position number 2....

If you get it, you will know what I am talking about...

Regards,

[satfrat]

And what, you don't market Alex,,,,, give me a break. I listen with my ears just like you, marketing has nuthin' to do with my preferences. What I DON'T like is someone telling what I'm suppose to like, someone with all the answers cuz everybody's listening preferences are wrong. BUT what I do like is an opinionated person and you are ALL of that Alex!  Regards, Robin

[Agrippa]

"Now Agrippa, if you've actually tried Bybee's in your system and didn't like them, then yap away,,,, and you have my apologies."

Can I please have half an apology then, as I've heard them (or not, as the case may be...) in some of my friends' systems....?  

I generally make a point of not talking about things I know nothing about.

Agrippa

[satfrat]

"Now Agrippa, if you've actually tried Bybee's in your system and didn't like them, then yap away,,,, and you have my apologies."

Can I please have half an apology then, as I've heard them (or not, as the case may be...) in some of my friends' systems....?  

I generally make a point of not talking about things I know nothing about.

Agrippa

                                                          , you be de'man MR. Agrippa.  Regards, Robin

[Agrippa]

"Audio Areo Capitole, as well as their new DAC/Processor are signifficantly inferior to my modded SACD1000 as it was heard at CES in Las Vegas this year, so you don't really need to hear it.."

Sadly, I probably never will either, living as I do in Europe....  As I have heard neither, I'll refrain from comment, except that I'll perhaps permit myself to be just a little bit sceptical.     What's the price of your wonderbaby by the way?

Thanks for the kind words regarding my judgement and hearing though!  

Agrippa

[Agrippa]

I do my best Robin...  

Agrippa

[Alex Peychev]

" What's the price of your wonderbaby by the way?

Thanks for the kind words regarding my judgement and hearing though!  

Agrippa

You're welcome! My pleasure!

"The Judge" mod is currently priced at $1850. You will have to find the actual SACD1000 machine which currently goes for around $600-800. So, the total cost is around $2500-2700.  Yes, I do have power R-Core power transformers made for 220-240V.  Mr. Chris Redmond from UK will have his pretty soon. You might want to hear it at his place.

Regards,

[Alex Peychev]

And what, you don't market Alex,,,,, give me a break. I listen with my ears just like you, marketing has nuthin' to do with my preferences. What I DON'T like is someone telling what I'm suppose to like, someone with all the answers cuz everybody's listening preferences are wrong. BUT what I do like is an opinionated person and you are ALL of that Alex!  Regards, Robin

Sorry to say Robin, but if you really think about it, I don't really market. I don't come here to tell you how Black Gates, Super Clocks, Power Supply PSBs, etc is the best you can get. I come here with honesty.

My "marketing" is based on my ears, honesty and my unique designs, not on "Super Parts".  This is the reason why in my components, such of parts don't make the differnce you hear in yours...

You will believe it after while...

Regards,

[lonewolfny42]

Alex, Looking back, this is really Kevin at Solar's thread   . Maybe you can start a thread in your circle about the SACD 1000.  JMO

[Alex Peychev]

Sure, you're right, but the the thread "folded" this way. Sorry!

Regards,

[lonewolfny42]

Sure, you're right, but the the thread "folded" this way. Sorry!

Regards,

I know. But Hey! You got your own circle ...thats great !! Still waiting for mine....thought I'd call it "The Wolf Den"....for a howling good time, drop in !

[Agrippa]

"Alex, Looking back, this is really Kevin at Solar's thread "

Actually, it was all my fault.  Apologies to Kevin, stupid of me!

Agrippa

[John B]

One thing is for certain - you really need to hear it to believe it. It is beyond your current imagination... The Consonance, with a single DSD1702 DAC is not only theoretically, but also practically far away from the truth. Please note, I am referring to the stock unit...

I'll give you that, hearing is believing, the rest is all supposition.  Hopefully I will get to hear your product at the get together your having on the 27th.  I sent my email RSVP to you a couple of days ago.   I'm always on the lookout for products that will take me beyond what I'm currently getting sonically; though in this case you'll have your work cut out for you.  My current CDP is quite good, haven't heard better in fact.  I am always hopeful though that someone can build something cheaper that takes me where I want to go musically.   So,  if you can take a stock Phillips player with a standard drawer transport, and make it sound better than my Audiomeca Mephisto II.X I'll surely be singing your praises