View Full Version : Beresford Bushmaster DAC
StanleyB
15-06-2012, 07:42
Remember that I come from a third world society where such offers are far more readily available and at vastly reduced prices.
How do you know if you haven't tried? ;)
How do I know what, Hamish? :scratch:
I have looked at this process quite a few times and ended up walking away from it. My thinking has been that if you knew what the sampling rate was, would it sound better to you?
It's not that (and anyway I wouldn't want that mode to be visible all the time), it would just be extremely useful for fault finding and verification.
The Vinyl Adventure
15-06-2012, 08:05
Have you tried plugging in any high end source
Not directly, Hamish
Stans dac a dac to your ayre thing?
Has anyone noticed how forgiving of low bitrate mp3 format the Bushmaster is? I'm listening to Radio Paradise from the Touch in 128kbps and it really doesn't sound too bad at all while I'm beavering away around the house.
This seems a bit strange.
Revealing, yet forgiving.
StanleyB
15-06-2012, 09:04
One thing that I forgot to mention is that the Bushmaster can be used in a car etc. Some in-car DVD players have an optical output and many people have asked me over the years to make a DAC that can be used inside an ICE installation. So now you can :).
The Vinyl Adventure
15-06-2012, 09:57
This seems a bit strange.
Revealing, yet forgiving.
I don't think it's strange at all
Forgiving is the wrong word IMO
Revealing but smooth would be a better description
jandl100
15-06-2012, 10:01
Smooth? Nah - wrong word again! Smooth to me implies smoothed-over and boring!
How about unexaggerated. :)
Ali Tait
15-06-2012, 10:07
Like a good valve amp then.
jandl100
15-06-2012, 10:09
Yep, or a good transistor amp. ;)
Ali Tait
15-06-2012, 11:17
Never heard one yet that's as good as valves to my ears. Some of Nelson Pass' designs sound rather good though. :)
Stans dac a dac to your ayre thing?
Ah, ok I'll try that. I guess my point was that I don't expect there to be much difference between the Ayre as a transport and the Pioneer. My experience with my previous Blu-ray player was that it was a fine transport.
Yep, or a good transistor amp. ;)
You beat me to it!
pumpkineater23
15-06-2012, 16:27
Just thought I'd bump with the Bushmaster review thread link:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18278
So... no-one else supports the secondary use for LEDs to show sample rate/bit width idea? This isn't the ground-swell of 'I want it too' that I'd hoped for if I'm to pursuade Stan :eek: :lol:
edmondwolfman
15-06-2012, 17:56
So... no-one else supports the secondary use for LEDs to show sample rate/bit width idea? This isn't the ground-swell of 'I want it too' that I'd hoped for if I'm to pursuade Stan :eek: :lol:
Since I've not owned any of Stan's products before, actually just became aware of them while researching new DACs I'd be reluctant to ask him to change anything but I will say that on my DACMagic I do glance at it quite often to see what the sample rate is that is playing. Sometimes I think something sounds especially good and I look over to see if it's a high res flac or whatever.
Ali Tait
15-06-2012, 18:04
Perhaps one LED could be fitted that changes colour according to bitrate being fed in a la Chord.
So... no-one else supports the secondary use for LEDs to show sample rate/bit width idea? This isn't the ground-swell of 'I want it too' that I'd hoped for if I'm to pursuade Stan :eek: :lol:
Gets my vote Martin - I don't think you can have too much information, given that the front panel is not crowded with dials and switches so no chance of an overload.
Perhaps one LED could be fitted that changes colour according to bitrate being fed in a la Chord.
I was suggesting a firmware upgrade without change to the hardware. Otherwise it would never fly.
I can't keep up with these Bushmaster threads, is it now for sale and if so which fascia do you get ?
StanleyB
15-06-2012, 18:15
You get the fascia as shown on my website. In order to avoid any confusion I won't be continuing with offering an alternative fascia for the Bushmaster. That project is now scrapped.
Stan I'm not PC audio savvy without a USB socket whats the best way of linking it?
edmondwolfman
15-06-2012, 18:48
Stan I'm not PC audio savvy without a USB socket whats the best way of linking it?
Hey Bazil, your are talking about coming from a computer USB correct?
Is so you can use a USB to S/PDIF converter. I'm sure there are some recommended here or you can ask for recommendations or just google USB to S/PDIF converter.:smoking:
StanleyB
15-06-2012, 18:53
If it is a laptop with an express slot then get a Creative xpresscard with optical output. Only go for a USB adapter as the last resort.
pumpkineater23
15-06-2012, 20:39
You get the fascia as shown on my website. In order to avoid any confusion I won't be continuing with offering an alternative fascia for the Bushmaster. That project is now scrapped.
Hey Stan, What about an smart-phone app that links the phone by remote control to the Bushmaster? Then it doesn't really matter what the BM looks like, people could just change the 'virtual face plate' on their phones/remote controls.
Jamtoast
17-06-2012, 11:53
In order to avoid any confusion I won't be continuing with offering an alternative fascia for the Bushmaster. That project is now scrapped.
For what it's worth Stan, despite been vocal about the design earlier, having received mine now I think it looks really good. I've changed my tune mainly because the unit is quite a bit smaller than it was in my minds eye so the fonts actually work fine and also because the build quality of the case is so good.
Despite the cost it added the case was well worth it - really sets it apart from your past DACs and fits with the statement you are making. In my mind that statement is 'The Caiman is a great low priced DAC; the Bushmaster is a great DAC.'
icehockeyboy
17-06-2012, 22:23
Having flogged a few bits of surplus non Hifi bits and bobs, I thought it time to jump on the bandwagon and get a Bushmaster, and as I had to go to Sarf Landern to collect my son from uni, went to see Stan to purchase one.
Now, having spoken to Stan numerous times since his first dac venture,
I had an image of him in my head, which was absolutely nothing like he looks in real life! ( think Micky Stone in Hustle when he was made up to look like a
Nigerian Prince!)
What a nice guy he is too, nothing was too much trouble, including ' talking me in' when I went a bit astray of his address!
Anyway, it was late when I got back, and have not had chance to try it yet, but what An amazing step l up design wise from my 7510, which by comparison seemed vey home made, whereby the BM looks and feels the real deal!
It will be late afternoon when I get to connect it, so I will report back then..........l cant bloody wait!
Having flogged a few bits of surplus non Hifi bits and bobs, I thought it time to jump on the bandwagon and get a Bushmaster, and as I had to go to Sarf Landern to collect my son from uni, went to see Stan to purchase one.
Now, having spoken to Stan numerous times since his first dac venture,
I had an image of him in my head, which was absolutely nothing like he looks in real life! ( think Micky Stone in Hustle when he was made up to look like a
Nigerian Prince!)
What a nice guy he is too, nothing was too much trouble, including ' talking me in' when I went a bit astray of his address!
Anyway, it was late when I got back, and have not had chance to try it yet, but what An amazing step l up design wise from my 7510, which by comparison seemed vey home made, whereby the BM looks and feels the real deal!
It will be late afternoon when I get to connect it, so I will report back then..........l cant bloody wait!
have fun Craig, its a very good Dac :)
I think I might have shagged my Bushmaster.
Left it on streaming internet radio last night to speed up the running in process, just as recommended in the instructions.
Realised this morning that I'd accidentally selected ABBA Radio on my streamer :doh: Its been playing dodgy Swedish pop tunes all night!
Seems to work OK but do you think I've done any permanent damage?
Cheers,
brian2957
18-06-2012, 12:50
I quite like ABBA mate:eyebrows:
Brian.
I think I might have shagged my Bushmaster.
Left it on streaming internet radio last night to speed up the running in process, just as recommended in the instructions.
Realised this morning that I'd accidentally selected ABBA Radio on my streamer :doh: Its been playing dodgy Swedish pop tunes all night!
Seems to work OK but do you think I've done any permanent damage?
Cheers,
No Martin, it will be fine providing you only want to play Abba through it in future :lol: - no problem.
No Martin, it will be fine providing you only want to play Abba through it in future :lol: - no problem.
You may be right - I'm playing Tina Dico at the moment and I swear that I can hear Waterloo playing in the background :lol:
I can hear Waterloo playing in the background :lol:
It's the well-known digital pre-echo, that.
It's the well-known digital pre-echo, that.
So it is something similar to burnin on a plasma screen :eyebrows:
magiccarpetride
18-06-2012, 16:56
I think I might have shagged my Bushmaster.
Left it on streaming internet radio last night to speed up the running in process, just as recommended in the instructions.
Realised this morning that I'd accidentally selected ABBA Radio on my streamer :doh: Its been playing dodgy Swedish pop tunes all night!
Seems to work OK but do you think I've done any permanent damage?
Cheers,
Really? There is an ABBA radio station?
The only damage you might expect from this thoughtless experiment is that in the future every track will be announced with a loud "Aaahaa!!!" followed by the annoying Alan Partridge voice.
:lol:
When I realised my error, I gave my mate Fernando a Ring, Ring and he said "Mamma Mia, you've got to send an SOS to those Dancing Queens on AOS and they will sort you out".
Thanks for your help, gotta go for dinner - Chiquitita (chicken Tikka) tonight :lol:
Oh dear,
brian2957
18-06-2012, 18:15
How much ' money money money ' did that cost. I hope you've got water( in the) loo if you get the' Bjorns' later.
Hi Stan,
Just a little question about battery operation:
I have a 3000 mAh battery pack, so if the Bushmaster takes 200 mA (as per the manual), my calculation is that it should last 15 hours before needing to be recharged.
I usually leave my Bushmaster on all the time, so I guess that I need to use the smps and then switch to the battery when I want to supercharge the sound?
What is your experience with the 6800 mA pack? Do you leave your BM on all the time? If so, how often do you need to recharge?
Hope this makes sense,
UPDATE I've just connected a fully charged 3000 mAh pack to the BM and will leave if for 24 hrs to see how much charge is used in a typical 24 hr period. Will report back tomorrow evening.
StanleyB
20-06-2012, 19:32
Hi Martin,
I don't have my BM all the time. It only gets plugged in now and again. I have so many things to plug into and try out on just one battery power supply, and so many power supplies to try our on the BM. So I am overwhelmed with choices really.
But I do suggest that you don't keep the DAC permanently on when you are using the battery. Be energy friendly.
Hi Martin,
I don't have my BM all the time. It only gets plugged in now and again. I have so many things to plug into and try out on just one battery power supply, and so many power supplies to try our on the BM. So I am overwhelmed with choices really.
But I do suggest that you don't keep the DAC permanently on when you are using the battery. Be energy friendly.
Doesn't the BM need to be powered up 24/7 to give its best?
I don't know the BM but most kit I've seen optimized to be used with batteries don't require as much warm up to perform its best
StanleyB
20-06-2012, 19:58
Doesn't the BM need to be powered up 24/7 to give its best?
:scratch:. Why would that be?
:scratch:. Why would that be?
I thought that audio equipment needed to warm up to give the best sound. I take it that this is not the case with the BM?
Cheers,
StanleyB
20-06-2012, 20:04
It is a very broad statement. Some equipment need to be warmed up, whilst others perform worse when they get too warm.
I have a 3000 mAh battery pack, so if the Bushmaster takes 200 mA (as per the manual), my calculation is that it should last 15 hours before needing to be recharged.
Hi Martin
I'm seeing how many nights my 6800mAH battery will last on a single charge. I'll take it to the point that the BM drops out from its built-in protection. It should last over 30 hours or 5 nights.
Two nights of 6 hours and counting...
Hi Martin
I'm seeing how many nights my 6800mAH battery will last on a single charge. I'll take it to the point that the BM drops out from its built-in protection. It should last over 30 hours or 5 nights.
Two nights of 6 hours and counting...
Hi Martin,
Will be interesting to compare notes at the end of both our experiments.
Because I'm using a specialist lipo charger, it can tell me exactly how much charge is put back in when recharging it back up.
I suppose that the current draw is the same whether it is playing music or sitting idle?
Do you leave yours on all the time Martin?
Do you leave yours on all the time Martin?
No, as I said I'm running it for approximately 6 hours every night, at least for this experiment.
Battery pack finally arrived yesterday so will be giving it a spin sometime soon!
sq225917
21-06-2012, 09:07
@martinH, Where's the charger from, I'm sick of my crappy dealxtreme one?
@martinH, Where's the charger from, I'm sick of my crappy dealxtreme one?
Hi Simon,
The pack and charger that I'm testing out at the minute are borrowed from my model planes and are not suitable for long term use in this application.
These packs use lithium tecchnologies and there are several different types: li-ion, li-po and li-fe, plus a few others.
the Lithium pack for domestic use must have an automatic low voltage cutoff (LVC) built in. You must also use a special lipo/li-ion charger, as incorrect charging can cause fires. I've seen plenty of these and its no joke.
In fact it is not recommended to charge or even store LiPo batteries indoors and never charge unattended. I do charge my packs indoors sometimes, but only with the pack in a special fire-proof container.
Li-ion packs are probably ok for domestic use, but still need the special charger and low voltage cutoff device.
If my testing is successful, I'll buy one of the packs that others are using, that has the lithium charger and LVC built in. I will however double check that the cells inside are li ion and not lipo. Interestingly, there are many identical looking packs on eBay that are listed as li ion, not lipo.
Cheers,
In fact it is not recommended to charge or even store LiPo batteries indoors and never charge unattended.
:eek: seriously?
:eek: seriously?
Yes, see Risks and Limitations section here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_polymer_battery
Lipo packs have much lower internal resistance than other Lithium pack types and can deliver amazing amounts of current - we quite often use them at discharge rates of 30-50 times the capacity i.e. 100+ amps in our planes.
That's why I was surprised to see this pack offered for sale as a lipo pack and why I thought I should bring it up.
Cheers,
Thanks for the warning. I shall no longer leave it on charge when I go out.
Battery pack is a step backwards for me, over smooth and a little muddled compared to the stock PSU, may offer it up for a tenner plus postage...
Battery pack is a step backwards for me, over smooth and a little muddled compared to the stock PSU, may offer it up for a tenner plus postage...
Neal,
If you do part with it can I have first refusal please?
Dave.
Neal,
If you do part with it can I have first refusal please?
Dave.
Dave its yours, drop me a PM.
Just posted this on the burnin thread but my BM has just started today to have trouble auto finding a source, I only have one plugged in and it does it on both Coax inputs...not tried Toslink.
This started before I used the battery, the symptom is stuttering music....I rebooted the squeezebox, restarted the media server and then rebooted it. Powering on and off the BM made no difference, only worked when I had to manually select the input.
Also, after manual selection, if I power it off and back on the previously selected source is chosen (good) but no music plays....I have to manually re-select the source to get music...Stan?
I've not seen that behaviour, Neal, although I leave mine manually selected at all times if only to reduce the number of lit LEDs to one :)
wee tee cee
21-06-2012, 19:10
Neal,
Same path my BM took. Eventually wouldn't even play co-ax output from a cd player without stuttering. Sent it back to stan yesterday, hopefully he can get to the bottom of it. It sounded very good to my ears as both a dac and head amp.....when it was working.
Oh bum! Its sounding so good, bass is stonking :(
StanleyB
21-06-2012, 20:04
Oh bum! Its sounding so good, bass is stonking :(
email me with the problem Neal and I shall email you back the solution. I need a record of the various problems and solutions offered.
So, I did a test on my battery pack and found that after 4 hours of use, I needed to put 400mA back in to top it up again.
Therefore, my 3000mA pack should give me up to 30 hours and the 6800 mA pack will give 60+ hours.
I usually leave my BM on 24/7, so battery power will be reserved for special occasions only.
Cheers,
The problem of auto-detecting the source on my BM has been resolved by Stan, not that it was of great concern to me but its nice to know its fully functional again. Cheers Stan! :cool:
Thanks for the warning. I shall no longer leave it on charge when I go out.
be aware with the li-po type , watch what could happen...
z3o_2mwRPdw
jandl100
28-06-2012, 14:46
:wowzer:
You need to put this in perspective though.
The use of Lithium Ion packs without a BMS (battery management system) is fool hardy as they have the potential to be explosive as shown if they are the variety based on a Cobalt cathode. The later and current compound cathode types are far less likely to explode as shown in the video.
Lithium Polymer referes to the type of construction of these batteries IE Soft cell pouches not hard cased cells, as they are soft walled they can be punctured and damaged so should be encased in a secondary box.
As I mentioned above use without a BMS is foolish as issues with the cells occur when they are discharged too far and then on the subsequent charge cycle they can, if the older cobalt types, cause a fire.
All the horror stories came about in the early use of them by RC enthusiasts who didn't use a BMS and didn't use the correct charging schemes.
The modern compound types are far more robust and feature fusible links for short cct protection but still need a BMS and correct balance CC/CV charger to ensure a good cycle life...
be aware with the li-po type , watch what could happen...
I wouldnt take too much notice of is video, the packs shown were seriously overcharged on purpose to cause an explosion. If you do the same to nimh cells they can also explode.
I am an RC enthusiast and can tell you that fires are a constant concern, even with the latest packs and the best chargers/low voltage cut off devices.
From my experience, most fires occur when there's a fault in the battery management systems, causing massive amounts of current to flow in circuit. I certainly would think twice about relying on a cheap Chinese made charger or low voltage cut off.
As I said before, it is not recommended to charge or even store lipo cells indoors.
Over discharge is not a safety problem, it simply reduces the life of the pack. In fact the accepted way to dispose of a lipo is to drain the pack and then leave it in a saline solution to reduce the Voltage to zero.
I suspect that the pack you all have may be a lithium ion type not lipo.
Over discharge is most certainly a concern, this is where the damage to the cathode occurs (dendrite formation) and repetitive over discharge causes internal shorting and huge problems on the subsequent charge cycle. Its does not just affect cell cycle life.
http://www.techbriefs.com/index.php?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=/Briefs/Feb99/NPO19897.html
So many RC enthusiasts fail to understand this and wonder why their cells fail to give full life or fail unexpectedly.
The latest compound Lipo cells are better than their early Cobolt cousins and are far less likely to combust...but they may especially if abused as above. LVC monitoring helps but BMS is better and accurate cell balance charging using CC/CV is wise.
Lipo is the same chemistry as Lithium Ion is other than for the cell construction: Soft pouch or hard case.
Hi all. I have one of the chinese lipo batteries but the destructions are in chinese. Anybody, Stan??, know the correct method of charging??, The is an on/off switch on the unit, and a red and green light on the charger of which the green goes on only in one switch position. I know they can be a little tricky so any help gratefully received, Thanks,
Tom
jandl100
30-06-2012, 13:20
Hi all. I have one of the chinese lipo batteries but the destructions are in chinese. Anybody, Stan??, know the correct method of charging??, The is an on/off switch on the unit, and a red and green light on the charger of which the green goes on only in one switch position. I know they can be a little tricky so any help gratefully received, Thanks,
Tom
When the green light is on, the unit is charging.
... I think!
I'm pretty sure, actually. :)
excellent, thanks gerry. Bm really is an amazing piece of kit, listening to the late great amy w, me and mr jones, the detail, the soundstage and the holographic image, just gorgeous....
Audioflair
02-07-2012, 07:52
Yes, when the green (and red) charger lights are on it is charging. The battery must be in the ON position before the green light will come on on the charger. Bit counter-intuitive really...
Thanks Jerry and Adrian. Have it figured out with your help. Bit worried about that 'store it outside' issue. Seems OTT in light of recent posts; the unit is v solid, not a hint of warmth ever, but Ill find a spot in the greenhouse..... Can't get the difference between the battery sound and the wallwart and SBooster sound, maybe a bit more width in soundstage with the battery?? The SBooster is a great refinement to both the BM and my Bantam Gold (I have 2). To these old ears the battery betters the wallwart by a bit, but not when the SBooster is added. Could go a bit doolaly comparing.........now have 2 weeks to enjoy everything again, 1st to last track complete on all my old fave cd's, then holliers and no music, just the kindle...
To these old ears the battery betters the wallwart by a bit, but not when the SBooster is added.
wasn't that what Stan implied early on when he said he could find no measurable difference between the battery and PSU units once the Sbooster was added ??
icehockeyboy
04-07-2012, 12:07
So let me get this straight........if I just added the S Booster I get a better sound, but if I then used it with a battery supply, it negates any improvement?
Stratmangler
04-07-2012, 12:44
So let me get this straight........if I just added the S Booster I get a better sound, but if I then used it with a battery supply, it negates any improvement?
How can something filter something that isn't there?
The SBooster filters RF and switching noise from cheap SMPS.
A battery doesn't generate RF, nor does it create switching noise.
howlindawg
04-07-2012, 13:18
So let me get this straight........if I just added the S Booster I get a better sound, but if I then used it with a battery supply, it negates any improvement?
No, the claim is that adding the S Booster to the Powersupply results in a performance comperable to that of a battery supply.
In the case of a battery the S Booster is simply not required.
Mines arrived today, I sincerely hope its better than a battery supply as the one I tried was a step backwards...
theriskdude
05-07-2012, 16:29
Mine arrived yesterday. I'm burning it in a while before a proper listen. I have the SBooster on order as well so i'm looking forward to next weeks listening !
Mike
Having listend to the sbooster for a bit today I do wonder what people actually hear in their systems and how much guilding is put into their posts...
RoboCopper
05-07-2012, 20:27
Having listend to the sbooster for a bit today I do wonder what people actually hear in their systems and how much guilding is put into their posts...
I wish I could understand what author of this book has written :)
I wish I could understand what author of this book has written :)
I think he may have future as a politician ;) .
Ali Tait
05-07-2012, 21:54
Having listend to the sbooster for a bit today I do wonder what people actually hear in their systems and how much guilding is put into their posts...
Neal, I wonder if this kind of thing is down to using valves in your system? The reason I say this is because of the recent visit I had to Gary's (Gazjam) place. I have a set of TQ black that I took along as Gary wanted to hear some different cables. Now I dunno about you, but I've found cables in general to have only a slight impact in my system, yet in Gary's the difference in swapping in the TQ was profound, on the order of changing the speakers for something different, such was the change we heard. I've certainly never before heard such a change just from a cable, so I wonder if a similar thing might apply to such things as the sbooster?
You'll need to expand on that Ali, do you mean they are masking something? If so I would dispute that vigorously...I can hear the subtle difference between Caimen supply and the BM and I can here the difference in cap types when used in the Caimen output...I heard the negative impact the battery had on the BM...
Now I've not tried different output cables with the BM and I see theres a report on another thread that appears to indicate a change but I'm highly skeptical...
:scratch:
Ali Tait
05-07-2012, 22:39
No, not at all, it may just come down to impedance matching issues, which seem to have less of an impact when valves are in the equation. I still use valves too!
Psion770
08-07-2012, 14:44
Stans Bushmaster Dac... and the theory and damnation of upgraditus!!!
Hi guys some advice and help needed please and soon remembering that i am the sort of guy that when he gets on a sun bed it rains!!!
My current system considering that I live in a small rabbit hutch with the lovely if long suffering Catherine in Glasgow consists of a Wadia Dock, and Ipod Classic now completely full utilising one of Mr Paul Hynes power supplies into a Monarchy Audio Dip Upsampler - into a fully Gatorized Caiman 4th update, again with the one of Master Paul Hynes amazing power supplies into two active Quad 11 bookshelf monitors.*
Now speak as i find the sound from so small a system belies belief of course I use Mark Grants mains cabling and interconnects apart from some custom leads constructed from Sensei Homars Dojo of digital arts.*
Ok some its my system and I am very pleased with it and can blow away the clown upstairs when he gets naughty with his TV surround sound system, sheer power isn't every thing however, it comes with plenty of rhythm pace and dynamics and that is no small measure due to the work of Mr Paul Hynes ubiquitous and very special power supplies.*
Considering I use an Ipod i have a number of friends who are musicians some of them professional who enjoy my system and have often commented on listening to small closed miked acoustic pieces how life like my system is...*
Ok now this is where upgraditis gets a grip - yes i enjoy my music truth be told to much for my health and that of my bank balance.*
Well being so pleased with Stans little box of tricks when the new Bushmaster came out ... you've guessed it the autohifierogenous zones started salivating.. spacial awareness .. air round instruments .. greater depth and dynamics ... oh wow .. Wheres me Ipad Stan can i have one?*
Disaster struck this one does not work as a preamp ... bastard .. back to the drawing board ... light speed attenuator... no says Stan problems.. passive pre amp .... perhaps so scouring ebay, AOS I missed an NVA unit problems reading emails, finally found an Icon Audio Passive second hand nearly new on Fleabay, saw it, bid, it, won it, okey kokey Stan want one.*
Mmm now all my gear resides in an oak side board all the power supplies are external Stans dac has two coax inputs so i could get my Yamaha Hard Disc Cd player piped in as well!!! Sounds like a plan - need new leads and interconnects - contact Sensei Homars Dojo of Digital arts yes source requisite RCA plugs part with small amounts of coin of the realm - Houston we have lift off..*
Saturday cometh to be fair somewhat a difficult week at work hewing coal with us bare hands wi nowt but a pittance and a slice of bread and dripping to show for us labours ... however to sit and listen to some music agh bliss.*
Strategy get up early Sunday morning lad - take tea to the lovely long suffering Catherine encourage same to stay in bed and listen to the Archers we are Radio 4 Listeners with aspirations of gentility.
Encourage wife to stay in bed so can pull lounge to pieces and insert Stans new wonder in to circuit before the tennis comes on...*
Then leave Ipod playing volume turned down whilst tennis on then listen again in the evening.... now thats a proper Sunday .. leaving in a Hutch we dont have a garden a balcony with some pots!!!
Wires in place equipment switched off and cooled down *- Caiman oot, Icon in connections in place PSU's on volume at zero, fire up IPod oh .. expletive deleted loud motor motor boating bloody shyte every thing switched off nothing check connections Bushmaster kept searching to lock onto signal .. nowt, nothing, nada. The best laid plans of mice and men... when i find those bloody mice!!!!
Check connections no burning smells still nothing, manually set bushmaster to Coax input one still nowt.*
Strip whole bloody shebang down wire up as before with severe palpitations, and backside taking nips at the Turkish Rug i gingerly turn the volume nob... every thing works .... what the Hell? Its now nearly ten wifey appears .. what the hell yes dear I'm putting it all back it was working yesterday what do you need to mess with it for - under breath "nearly £370.00 quids worth of hard earned dosh" that what's for.*
Big long suffering smile sorry darling ... I'd did ask..*
Now I dont have a second system nor any test gear so why is it not working?*
The ICON passive? Or the Bushmaster. Email Stan?*
Stans gears good I know he did some software upgrades Stan wouldn't send it out without testing it. Confirmed by email.*
Try dac with short lead into bushmaster from Wadia using headphones - guess what it works sounds very loud very detailed and the track i was playing was from the sound track of Battlestar Gallactica with bag pipes and drums and through the cans the drums sounded awesome... then why wont it play through the Icon Passive - I dont need another head phone amplifier the Burson Audio Buffer has two inputs I could keep my Caiman in system only having to change over the inputs....
So guys upgraditus severe case how can i check the Passive works, I need a variable volume facility to play the active Quads any thoughts help or advice to get the Bushmaster to work in system would be oh so gratefully received. Regards MRM. *
Disaster struck this one does not work as a preamp ... bastard .. back to the drawing board
This is where you went wrong. Why didn't you check? Stan has been very clear with the specs that the Bushmaster does not act as a line level volume control (preamp is the wrong descriptor).
Psion770
08-07-2012, 16:02
This is where you went wrong. Why didn't you check? Stan has been very clear with the specs that the Bushmaster does not act as a line level volume control (preamp is the wrong descriptor).
Sorry if you read my post I bought a passive pre amp, are you saying there is not enough out put to power the icon passive I thought the out put was in the region of 1.9 volts correct me if I'm wrong because if your right buying the icon passive was a waste of money... Martin
I thought Stan had been equally clear that problems might arise if a passive pre-amp were used.
I use Caiman to drive a power amp direct, and although the power amp has level controls on the inputs, I know the Bushmaster is not for me. I will have to wait for the next evolution.
Psion770
08-07-2012, 16:26
So it seems to be consensual that I need a powered pre amp I have an old Musical Fidelty The Pre Amp,might that work?
Has anybody got any other bright ideas I believe somebody is using a NVA passive successfully... Don't want to send the Bushmaster back?
Active preamps are so much better.
I use an NVA passive pre with the bushmaster with no problems, so IT DOES work with at least some passives.
No idea what your issue might be though.
Val
Psion770
08-07-2012, 16:53
By active pre amp are you saying a powered pre amp - I am reading back through the threads having had two rather pointed rebukes that I lacked the very basic technical knowledge to understand that the DAC (obviously hadn't followed all the posts correctly) with fixed out put wouldn't work even through the most basic of passive pre amps.
That's why I posted to ask for help and guidance from the more knowledgable...
Respectfully Im asking for help patience and guidance here guys M
Psion770
08-07-2012, 17:01
Thanks Val no I don't know either that's why I why I was hoping people with more knowledge than me could offer suggestions - I rate Stans products and his patience and service, the Caiman has responded well to every upgrade Paul Hynes PSU, upgraded mains cables, interconnects etc, nothing so far has been a retrograde step every thing taking me closer to the music.
The Icon passive is avery basic switching device with a volume pot for the record what model of NVA is yours I don't want to be beaten yet... All suggestions gratefully recieved an considered ... Within reason MRM
I would check the inputs of the icon, then check your leads, I've run my BM through the NVA P90 and a cheap Angle Audio pre with no issues.
Val
Psion770
08-07-2012, 18:09
Thanks Val it looks as if I'm going to have to send the Icon back to Leicester to be checked unless I can found someone local to test it for me I don't have a workshop or a means of testing it using my current equipment I am going to rng Stan tommorow to check what the out put of his DAC is I'm sure I read somewhere it was about 1.9v which in theory should work with the Icon Passive as it has a CD input as well as an auxiliary input but thanks for your replies nice to realise having dropped a gooley one is not totally alone. MRM
Stratmangler
08-07-2012, 19:54
Thanks Val it looks as if I'm going to have to send the Icon back to Leicester to be checked unless I can found someone local to test it for me I don't have a workshop or a means of testing it using my current equipment I am going to rng Stan tommorow to check what the out put of his DAC is I'm sure I read somewhere it was about 1.9v which in theory should work with the Icon Passive as it has a CD input as well as an auxiliary input but thanks for your replies nice to realise having dropped a gooley one is not totally alone. MRM
You'll probably find the output impedance of the DAC to be of greater relevance than the output voltage of the BM analogue outputs.
Which is why active preamps have been strongly recommended - they present a fixed load to the DAC.
Most all passive controls change impedance with the degree of attenuation.
By active pre amp are you saying a powered pre amp
Yes, it isn't just a matter of whether the Bushmaster will drive a passive volume pot, it's also a matter of active (powered) preamps having so much better drive to the power amp. I have never heard a passive setup that can rival the drive, rhythm and dynamics of a good active preamp.
I think you are missing the point.
Any impedance missmatch would not stop the pre from working. It might not sound great, but it would still work.
Val
I am aware of that, Val, but I'm just trying to get Martyn back to listening again. He has a preamp and I'm suggesting that he tries it.
Psion770
08-07-2012, 21:21
Whereas I appreciate the efforts to help me listen, I spoke to Stan about a week ago discussing the use of a lightspeed which he suggested I steer clear off for technical reasons beyond me or to difficult to explain. He emailed me and suggested someone was having reasonable results with an NVA passive preamp, this is not powered. the icon audio passive was the nearest thing I could find
The icon audio uses hard wired circuitry and uses a simple pot to control output many people use their CD players to drive active speakers. I couldn't get the Bushmaster to work through the Icon at all no distortion nothing apart from the severe motor boating which it initially displayed see the original post
I tried the Bushmaster straight from the Wadia dock this time nothing I reconnected my system into the Caiman lo and behold it played. Even manually connecting the right coax input.
I then tried a new connector direct from the Wadia and the Bushmaster worked via the headphone outlet ... Go figure.
Something I'm doing is fundamentally not right i am concerned that putting a powered preamp into the system may make things worse or colour the sound. I am not an electronics engineer but if the output from the DAC is high enough surely a straight wire with no gain is preferable now confused Martyn
Silly question - are your headphones permanently plugged in to the Bushmaster?
Good point - I believe that mutes the line outputs.
Psion770
09-07-2012, 12:32
No they weren't I used the headphones to listen to the Wadia using a short length of coax and it worked for a period of time then stopped, plugged the Wadiia back into the Caiman as in my normal system voila back to normal.
Regards Martyn.
Martyn, can you separate out the two possible issues here please so that we can help you?
1) digital source is not being locked? What sources & cables have you tried? Are you verifying with headphones? Is it just the auto seek mode that doesn't work, or will it not lock manually?
2) locked source works via headphones but not out to a pasive/active preamp? What happens, do you get any sound at all? Have you tried a different preamp line level input?
StanleyB
09-07-2012, 14:05
I used the headphones to listen to the Wadia using a short length of coax and it worked for a period of time then stopped, plugged the Wadiia back into the Caiman as in my normal system voila back to normal.
Is this in the auto or manual mode? And did you try the Wadia again in the BM after that?
barry-potter
09-07-2012, 16:19
Whereas I appreciate the efforts to help me listen, I spoke to Stan about a week ago discussing the use of a lightspeed which he suggested I steer clear off for technical reasons beyond me or to difficult to explain.
what are these technical reasons? i run mine through a lightspeed without probs.
HighFidelityGuy
04-08-2012, 00:23
what are these technical reasons? i run mine through a lightspeed without probs.
I believe the reason will be due to the Bushmaster having a slightly high output impedance (due to it's passive output stage) and the lightspeed (and all other passive attenuators) having quite low input impedance and high output impedance.
Simply by the nature of their designs they are theoretically a slightly bad match. They will work but you may not get the full dynamic range and frequency response that's possible as the DAC will be having a tougher time driving your amp. This is the unfortunate trade-off with passive attenuators.
The output impedance of the Bushmaster isn't very high though, so the effect is likely to be subtle. Especially if the input impedance of your power amp is high (50K plus).
I used my Caiman (with the passive output mod) with a passive attenuator feeding amps with both 50K and 100K input impedances. With both amps I seemed to get plenty of dynamic range etc. Results will vary between systems though depending the equipment used. I think Stan is just trying to ensure that his customers are getting the best out of his products, which is understandable. :)
jandl100
04-08-2012, 06:43
Ah - that's interesting!
Over the last week or so I've been using a TVC passive pre with the Bushmaster, where previously I had used only active pre's, and the treble is just a tad rolled off and smooth. So I slipped in a slightly 'hot' interconnect and all is well with the world. :)
... mind you, some reviews of the TVC pre (a Bent Audio NOH) say that it's a bit on the smooth side, so it may not be down to interaction with the BM at all, just a characteristic of the pre.
Dynamics remain full-bloodied and pretty damn awesome from the BM!
I've got my bushmaster now but I can't easily do a comparison with my naim cd5i because I only have one set of analog phonos, chord crysalis. Is there an analog stereo phono you guys recommend?
We can recommend loads, but don't buy from a dealer, since they often add 250% at least to their buying price from makers who have a substantial range of cables to sell. Good basic interconnects can be got online from £20 or so (even cheaper of you know what to look out for), but now the Mark Grant HD1000 is around £50 and others here are doing similar priced wires, have a look here and see what floats your boat.
HighFidelityGuy
08-08-2012, 22:48
Ah - that's interesting!
Over the last week or so I've been using a TVC passive pre with the Bushmaster, where previously I had used only active pre's, and the treble is just a tad rolled off and smooth. So I slipped in a slightly 'hot' interconnect and all is well with the world. :)
... mind you, some reviews of the TVC pre (a Bent Audio NOH) say that it's a bit on the smooth side, so it may not be down to interaction with the BM at all, just a characteristic of the pre.
Dynamics remain full-bloodied and pretty damn awesome from the BM!
I'm not so familiar with the specs of TVC's but from the bits I've read I think they might have better input and output impedances compared against the more usual types of passive attenuators. So a TVC might be a better match with the BM than say a stepped ladder attenuator.
Out of interest, what was the "hot" interconnect you used?
In theory a cable with very low capacitance should help in this situation.
jandl100
09-08-2012, 06:29
Out of interest, what was the "hot" interconnect you used?
Ha ha - oops! - here goes my "audiophile credibility" -- again! :lol:
:whistle: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180935954190
Stupidly low price, but very very transparent. But a little forward in the upper regions - which suits my TVC passive pre perfectly. :thumbsup:
HighFidelityGuy
09-08-2012, 09:20
Thanks Jerry. Belkin make some good cables from what I hear. I bought some of those silver ones that everyone went mad for a while ago. Unfortunately I put them away in a safe place for later use and now I've lost them. :doh: Hopefully I'll find them soon.
Thanks Jerry. Belkin make some good cables from what I hear. I bought some of those silver ones that everyone went mad for a while ago. Unfortunately I put them away in a safe place for later use and now I've lost them. :doh: Hopefully I'll find them soon.
That sounds familiar... :lol:
That sounds familiar... :lol:
What - you did that with your marbles? ;)
I lost those years ago Alex when I mis-laid my other head... :ner:
I was listening to my BM last night and found it a bit fatiguing, at least that's what I think it was. I have metal tweaters and I've removed the grills. I do find that vocals are very prominent with the dac compared to my old naim cdp. It could just be that I'm not used to music being as revealing as this. I've got my old squeezebox playing some flacs rather than my pc now though so may be a different spdif source will help the situation. For the moment it sounds to me like the treble is the cause of my issues..
StanleyB
10-08-2012, 09:38
The Bushmaster has a set of very low noise power rails and a passive output stage. These two combine to allow playback of frequency details that would otherwise get lost in the signal to noise ratio of a DAC or CD/DVD player.
Try some poor quality phono cables. Many of them introduce a significant amount of attenuation of the treble, which would in turn reduce the amount of detail in the music and perhaps bring the BM more in line with the frequency response of your Naim CD player.
Hi Stan,
Thanks for you message. I've just had a chat with another hi-fi geek at work and he suspects that it might be jitter from my poor spdif sources, an old slimdevices squeezebox or my asus motherboard. I'm going to try out a m2tech hiface 2 and see if I get a better sound with that. It does seem to be male vocals that were the problem. I was listening to blur parklife when I noticed it most.
I was listening to my BM last night and found it a bit fatiguing, at least that's what I think it was. I have metal tweaters and I've removed the grills. I do find that vocals are very prominent with the dac compared to my old naim cdp. It could just be that I'm not used to music being as revealing as this. I've got my old squeezebox playing some flacs rather than my pc now though so may be a different spdif source will help the situation. For the moment it sounds to me like the treble is the cause of my issues..
Sometimes it can just be down to a more revealing system. Perhaps more revealing in the top end than the in the studio.. they are still reliant on good sounding DACs and monitors afterall.
I recently did a swap that got me some JAS Audio Oriors. The ribbon tweeter feels like it is very fast, detailed and extended.
Listening to Radio 3, is a mixed bag now! Speech can be sibilant and a little irritating but get to the music and it sounds fantastic - immediate and open in the treble. (and of course that is with bandwidth limited FM)
With CDs it's fine too in the top end - quite sweet when that's how it is, hard and fast when the sound is like that (on some electronica, noise music).
So, yes.. a more revealing system perhaps showing up sibilance from BBC presenters now but not from other things.
I've got my bushmaster now but I can't easily do a comparison with my naim cd5i because I only have one set of analog phonos, chord crysalis. Is there an analog stereo phono you guys recommend?
CAn you compare using two identical but cheap interconnects?
HighFidelityGuy
11-08-2012, 18:52
Another thing I'd recommend you try are THESE (http://www.russandrews.com/product.asp?lookup=1®ion=UK¤cy=GBP&pf_id=5750&customer_id=PAA1106081012397CVLBPPMJJGBLFSPT)
They're felt rings that you put round your tweeters that help to tone down treble by reducing reflections. They can also help improve the stereo image. I have a pair and found they found they did both. I didn't have a problem with harsh treble at first but it got worse the more revealing my system got. So it sounds like you're in a similar boat.
If they won't fit your speakers then THIS (http://www.diffractionbegone.com/) company will make you a custom set.
The Russ Andrews ones are great value for money though, which is something I find can rarely be said about his products. :D
Another thing I'd recommend you try are THESE (http://www.russandrews.com/product.asp?lookup=1®ion=UK¤cy=GBP&pf_id=5750&customer_id=PAA1106081012397CVLBPPMJJGBLFSPT)
They're felt rings that you put round your tweeters that help to tone down treble by reducing reflections. They can also help improve the stereo image. I have a pair and found they found they did both. I didn't have a problem with harsh treble at first but it got worse the more revealing my system got. So it sounds like you're in a similar boat.
If they won't fit your speakers then THIS (http://www.diffractionbegone.com/) company will make you a custom set.
The Russ Andrews ones are great value for money though, which is something I find can rarely be said about his products. :D
Thanks for that bit advice Dave. I'd forgotten about that kind of thing and might give it a go on mine.
The Grand Wazoo
11-08-2012, 23:50
Jim, from Diffraction Be Gone, is a member here of long standing. If you buy from him, be sure to mention AoS.
Some of his postings are interesting - try this one (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14383)
Well I've finally got to do some testing after a hectic weekend. I ordered a mark grant coax cable in the week so I thought of something I hadn't tried, using the coax output of my old squeezebox rather than the optical. I'm not totally sure yet but I think that the treble problems are much better with this output I haven't found it tiring yet... So I think my problems are jitter related, and the coax output is marginally better in that regard.
The hiface2 is arriving next week so I'll get to try things straight from my pc. Keith @purite audio is also sending my a young dac to demo. I hope for the sake of my bank balance that doesn't sound much better!
maxrob200
13-08-2012, 00:31
I am using a Squeezebox SB3 with flac files off a NAS and then spdif co-ax (Belden 1694A) out to the BM and the performance is pretty amazing, especially vocals
Hi Maxrob200,
That's the config I'm using now. I've also got some of the markgrant analog cables and a linear power supply. I'm not sure how much difference those components make but I could definitely tell a difference after swapping that digi coax. I'm going to try swapping out the other cables tonight after a decent listening session.
RoboCopper
15-08-2012, 09:02
Stick this one on the shelves of a mainland European High End Hifi Emporium, and folks will think it's a Burmester and you can add a couple of zeros on the price tag, Stan. :lol:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/burmesterlogo.jpg
I wish Bushmaster has those fonts.
If there is one like this I am ordering straight away Stan
RoboCopper
15-08-2012, 09:05
+1
http://jamtoast.net/bucket/bushmasteroptions/bushmaster_english_157_bt.jpg
I meant this one!
is the bushmaster dac back up for sale again, as I haven't received an email stating there is no longer a waiting list?, put my details on the waiting list a few weeks ago, how much is it please and as I say can i buy one??
Wayne
edmondwolfman
17-08-2012, 04:49
is the bushmaster dac back up for sale again, as I haven't received an email stating there is no longer a waiting list?, put my details on the waiting list a few weeks ago, how much is it please and as I say can i buy one??
Wayne
Seriously?
After seeing this today it didn't come across as I intended, it looked kind of rude. What I was getting at was just go to the site and order, Stan is willing and able to sell his products:)
StanleyB
17-08-2012, 16:37
is the bushmaster dac back up for sale again, as I haven't received an email stating there is no longer a waiting list?, put my details on the waiting list a few weeks ago, how much is it please and as I say can i buy one??
Wayne
Hi Wayne,
I sent you an email to say they are back in stock, and I replied to your email last night. I haven't had a response from you in either case which would suggest that my emails are not reaching you. Check your spam box to see if my replies have been treated as spam.
60% of the time, when I try to change inputs I end up having to faff around to get the bushmaster to find a signal. In what I take to be auto mode it just keeps cycling then in frustration I press the select button but try as a might it takes ages of faffing to get it to work what am I doing wrong ?
must be me because I haven't seen any other issues reported
StanleyB
17-08-2012, 18:38
60% of the time, when I try to change inputs I end up having to faff around to get the bushmaster to find a signal. In what I take to be auto mode it just keeps cycling then in frustration I press the select button but try as a might it takes ages of faffing to get it to work what am I doing wrong ?
must be me because I haven't seen any other issues reported
It has been discussed and I asked to be sent an email with details of the source equipment used.
pumpkineater23
24-08-2012, 11:07
Just wondering if there is any news regarding the variable version Bushmaster?
After some starting minor niggles, is the Bushmaster still getting any minor updates or is the layout/electronics pretty much in their final implementation? Thanks
StanleyB
28-08-2012, 12:07
After some starting minor niggles, is the Bushmaster still getting any minor updates or is the layout/electronics pretty much in their final implementation? Thanks
What's wrong with the layout :scratch:? There hasn't been any niggles reported with that.
I think I remember seeing in the early pages some input droping / auto detect problems? Sorry if I didn't explained myself carefully.
Despite needing the USB feature I'm really keen to try the BS. Would a usb to spdif adapter work flawlessly or will I loose audio quality somewhere in the path?
StanleyB
28-08-2012, 18:06
I don't use a standard USB adapter myself, but many people do and they are perfectly happy with the ones they bought.
I use a wireless USB to TOSLINK adapter made by Onkyo, but they don't make them (like that) any more.
:deceased: :deceased:
Bloody quiet in here, innit??
Marco.
All the chatter is on the Logitech forum about the discontinuance of the Squeezebox, which is very sad.
RoboCopper
05-09-2012, 20:55
:deceased: :deceased:
Bloody quiet in here, innit??
Marco.
MKII
RoboCopper
05-09-2012, 20:56
All the chatter is on the Logitech forum about the discontinuance of the Squeezebox, which is very sad.
can you link it if it is related to Bushmaster?
I would like to continue to follow posts about Bushmaster
can you link it if it is related to Bushmaster?
I would like to continue to follow posts about Bushmaster
Only to the extent that the Squeezebox streamers work very well with all Stan's Dacs.
http://forums.slimdevices.com/forumdisplay.php?2-General-Discussion
All the chatter is on the Logitech forum about the discontinuance of the Squeezebox, which is very sad.
I'm glad I sent mine back now, I predicted this was on the cards - a real shame however for all the faithful followers of the Touch.
RoboCopper
05-09-2012, 21:10
I'm glad I sent mine back now, I predicted this was on the cards - a real shame however for all the faithful followers of the Touch.
What do you mean? I am from another planet :), not sure what is going on?
It doesn't bother me as I have one and it suffices for my needs, which will always be secondary to my two primary sources. As for the Bushmaster, it's great, what else needs to be said? :eyebrows:
I've had Nick's (Lurcher) loaner ultra quite PSU for a week now on evaluation.
Been using an sBooster with the standard SMPS unit and been very happy with it although I did struggle to hear much of an improvement using it in my system. Over at the Coherent Sounds meet I did hear a small improvement in top end smoothness so its doing something right but its not a patch on Nick's PSU!
There's a clear improvement...the presentation is one of ease and depth, clear separation of voice and instruments all with better texture and detail. Really good.
I've known Nick for quite a few years and know what he's capable of but this took me by surprise! Nice One Nick.
A highly recommended upgrade! :)
i dont suppose anyone has compared the bushmaster to the Meier stagedac?
I've had Nick's (Lurcher) loaner ultra quite PSU for a week now on evaluation.
Been using an sBooster with the standard SMPS unit and been very happy with it although I did struggle to hear much of an improvement using it in my system. Over at the Coherent Sounds meet I did hear a small improvement in top end smoothness so its doing something right but its not a patch on Nick's PSU!
There's a clear improvement...the presentation is one of ease and depth, clear separation of voice and instruments all with better texture and detail. Really good.
I've known Nick for quite a few years and know what he's capable of but this took me by surprise! Nice One Nick.
A highly recommended upgrade! :)
Do you mean the Lurcher Bushmaster PSU, just to be clear? Thx
StanleyB
19-09-2012, 06:17
I must add that the Lurcher PSU for the Bushmaster was not a rouge design that attempts to feed off the sales of the Bushmaster. It was a properly designed integral part of the Bushmaster. Nick, the designer of the Lurcher power supply, and me spent a considerable period working together on this project. And more than one version was developed and auditioned until we were both satisfied that the final design would exhibit a clear and noticeable difference for the money that is being asked for it.
The Lurcher PSU is also the only one that incorporates the earthing lead that can be hooked up to the earth tag on the Bushmaster DAC. This is an important option on the power supply since it allows for the use of the BM and the PSU in quite hostile mains conditions with zero deterioration in audio performance. This is worth mentioning.
Just want to say that customer service from Stan is absolutely top class. I contacted him late last week with a slight problem, and was told my Bushmaster needed a couple of updates. He did the updates for me (as I don't really know one end of a soldering iron from the other) and got it back to me really quickly.
The brief time spent without the Bushmaster was a revelation though. It was almost painful listening to music, as there was such a lack of depth and clarity. Now I've got it back, I'm very happy again, and can only marvel at what Stan puts/does inside that box.
Great stuff.....cheers Stan.
Late, reply, yes the Lurcher PSU...highly recommended.
Due to having the advantage of being able to put the Led's on sleep mode i keep forgetting to turn my BM off at night.I have now given up and just leave it on 24/7.It never gets hot,but am i doing it any long term damage.??Don't know enough about electronics to know.I once left a JCB running in the yard for a bank holiday weekend and it loved it,mind you it smoked a bit when i revved it up.:lol:
StanleyB
22-09-2012, 18:47
You'll find that a lot of people tend to forget to switch it off. The current consumption is around 160mA in auto mode. That's roughly 2Watts. Not enough to heat up the DAC. But of course, switching it off is always a good way to save on energy.
Thanks for the info Stan,i can live with 2 watts.
Bye the way it is sounding even better than you said it would.
One very happy customer here..:D
I leave mine on all the time.
Covenant
28-09-2012, 07:24
Any news on the development of the Bushmaster plus Stan?
Having owned a Gatorised Caiman, an HRT headstreamer, and being the current owner of an MDac, an Imod/Ibasso Heron and a M2Tech Young DAC, I thought some might appreciate a mini review.
My ears lean toward a deep low end detailed wide sound. I listen to music mostly through headphones; Denon AHD2000's, Audeze LCD2's and Klipsch X10i's.
The service was absolutely first class, several messages from Stan and arrived 1030 the next day.
We feel often the need to justify why we like something so much with detailed analysis; but often you know you just like it instantly . The delivery of the music to your ears gives you a glow , you know you are in the presence of something special.
Let me tell you that straight out of the box this is what I felt. The Bushmaster to my ears stands up to anything else I have. The M2Tech Young DAC is £1200. The MDac £600. The IMod probably the same. It's as if Stan knows what we want.
I would urge anyone in the market for a Dac who is thinking they should be spending serious money to get what they want; listen to the Bushmaster first.
Well done Stan, I am astonished what can be achieved for £180
:):):):):):):)
That's part of the idea. Not everyone can afford to squander £170, let alone £600. But as you know, each of my DACS were regarded as "a lot of bangs for your bucks" on their launch. But 90% might be far too conservative. Be prepared to go higher ;).
I have the mdac and I have the bm. The bm beats it hands down. And the mdac is a fantastic sounding piece of kit. My young dac with a solo headamp sounds maybe smoother. But for deep bass lovers who want to hear the gravel of kurt kobain then even the young combo is getting a run for it's money:):):)
I am also the owner of an imod ibasso combo but the comparison is perhaps not fair as this is a totally portable setup. The price new would put this in a £600 + bracket however. Soundwise there is no comparison.
I love all my kit too. But the BM is truly a force to be reckoned with.
For sheer weight of bass, detail and imaging . And from an engineer who lives in England too.
Stan, please will you at least consider making a portable headamp with the soundsig of the bm?
There's so much on the market but most of the allegedly decent stuff comes from the us or further.
After reading some, not all, of these posts. I have just bitten the bullet and ordered a Bushmaster DAC and a Belden 1.5 mtr 1694a coax cable.
I'm hoping that it's not all hype.... suppose we'll wait and see!
mikseymono
26-11-2012, 12:20
@ Glennan....
Have you had a chance to play with your new toy yet?
If so....review please?
M
StanleyB
26-11-2012, 12:52
There have been reviews on the Bushmaster by numerous people. I am sure many of those reviewers would consider their write up to be an honest opinion. It's quite disappointing that anyone should talk about hype when so many happy BM customers write to say how pleased they are with their purchase.
Its a great sounding Dac guys, best bang for buck.
I haven't heard any hype,just people ,like me ,saying how good it is.You can tell if it's hype when you see them all in the for sale column.Well done again Stanley...
Mark Grant
01-12-2012, 13:08
It's good to see the Beresford Bushmaster 5 star review in the January 2013 edition of Hi-Fi choice :)
Well done Stanley :cool:
StanleyB
03-12-2012, 11:48
Thanks Mark. I just had a read of it. At least they got it right with the analytical nature of the Bushmaster. I like hunting out every last bit in an audio track :).
magiccarpetride
03-12-2012, 20:39
Thanks Mark. I just had a read of it. At least they got it right with the analytical nature of the Bushmaster. I like hunting out every last bit in an audio track :).
I can vouch for this. It's almost unsettling how precise and accurate this component is. The level of detail I'm hearing with Bushmaster is eery. Switch to a different DAC, play the same track again, and voila! that eery presence is gone, to be replaced with something more 'editorialized'.
But hey, some people may prefer their music editorialized?
I hope Stan does well from the reviews at hi fi choice. I am sure glad I didn't wait for the experts to get hold of it. It may seem naive, but I place a lot of my buying advice on the various forums around. There are lots of different viewpoints from ordinary people who have tried lots of different kit.
It may not be a scientific approach but I don't listen to the music scientifically. And Beresford products deliver.
Until there is an equation that says this product has a huge sound stage or stunning detail or a deep rich bass or a completely neutral sound we will all be agreeing to disagree. It will all be subjective to our ears , our level of concentration, even our bias as we've bought the darn thing and HAVE to like it!
So if someone has kit and is prepared to stick their head above the parapet I think it's worth a read. And then read someone else. And so on.
If I can help make people's minds up about what they're looking for all well and good. My ears are no better or worse than anyone else I guess. :):)
icehockeyboy
03-12-2012, 22:21
i know I have waxed lyrical about mine from the word go, but that write up has to be good for Stan, and the rest of us who have said how good his Bushmaster is!
Analytical is often interpreted as a negative word in audio. It is often interpreted as focusing on detail. In my opinion BM don`t do this at all. The detail is there, but integrated in the music, as it should be.
Perhaps i am nitpicking, but i think the sound should be described correctly.
Biagio De Simone
11-01-2013, 11:06
Hello, I am here to express my great satisfaction with the dac bushmaster, I come from an Italian forum, the T-forum, where many have expressed their concerns about the sonic performance of the bushmaster, but this just before I heard him effettivament.
Then once heard the surprise was so pleasant that others have followed me in buying it, and now I'm very happy.
* The bushmaster is a great dac also connected to my old and beloved pioneer PD77, which has improved in all. Thanks Stan.:)
I apologize for my bad English, the result of the translator of google.:o
I am still so happy with my bushmaster. I have spent a lot of money on others but the bm stands its ground with them all .
I have a review in the making comparing the young , the mdac, the hrt streamer pro , the bushmaster, colorfly c3 and the imod.
If you like bass you'll like the Bushmaster
I am still so happy with my bushmaster. I have spent a lot of money on others but the bm stands its ground with them all .
I have a review in the making comparing the young , the mdac, the hrt streamer pro , the bushmaster, colorfly c3 and the imod.
If you like bass you'll like the Bushmaster
looking forward to reading your comparisons.
i had the Young on home trial but found it no improvement over my current dac.
however i was only comparing using redbook material, i guess the young would come into its own on hi-res!
hoping to get a new dac sometime and the BM is on my shortlist.
looking forward to reading your comparisons.
i had the Young on home trial but found it no improvement over my current dac.
however i was only comparing using redbook material, i guess the young would come into its own on hi-res!
hoping to get a new dac sometime and the BM is on my shortlist.
Wow- you must have some set up !
I haven't heard your Meier but if the Young was not an improvement, I'm sorry- you're asking too much of the BM to be an improvement to your system
StanleyB
14-01-2013, 11:55
Hello, I am here to express my great satisfaction with the dac bushmaster, I come from an Italian forum, the T-forum, where many have expressed their concerns about the sonic performance of the bushmaster, but this just before I heard him effettivament.
Then once heard the surprise was so pleasant that others have followed me in buying it, and now I'm very happy.
* The bushmaster is a great dac also connected to my old and beloved pioneer PD77, which has improved in all. Thanks Stan.:)
Hi Biagio, thanks for the great compliment :).
For the couple of days I have had to listen to the BM I must say it sounds excellent although my unit has stopped working. I am reliably informed that mine is an early model and needs a firmware update. I am awaiting instructions from Stan re: shipping so that he can sort it.
An issue that really niggles me about the BM is the input selection methodology, it is a PITA and more complex than it needed to be. It would have been far more sensible to have stuck with the simple but effective arrangement employed on previous Beresford DAC's, and AutoSelect??? Seemingly a good thing on paper, in real world use it just gets in the way and spoils the ownership experience a little bit.
StanleyB
13-02-2013, 22:29
An issue that really niggles me about the BM is the input selection methodology, it is a PITA and more complex than it needed to be.
Since it is a software controlled function it is not impossible to amend the operation method and functionality. If anyone has any suggestions with regards to the most convenient method of operation I can see if I can rewrite the code to match that method.
If it is possible to program it to operate in the same manner as the Caiman it would be perfect Stan :)
StanleyB
13-02-2013, 23:05
The Caiman has four input select button, and the BM has only one. So an exactly same functionality is not possible. However, I shall think about how to make it possible to switch the auto function ON/OFF in an alternative manner.
Of course, sorry Stan I am being dense. Not having a great time of it just now so my heads all over the place... :eyebrows:
Estimado Stan, tengo un amplificador Todo en uno Audio Block CVR100 con entradas analógicas varias y me interesa mejorar el sonido de fuentes externas mediante un DAC y pienso el DAC Beresford TC-7530, pero no logro leer sobre su calidad en las altas frecuencias, me gusta mucho el sonido de los platillos definidos.
Tal vez una comparación con el DAC PS Audio NuWave que he leído tiene muy buenos agudos.
Translated version:
Dear Stan, I have an amp All in One Audio Block CVR100 with several analog inputs and I want to improve the sound from external sources through a DAC and I think the Beresford TC-7530 DAC, but I can not read on their quality at high frequencies, I really like the sound of cymbals defined.
Perhaps a comparison with the PS Audio DAC NuWave I've read has good treble.
StanleyB
15-02-2013, 13:13
Estimado Stan, tengo un amplificador Todo en uno Audio Block CVR100 con entradas analógicas varias y me interesa mejorar el sonido de fuentes externas mediante un DAC y pienso el DAC Beresford TC-7530, pero no logro leer sobre su calidad en las altas frecuencias, me gusta mucho el sonido de los platillos definidos.
Tal vez una comparación con el DAC PS Audio NuWave que he leído tiene muy buenos agudos.
Hi Sergio, there are comments from existing users about the clarity, separation, and realistic sounding reproduction of the high frequency of guitars, violins, etc.
Ooh Alex, you operate that there Google Translate so well... :)
AntonioJ
15-02-2013, 17:55
Hi fellow countryman Sergio !.
The Beresford is just outstanding in every respect you mention. You need to spend a lot more to get similar results, and YET, the clarity I get from the Caiman is second to none.
Saludos!
Antonio
Dear Stan:
I have read the forum before writing to you.
Some friends of the forum I have spoken well of the Caiman, but I want to know if the 7530 Beresford Dac has better sound response Shiit Bifrost DAC or the DAC PS Nuwave.
* I do not need USB, only optical or RCA inputs and sound quality at the outputs.
A QUESTION.
Beresford Caiman DAC does is less than 7530 Beresford DAC? : Scratch:
Sorry for my questions. kindly
Sergio
StanleyB
18-02-2013, 17:50
Dear Stan:
I have read the forum before writing to you.
Some friends of the forum I have spoken well of the Caiman, but I want to know if the 7530 Beresford Dac has better sound response Shiit Bifrost DAC or the DAC PS Nuwave.
Hi Sergio, can you describe for me what a better sound means to you? I can then have a clearer idea. But frequency and technology wise, the Bushmaster has a better frequency response (1Hz to 20KHz at 0dB deviation). This is mainly due to the direct coupled audio output (i.e no opamps and capacitors in the signal path), which retains signal purity and tonal balance of the audio signal. So there is no phase shift or filters in the audio path either.
A QUESTION.
Beresford Caiman DAC does is less than 7530 Beresford DAC? : Scratch:
I know: the Caiman should have been on sale for two or even three times more. Many people have told me that. The Bushmaster is however also going up in price soon. The £ is falling in value against the U$ and Euro, so I shall have to put the price up in order to avoid making a loss.
Dear Stan:
Thank you very much for your reply, in conduct my order a few days before a price increase.
kindly,
* Sergio.
Dear Sr. Stan
I am interested in working with a company in Spain that has more than 11 years working HIFI Sound* and would like to show them your DAC Beresford competitive, which is why I have made some questions about possible comparisons with other dac today, as PS Nuwave and Shiit Bifrost, but if you have not been able to make no problems in any case seems to have magnified your DAC price and quality.
Kindly, Sergio.
However, I shall think about how to make it possible to switch the auto function ON/OFF in an alternative manner.
I totally support to introduce a way to deactivate "auto mode". Switching from input 4 to 3 requires several fast pushes to stop the auto scan feature from starting its auto switching.
Agreed, I'd rather have manual enabled at all times.
Ammonite Audio
22-02-2013, 19:59
Agreed, I'd rather have manual enabled at all times.
I am probably imagining things, but to my ears manual selection on input on the Bushmaster does seem to result in a more satisfying listen.
Stan has performed a hack to the firmware which keeps the BM in manual mode as I found auto to be a complete PITA...
Stan has just sent me revised firmware which sorted a no-lock issue I had with my Sky HD box. Ah well, it's not that important.
This is mainly due to the direct coupled audio output (i.e no opamps and capacitors in the signal path), which retains signal purity and tonal balance of the audio signal. So there is no phase shift or filters in the audio path either.
Hi Stan, the DAC used in the Bushmaster has filters & output stages built into the chip surely?
Stan, somwhere you said, that in the fall of 2012 or in the beginning of 2013 will be the new reincarnation of Bushmaster with USB input. Any news to expect?
Have other BM owners had issues with the DAC not locking onto signals coming into the coaxial inputs or perhaps not working correctly on any input? The last issue presents as no output from the DAC despite active data being fed to the inputs. When the DAC is in this state, turning the volume up beyond the 12 o'clock position on the amp reveals a gentle hum and soft digital hash which isn't present when it is operating normally. The last time this happened the BM failed to recover from it and I had to return it to Stan so that he could sort it out. It happened again last night however this time I was able to recover from the situation by turning the unit off and back on again, a procedure that did not work on the previous occasion. I'd just like to know whether anyone else has experienced this issue?
Have other BM owners had issues with the DAC not locking onto signals coming into the coaxial inputs or perhaps not working correctly on any input?
I have a no lock phenomen in auto mode with my Squeezebox devices, manual works just fine (without audible problems). In auto mode it detects the signal for a fragment of a second, then skips the input, rotates over teh other inputs, detects for a split second etc...
See my post #1197, Dave. It only happened with my Sky HD box and Stan has sent me revised firmware that fixed it.
The BM has been back to Stan and he has installed the new firmware Martin, the issue is still there however. I am beginning to think there is a specific fault with this particular unit as I had to reset it again today. I can't rely on it to work from switch on or when changing inputs, without having to turn it off and back on again :scratch:
Ah ok, sounds like it might be a faulty one.
StanleyB
24-02-2013, 08:41
It's the code hack that was done to bypass the auto function. It was done in haste to satisfy a particular request, but it seems to have a function call hidden somewhere inside the C code that is misbehaving.
StanleyB
24-02-2013, 08:52
I have a no lock phenomen in auto mode with my Squeezebox devices, manual works just fine (without audible problems). In auto mode it detects the signal for a fragment of a second, then skips the input, rotates over teh other inputs, detects for a split second etc...
The later firmware has a signal lock correction for things like the SB and Airport Express. It's the buffering delay in the SB when it temporarily stops decoding the audio whilst grabbing more audio data from the server supplying it with music. That buffering delay from the SB can be long enough for the BM to think that the SB has stopped operating, in which case the auto search will shoot off to look for a new valid audio source. email me so I can cross check if you have the SB update in the firmware or not.
StanleyB
24-02-2013, 09:02
I totally support to introduce a way to deactivate "auto mode". Switching from input 4 to 3 requires several fast pushes to stop the auto scan feature from starting its auto switching.
I have enough requests for this to justify a proper code rewrite instead of a quick hack. Anyone who needs this feature for important operational reason should email me. I can then put your email in a notification list. Don't PM me if you would like to be on the list or if you have any important technical questions.
StanleyB
24-02-2013, 09:08
Stan, somwhere you said, that in the fall of 2012 or in the beginning of 2013 will be the new reincarnation of Bushmaster with USB input. Any news to expect?
I posted a picture of the alpha version of the BM with USB in a thread. I am making some changes and improvements based on suggestions and observations by a Danish and an Italian beta tester.
StanleyB
16-03-2013, 09:55
Just a quick update on the USB version of the Bushmaster.
Due to a recent set of agreements with a couple of component manufacturers I have managed to get hold of some additional information on certain components. One set of that data will allow me to do some exciting things, like the ability to take an adaptive or isynchronous data stream from TOSLINK, coax or USB, and buffer it, before using an asynchronous process to sort out jitter. What that means is that in the case of the USB connection method no proprietary drivers are required to be installed on your computer in order to obtain an asynchronous data delivery at the input of the DAC chip. That also means that the TOSLINK and coax data stream will be treated in an asynchronous way once they enter the DAC.
I am not sure about how it all works, but I have been testing it on a modified BM at 24/192KHz with a TOSLINK lead that is less than 3mm thick. I'll have to look for a volunteer or two to double check my results since I am a bit cautious with this asynch malarkey.
The other one is no less exciting. It is not uncommon to see DAC specs mentioning upsampling to 192KHz. I have had a play with a couple but found the audio of an upsampled 44.1Kz file to 192KHz to sound softer. In some cases the tense fast paced action had been converted to a dragged out drama so to speak. This alternative DAC chip approaches the data quite differently however. It processes that data in its original sample rate, but in a 24 bit domain.
So what's different with that compared to upsampling you ask. Well upsampling to 192KHz requires additional padding bits to make up the longer byte. I reckon that it is these extra bits that can make the audio sound softer. But processing in the 24 bit domain is quite often used in the recording and mastering process, after which an audio file can be converted to a 16 bit/44.1KHz CD track for instance by removing 8 bits somehow. Don't ask me how they do it. I have absolutely no idea. The new data I now have in my possession is quite vague in how the process works as far as processing any audio file between 12 to 24 bits in the 24 bits domain is concerned, but I am busy designing a test platform that can only go up to 16 bits, and another platform that uses the 24 bit processing method. That should give me a chance to hear if there are any positive and/or negative effects from using the 24 bit process when a 16 bit audio file is played back. I don't expect any difference with a regular 24 bit audio file, but I shall test that as well just in case.
So what has this got to do with the USB DAC? Well I can't afford to invest in the production of a USB DAC now, whilst sitting on such important information. I feel that since I am still in the preproduction stage of the USB DAC I can take a gamble and take a financial hit on the costs of the R&D of the current USB DAC development, and switch to building a new DAC with the new technical specs. I try to innovate instead of copy. If I wait till I design a next DAC range after the existing or planned one, my competitors might already be using the latest process. But scrapping the existing USB production plan and starting all over again will mean additional delays. It could be an expensive gamble, with no certainty of commercial success afterwards. So any input from other AoS members would be very helpful.
Covenant
16-03-2013, 10:01
I would love to volunteer BUT need the variable output :(
StanleyB
16-03-2013, 10:31
I would love to volunteer BUT need the variable output :(
I am waiting for some special 3 core wire that I used for modding to the variable output. If it arrives in the post this morning then maybe I can sort things out with you.
You'll need to do a before and after test to confirm the results. I shall PM you about how to go about that.
Covenant
16-03-2013, 10:53
That's great Stan, many thanks
The asynchronous TOSLINK/Coax sounds interesting if it can reduce jitter but I currently have no need for USB.
24 bit/192 khz capability would be good as I have been reading quite a bit lately regarding output of Computer based systems ie Macbook pro and toslink is not best output, USB/spdif allows output of 24 bit/192khz into DAC,s capable of processing this.
When outputting 24 bit/192 khz downloads however from HD tracks and the like USB/spdif asynchronous transfer has been delivering superb results. Even CD 16 bit recordings via USB sound a lot better than toslink with reduction in jitter much better.
HighFidelityGuy
17-03-2013, 21:34
I also don't need USB input on the DAC as I do room correction in the digital domain between my hiFace EVO and Bushmaster but I'd be interested in trying any potential improvements to the coax/toslink inputs on the Bushmaster. I'd also be very interested in trying a Beresford async USB to coax/toslink transport if should a thing ever got produced. Hint hint. :eyebrows:
So what has this got to do with the USB DAC? Well I can't afford to invest in the production of a USB DAC now, whilst sitting on such important information. I feel that since I am still in the preproduction stage of the USB DAC I can take a gamble and take a financial hit on the costs of the R&D of the current USB DAC development, and switch to building a new DAC with the new technical specs. I try to innovate instead of copy. If I wait till I design a next DAC range after the existing or planned one, my competitors might already be using the latest process. But scrapping the existing USB production plan and starting all over again will mean additional delays. It could be an expensive gamble, with no certainty of commercial success afterwards. So any input from other AoS members would be very helpful.
If it were me I would take a hit on the current version and move to the new one - I can only see demand for USB dacs growing in the short term but its a competitive and fast moving market and in my opinion new technology sells.
I would love to try a Beresford USB dac - right now - but the lack of USB didn't stop me buying a Bushmaster - if the USB version is delayed I might keep my variable out bushmaster and close my for sale thread. I was sort of hoping but if there is something better on the horizon I would rather wait or bag an alpha model short term
StanleyB
18-03-2013, 08:45
What I am looking to do is to add to the range. The BM can produce even better results with a few mods. )That reminds me to start a new thread on some mods as requested by a many people.) It can also already process in asynch mode based on the test FW that I have been trying out. More about that another time. I refer to it as the firmware, but in reality it is the whole operating system run by a MCU. At the moment I am running it at 20MHz, but I am looking to see if it is possible to upgrade it to a higher speed with a more powerful central core.
As for the additions to the range: it has more parts and would have to be wider than the BM in order fit in all the extra bits. I am considering using the new info to make two DACs. One would be just optical and coax inputs, whilst the other would have a USB socket as well. The plan is to keep the retail price (excluding VAT etc.) below £250, without compromising the performance.
Ammonite Audio
18-03-2013, 09:10
Sounds reasonable. As a happy user of a HiFace Evo USB/SPDIF converter (except its incompatibility with my SOtM PCIe USB card), I would be very happy to see a good value Beresford DAC with a USB interface of equivalent performance built-in, thereby saving another box and associated PSU. The DAC market is getting pretty crowded, so I don't think there's much point in producing a USB DAC at the proposed price unless it is a real "giant killer", for which you have more than a bit of form. I do feel that a USB DAC will not be taken seriously in the wider marketplace unless it has an asynchronous USB interface, and support for sampling frequencies in excess of 96kHz. I know that the latter criterion is marketing BS, but that's what people expect to see in the specs.
What I am looking to do is to add to the range. The BM can produce even better results with a few mods. )That reminds me to start a new thread on some mods as requested by a many people.) It can also already process in asynch mode based on the test FW that I have been trying out. More about that another time. I refer to it as the firmware, but in reality it is the whole operating system run by a MCU. At the moment I am running it at 20MHz, but I am looking to see if it is possible to upgrade it to a higher speed with a more powerful central core.
As for the additions to the range: it has more parts and would have to be wider than the BM in order fit in all the extra bits. I am considering using the new info to make two DACs. One would be just optical and coax inputs, whilst the other would have a USB socket as well. The plan is to keep the retail price (excluding VAT etc.) below £250, without compromising the performance.
I am all for async mode in the BM to improve sound quality and that is much more important to me than a USB interface, for which I have no use in my system. Since most material I play is either 16/44 or 16/48, it's these formats and the improvement thereof that matter more than playback of the paltry selection of hi-res files available.
StanleyB
18-03-2013, 09:59
I have started fitting the asynch code in some DACs for people to try out and report back. What I did notice whilst testing it is that the biggest improvements are with my playback from the PC. My Touch doesn't show any difference with or without it. But I know a few people who have problems with the Toucj and the BM at high bitrates. I'll dig up a few emails and see if they still got their BM and are willing to be guinea pigs.
My interest is particularly aimed at 192KHz playback with Toslink. The asynch code "seems" to produce a near identical performance compared to coax at 192KHz. Many say that optical is patchy above 96KHz. So I reckon that is a good starting point to test the validity and robustness of the system. I wished that I could get the code to run at a higher speed than 20MHz though. It's something I have to look into. Luckily the MCU is in a socket. So an adapter board with a faster chip and oscillator would be a nice little mod.
By the way Brutus get in touch. I got a few updates to the Venom mod :eyebrows:. Just return postage and the cost of a beer required in your case if you want to give the mods a go.
Covenant
18-03-2013, 10:11
The arguments for playback above 2/96KHz seem dubious, many comments from people suggest that the recording quality is responsible for any perceived improvement. What is your own view Stan?
StanleyB
18-03-2013, 10:17
My own view in the case of the Touch is that I think the issue is related to the year it was built. I know someone who has two pieces of the Touch, with both of them running the same firmware bulld. But one plays OK on everything, whilst the other is a bit patchy. The two units were each bought in different years.
Mine is a relatively late Touch and I have no trouble playing 24/192 via Toslink or co-ax. I use the EDO software mod.
96Khz is already past the upper rated bandwidth limit of the vast majority of Toslink cables at 12.3MHz. At 192KHz you are double that, refraction and internal reflections will limit the distance and quality of the signal at such speeds and given the use of slow rise time diodes with Toslink I'd be surprised that 192Khz is genuinely achievable, certainly not without severe signal degradation. Also the Tx and Rx modules need to be rated for this speed, many struggle to get to 6Mhz although the better Toshiba Rx and Tx modules are rated to 15Mhz....still some way off 25Mhz.
Agreed, Neal. That's the reason I believe that the Touch/BM sounds better via co-ax and I'm leaving it that way. In any case, both of my optical inputs are taken up with Sky HD and Blu-ray.
magiccarpetride
20-03-2013, 22:46
The arguments for playback above 2/96KHz seem dubious, many comments from people suggest that the recording quality is responsible for any perceived improvement. What is your own view Stan?
Can I offer my own view even though my name is not Stan?
I am one of those people who claim they can hear improvements in sound quality with the so-call hi-rez format. Of course, I'm talking listening comparatively to the same master, rendered in standard red book 16 bit/44.1 kHz and also in 24 bit/96 kHz (otherwise we'd be comparing apples to oranges). My experience when comparing the two formats is that hi rez offers more 'depth', it appears less strenuous to my ears.
That said, I've been humbled recently when reviewing some hi rez formats with a friend. We did a bit of blindfold listening, and I had to throw the towel in and admit that under blindfold conditions, all the perceived 'depth' and 'effortlessness' of the hi rez format over the regular format somehow melted away and disappeared. I wasn't able to differentiate between the two.
So at this point I don't know what to think about the format wars...
If we take into account that it's even physically possible for the ear and mind to hear the difference I think we vastly underestimate the psychologie that's behind it.
We are social beings that get's influenced everyday , in the end I'm glad I can still enjoy good low rez music :) .
Ammonite Audio
21-03-2013, 14:22
I recommend having a play around with the free sample files from www.2l.no where the same recordings are available in various formats. 192kHz does not bring anything useful to the musical party, IME, but I do find 24bit 96kHz to be best. That said, I have recordings in that format which are bettered by plain CD versions of the same performances, so even though something has been overhauled and flogged by the record companies as genuine high-res (and most are), that does not guarantee that the remastering has not ruined the sound. There are many variables here, but the one certainty is that we don't need bit depths greater than 24bit, nor sampling frequencies above 96kHz.
I agree, Hugo, I haven't heard any 24/192 files that sound better than 24/96. It could be that the stresses of a higher bitrate and rounder waveforms counter any possible benefit it might have over 96kHz sample rate.
Ninanina
02-05-2013, 20:29
I got my Bushmaster today
It is very tragic news that Stan has had today
I will say that the DAC seems super smooth, that's my first impression of it, sort of analogue sounding
I'm quite sure that I need a better Toslink cable as the one I'm using is a pretty cheap old thing
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced Toslink cable to use?
Thanks all
HighFidelityGuy
02-05-2013, 20:57
I use Mark Grant glass core (http://markgrantcables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=40_17) cables and find they do a great job. Stan also sells THIS (http://www.homehifi.co.uk/products/3618.html) cable which looks very similar to the Mark Grant cables.
They're both very high quality multi-fibre cables that are vastly superior to the single core plastic crap that most commercial Toslink cables are made of.
Ninanina
02-05-2013, 21:42
I really don't like the very bright blue LED light
I've tried to turn it off as per instructions but I guess that facility has been removed, that's a real shame :(
Uh oh... That will be seven Hail Mary's you'll need to say tonight then Bev :lol:
All jokes aside, either plop a heavy duty sticker over it or a piece of electrical tape, or perhaps ask Stan if it is safe to go inside and snip it out of circuit.
Stratmangler
02-05-2013, 21:53
I really don't like the very bright blue LED light
I've tried to turn it off as per instructions but I guess that facility has been removed, that's a real shame :(
I have the same issue with my router - it's a bit Heath Robinson, but a judiciously applied blob of BluTack works wonders.
Mark Grant
02-05-2013, 21:59
Black PVC tape for me.
There is somewhere that sells sheets of stickers for led / display blanking, I cant remember what they are called though ?
Mark Grant
02-05-2013, 22:04
Found it :doh:, light dims
http://www.lightdims.com/
Simple ideas are always the best.
Ninanina
03-05-2013, 00:45
That's a great little idea
I've ordered the ones that dim the LED rather than block it 100%
Only cost £1.33 delivered, bargain!
:)
I'm trying to buy one of these but the website doesn't work?
Anyone help, are these for sale or has something happened?
Thanks
Tony
http://www.homehifi.co.uk/PP/Product_ordering.html
Mark Grant
21-05-2013, 19:44
You could phone Stanley if website not working (during working hours), details here:
http://www.beresford.me/others/contact.html
-
You could phone Stanley if website not working (during working hours), details here:
http://www.beresford.me/others/contact.html
-
Thnaks Mark, I'll do that tomorrow:cool:
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced Toslink cable to use?
I don`t know if you consider this reasonably priced, but they are very good http://www.lifatec.com/toslink2.html
StanleyB
22-05-2013, 07:14
I'm trying to buy one of these but the website doesn't work?
Anyone help, are these for sale or has something happened?
As mentioned by me a couple of weeks ago, the owner of the workshop that makes the enclosure for the Bushmaster passed away on the 2nd of May. This has had a knock on effect for all his customers waiting for their standing orders. A new guy is taking over the business, but he will take some time to get up to speed and clear the backlog.
I am using the time to make some layout changes and reduce the depth of the case. I have no idea as yet if this will have an impact on the sound, but if it does I hope it is a positive one. I'll have the new blank PCB maybe next week. I can then populate the PCB with components and try it out to see if it sounds the same, worse, or better. If it is the same or better I'll go with the reduced case depth when it is my turn for the case production.
I'll probably have to call it the MK2 version so that there is no confusion with the two types of boards and cases.
As for the date when I next have stock: I would think that July is a reasonable bet. But I should know by the week after next if the amended PCB size sounds better, worse or the same as the existing PCB.
My apologies to everyone who is looking forward to try out the Bushmaster. If you are prepared to hang on till production is up and running again and you are an AoS member I am prepared to offer a "waiting time discount" to those who wish to be placed on the waiting list. PM me your email address if you want to be on the list. No direct emails please! Only PMs will be accepted as a valid form of evidence of AoS membership.
That's a very generous offer, Stan. Thank you on behalf of the AoS membership and I hope you get your production back up to speed soon.
As mentioned by me a couple of weeks ago, the owner of the workshop that makes the enclosure for the Bushmaster passed away on the 2nd of May. This has had a knock on effect for all his customers waiting for their standing orders. A new guy is taking over the business, but he will take some time to get up to speed and clear the backlog.
I am using the time to make some layout changes and reduce the depth of the case. I have no idea as yet if this will have an impact on the sound, but if it does I hope it is a positive one. I'll have the new blank PCB maybe next week. I can then populate the PCB with components and try it out to see if it sounds the same, worse, or better. If it is the same or better I'll go with the reduced case depth when it is my turn for the case production.
I'll probably have to call it the MK2 version so that there is no confusion with the two types of boards and cases.
As for the date when I next have stock: I would think that July is a reasonable bet. But I should know by the week after next if the amended PCB size sounds better, worse or the same as the existing PCB.
My apologies to everyone who is looking forward to try out the Bushmaster. If you are prepared to hang on till production is up and running again and you are an AoS member I am prepared to offer a "waiting time discount" to those who wish to be placed on the waiting list. PM me your email address if you want to be on the list. No direct emails please! Only PMs will be accepted as a valid form of evidence of AoS membership.
Thanks for the up-date Stan and sorry for the difficulties you are currently experiencing.
Condolences to the family.
PM sent.
Hi there everyone.
Can't wait to get my hand on one of these dacs. I had a good conversation last week with stan and thereafter asked for one of these dacs to be made for me. I thought I might as well join the forums, especially as I've read this thread nearly in it's entirety - captivating stuff!
I also want to express my sympathy for the family/friends of the workshop owner and understand how this would affect the manufacture of these dacs.
StanleyB
01-06-2013, 09:44
96Khz is already past the upper rated bandwidth limit of the vast majority of Toslink cables at 12.3MHz. At 192KHz you are double that, refraction and internal reflections will limit the distance and quality of the signal at such speeds and given the use of slow rise time diodes with Toslink I'd be surprised that 192Khz is genuinely achievable, certainly not without severe signal degradation. Also the Tx and Rx modules need to be rated for this speed, many struggle to get to 6Mhz although the better Toshiba Rx and Tx modules are rated to 15Mhz....still some way off 25Mhz.
I have been trying some next generation fibre optic communication spec TOSLINK sockets in the BM MK2 that are officially approved for use at up to 25MHz. The cost is several times the price I am paying for the sockets that I have been using, but the sonic results so far are well worth the additional cost. They are a lot more analogue sounding than the current sockets in a straight forward side by side test of the two types of sockets fitted to the same test platform. The only major consideration was that these TOSLINK sockets needed their own dedicated low noise power supply feed in order to achieve the 25MHz performance.
Sounds promising, Stan. Since the Sky HD boxes have optical only output, I am very interested in anything that improves the already stonkingly good SQ. Even for low bandwidths, those improved sockets (with a decent cable) should square up the waveform and help to reduce jitter.
StanleyB
01-06-2013, 10:35
A pity I don't yet have an enclosure to fit the BM2 in. Otherwise I could have loaned you the alpha PCB to try out for yourself and carry out some very interesting tests.
As and when, Stan. There is only one you, unfortunately :)
I have been trying some next generation fibre optic communication spec TOSLINK sockets in the BM MK2 that are officially approved for use at up to 25MHz. The cost is several times the price I am paying for the sockets that I have been using, but the sonic results so far are well worth the additional cost. They are a lot more analogue sounding than the current sockets in a straight forward side by side test of the two types of sockets fitted to the same test platform. The only major consideration was that these TOSLINK sockets needed their own dedicated low noise power supply feed in order to achieve the 25MHz performance.
Interesting Stan. Are they from Toshiba? What about the cable itself?
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