Thanks for the replies.
I would like to write that it’s all sunshine and relaxation but the truth is it’s a constant but mostly enjoyable struggle. However, I’ve learnt lots of new stuff (shame the Catalan is on the slow side
) and at my age that’s priceless. Let me put it this way; I’ve no intentions of returning to the UK.
I’ve had some time messing about with the MH Lio-8 now and it is a fantastic piece of kit. It really is designed for recording engineers and while the Dac is truly superb much of what the fully kitted out unit can do when it comes to audio playback, can also be done with a DSP on a computer and I’ve got enough computers.
I’ve always wanted a Metric Halo and now I’ve had my hands on one it’s hard to admit that basically it’s far more kit than I need.
I had the opportunity quite some time ago to listen to two Dacs from Benchmark (Dac 1 USB and Dac2 HGC) and with regard to specification these are far beyond my, or anybody else’s hearing capability. They sound as close as I’ve heard to a properly powered HRT Pro which I really liked and thought very under rated by the audiophile lot and have much have greater flexibility with the Benchmark The Dac1 USB can be picked up for under a grand and I can finally get rid of my World Audio HD 83 headphone amp which has pissed me off since I got it; enough in fact for me to completely rebuild it twice and even having done the alterations the World Audio team finally got round to doing themselves. Nuff said. The newer Benchmark…hmm, it’s a bit more than I wanted to spend.
Yep, I know the Benchmarks are common and an industry standard but it’s because they’re good and while there are more esoteric offerings, at a much higher price I might add, my ears are far from esoteric and I’m fucked if I can hear what I’m paying for much past this.
As for the Halide Designs Dac, that will probably go once I’ve got the Benchmark, not because I don’t like it but the Benchmark does more and to my ears sounds marginally better defined.
Single spur balanced Mains. Self built music server with 3 seperate linear PSU, Intel i5, 16 GB RAM no hard drive (various Linux OS). Benchmark Dac2 HGC, single ended XLR interconnects/Belkin cable. Exposure 21RC Pre, Super 18 Power (recap & modified). Modded World Audio HD83 HP amp. Hand built Monitors with external crossovers , Volt 250 bass & ABR, Scanspeak 13M8621 Mid & Scanspeak D2905/9300 Hi. HD595 & Beyer 880 (600 ohm) cans.
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.
-Bertrand Russel
John.
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Originally Posted by bobbasrah
