A visit to Qwin's...

[RichB]

Would be interesting to try one of those on the RPi, and compare it with the IQ-Audio DAC.....

Marco.

You want to try mine Marco? I'll send it down if you like.

Mine is this one with the separate PSU http://hifimediy.com/usb-dac2

[Marco]

I'd need the Hi-Fi Berry interface for that, mate, as only by fitting that would I be able to try external DACs, with the Pi. The IQ-Audio DAC is a fixed device, and you can't plug another DAC into it.

If someone going to the next NEBO buys an RPi/Hi-Fi Berry, then I could bring my RPi/IQ-Audio combo along and do the comparison with the SABRE then

Marco.

[RichB]

I'd need the Hi-Fi Berry interface for that, mate, as only by fitting that would I be able to try external DACs, with the Pi. The IQ-Audio DAC is a fixed device, and you can't plug another DAC into it.

If someone going to the next NEBO buys an RPi/Hi-Fi Berry, then I could bring my RPi/IQ-Audio combo along and do the comparison with the SABRE then

Marco.

Ahh ok, so it wouldn't work just from the usb socket of the RPi then? I hadn't realised

[Qwin]

Never thought about taking pictures on the night , maybe next time.

Thats an intresting looking DAC Rich, I need at least one coax + Toslink + USB input for my current set up though.
As I mentioned to you, I have been considering the Jolida DAC with tube output stage. This uses a pair of ECC83 valves like the Croft Phono stage, my logic being that both vinyl and digital sources would then be 83's feeding into the Croft line stage (phono goes through line stage). This may have some kind of unifying effect and bring a form of synergy between sources, on the other hand it may do nothing of the kind, it was just something that crossed my mind. It's supposed to be a half decent DAC in its own right anyway. If I end up with a Rpi for FBA it would only be for my CDP and TV/Radio/movies.

Jimbo - Yes it was a good session, my short list for a new cartridge has came down to the 2M Black and the Nagaoka MP500, they are similar in price.
In terms of sound, the 2M is supposed to be slightly more hifi and the MP500 a bit more organic, generalizing terribly there. I've only heard the 2M Black but have read many reviews by users, some who own bothe and I now there is not much between them. What sold it for me, is the MP500 is suposed to be better at handeling noise and wear on older records (majority of my collection) and a replacement stylus is about half the price of the 2M Black, so I am saving my pennies for the Nagaoka.

[RichB]

Never thought about taking pictures on the night , maybe next time.

Thats an intresting looking DAC Rich, I need at least one coax + Toslink + USB input for my current set up though.
As I mentioned to you, I have been considering the Jolida DAC with tube output stage. This uses a pair of ECC83 valves like the Croft Phono stage, my logic being that both vinyl and digital sources would then be 83's feeding into the Croft line stage (phono goes through line stage). This may have some kind of unifying effect and bring a form of synergy between sources, on the other hand it may do nothing of the kind, it was just something that crossed my mind. It's supposed to be a half decent DAC in its own right anyway. If I end up with a Rpi for FBA it would only be for my CDP and TV/Radio/movies.

Jimbo - Yes it was a good session, my short list for a new cartridge has came down to the 2M Black and the Nagaoka MP500, they are similar in price.
In terms of sound, the 2M is supposed to be slightly more hifi and the MP500 a bit more organic, generalizing terribly there. I've only heard the 2M Black but have read many reviews by users, some who own bothe and I now there is not much between them. What sold it for me, is the MP500 is suposed to be better at handeling noise and wear on older records (majority of my collection) and a replacement stylus is about half the price of the 2M Black, so I am saving my pennies for the Nagaoka.

You could easily get round that with a USB to SPDIF converter. I have a musical fidelity VLINKII but they can be had much cheaper than that. I think Stan Beresford doess one which looks good. Interestingly I see they are doing a RPi dac which I bet will sound great, pretty cheap too... http://hifimediy.com/DACs/i2s-raspberry-pi-dac

[Jimbo]

Never thought about taking pictures on the night , maybe next time.

Thats an intresting looking DAC Rich, I need at least one coax + Toslink + USB input for my current set up though.
As I mentioned to you, I have been considering the Jolida DAC with tube output stage. This uses a pair of ECC83 valves like the Croft Phono stage, my logic being that both vinyl and digital sources would then be 83's feeding into the Croft line stage (phono goes through line stage). This may have some kind of unifying effect and bring a form of synergy between sources, on the other hand it may do nothing of the kind, it was just something that crossed my mind. It's supposed to be a half decent DAC in its own right anyway. If I end up with a Rpi for FBA it would only be for my CDP and TV/Radio/movies.

Jimbo - Yes it was a good session, my short list for a new cartridge has came down to the 2M Black and the Nagaoka MP500, they are similar in price.
In terms of sound, the 2M is supposed to be slightly more hifi and the MP500 a bit more organic, generalizing terribly there. I've only heard the 2M Black but have read many reviews by users, some who own bothe and I now there is not much between them. What sold it for me, is the MP500 is suposed to be better at handeling noise and wear on older records (majority of my collection) and a replacement stylus is about half the price of the 2M Black, so I am saving my pennies for the Nagaoka.

I think either cartridge would be good Ken, Indeed I would like to try the MP500 myself. I just mentioned the 2M black as I use it with my Croft set up and it does have a nice synergy.

[Floyddroid]

Sounds like a fantastic night guys. Very interesting read too. Sounds like you guys had a ball. I must get up and have a listen to your gear guys. I hope you are bringing those Yams to NEBO 6 Ken, i can't wait to hear them. Of course i will not be drinking as much ale on the next occasion due to being a reformed character. Speak soon.

I think either cartridge would be good Ken, Indeed I would like to try the MP500 myself. I just mentioned the 2M black as I use it with my Croft set up and it does have a nice synergy.

[RichB]

Sounds like a fantastic night guys. Very interesting read too. Sounds like you guys had a ball. I must get up and have a listen to your gear guys. I hope you are bringing those Yams to NEBO 6 Ken, i can't wait to hear them. Of course i will not be drinking as much ale on the next occasion due to being a reformed character. Speak soon.

You're welcome round anytime I'm home Steve. Just give me buzz, it's only a half hour up the road.

I intend to tie a few on at the next Nebo so if you should fall off the wagon you'll be in good company.

[Qwin]

Sounds like a fantastic night guys. Very interesting read too. Sounds like you guys had a ball. I must get up and have a listen to your gear guys. I hope you are bringing those Yams to NEBO 6 Ken, i can't wait to hear them. Of course i will not be drinking as much ale on the next occasion due to being a reformed character. Speak soon.

Yes it was great to get Rich's perspective on my gear and try a few things I had not come accross. I'm hoping to have the leads sorted for NEBO6, I will bring the Yammies plus a Pre/Power combo I've not brought before to add to the variety.

Allways welcome for a preview Steve.

Have you got your amps sorted?
It would be nice to hear those big Tannoy D900's of yours.

[Floyddroid]

Yes mate, i am well up for that. Yes, amps all sorted and ready to boogie. I will give you a bell about coming down to listen to the Tannoys

Yes it was great to get Rich's perspective on my gear and try a few things I had not come accross. I'm hoping to have the leads sorted for NEBO6, I will bring the Yammies plus a Pre/Power combo I've not brought before to add to the variety.

Allways welcome for a preview Steve.

Have you got your amps sorted?
It would be nice to hear those big Tannoy D900's of yours.