Stan's New Dac - any reviews yet? [Archive] - Page 2

StanleyB

11-06-2009, 09:12

I had a funny call from a DAC1 dealer yesterday. A guy walked into his shop and asked if the dealer could sell him a DAC1 in part exchange for a TC-7520. Not wanting to lose on a sale, the dealer agreed. He then took the TC-7520 home with the intention of testing it and then putting it up for sale as a 2nd hand unit. But after listening to the TC-7520 and comparing it to the DAC1 he ended up phoning me to ask if I could sell him a couple that he could sell in his shop:lol:! I am having lunch with the DAC1 dealer tomorrow to see if we can agree trading terms:).

Stan

jandl100

11-06-2009, 10:00

Sounds like a bad move for that dealer, actually. He'll never be able to sell a more expensive DAC again! :) Or maybe he'll only dem the Beresford DAC as a last resort if his Multi-£k DACs don't do the trick. :lol:

Marco

11-06-2009, 11:45

Honestly, how embarassing it is to have £6k speakers a £4k power amp a £2k pre-amp and a £200 DAC. :scratch: :mental:

Indeed, Jerry. You're just not trying hard enough or looking at THE BADGE - REMEMBER THE PRESTIGE VALUE OF THE BADGE - call yourself a bloody audiophile!! :lolsign:

Marco.

P.S Stan, nice one about the dealer. I hope he's the one buying!

StanleyB

11-06-2009, 12:05

Stan, nice one about the dealer. I hope he's the one buying!
:lolsign:.

Labarum

11-06-2009, 12:27

I hope he's the one buying!

Chips, that is!

Gazjam

11-06-2009, 12:29

My latest attempt to ditch the silly Beresford DAC cheapo toy has failed.

A £1.9k Perpetual Technology 3-box DAC combo has bitten the dust and I have gratefully returned to a Beresford 7520.

When will I learn that the Beresford DAC just hits that spot for me? :)

Previous failed attempts have included a £3.5k Audio Synthesis DAX Decade and a £1.5k Musical Fidelity TriVista 21, among many others. Stan's finest beats the lot as far as I am concerned!

Honestly, how embarassing it is to have £6k speakers a £4k power amp a £2k pre-amp and a £200 DAC. :scratch: :mental:

Hey Jerry,
Out of interest, is your 7520 stock or have you modded the opamps?

If so, which ones are you running?

Best,
Gaz.

StanleyB

11-06-2009, 13:09

Honestly, how embarassing it is to have £6k speakers a £4k power amp a £2k pre-amp and a £200 DAC. :scratch: :mental:
Coming to think of it, you are not in bad company. The last wigwam show had quite a few expensive set ups on display, with one of my DACs hiding behind all that wiring.

Stan

Dougr33

11-06-2009, 14:43

Honestly, how embarassing it is to have £6k speakers a £4k power amp a £2k pre-amp and a £200 DAC. :scratch: :mental:

I'm curious.. have you tried it straight into your power amp??

jandl100

11-06-2009, 14:52

I'm curious.. have you tried it straight into your power amp??

Yes, but I prefer it with my Musical Fidelity F22 valve pre-amp. I get remote control, then, too! :) .... and I have an analog LP source, and I can't be bothered with changing cables when I want to change source.

StanleyB

11-06-2009, 14:52

I'm curious.. have you tried it straight into your power amp??
Of course he did. If I remember correctly, that power amp was about a foot high. Pictures of it are probably still tucked away in the AoS classified. It's a two man job to lift...

jandl100

11-06-2009, 14:54

Of course he did. If I remember correctly, that power amp was about a foot high. Pictures of it are probably still tucked away in the AoS classified. It's a two man job to lift...

Nah - that was last month, Stan! I've now got a slightly smaller Bel Canto amp. :) Still 20Kg mind.

jandl100

11-06-2009, 15:23

Of course he did. If I remember correctly, that power amp was about a foot high. Pictures of it are probably still tucked away in the AoS classified. It's a two man job to lift...

Not if you're a He Man like me, Stan! ;)
40Kg - oof, but I could just about lug it around with its two front handles.

trailer

11-06-2009, 15:56

Always striving for the last ounce of audio nirvana I purchased one of Stans PSU's. I sort of thought that it wouldn't make much difference, having tried the old style wall wart and the Maplin PSU.

The new PSU arrived this morning.

Now, call me old fashioned but I seriously didn't expect much of a difference. However, after the first tune I realised that something was indeed going on. I don't really know how to describe it but the sound is even more natural. The level of detail is again improved along with the ability to pick out individual instruments and sounds.
I'm putting songs back on again and hearing new things I hadn't before.

Doubting Thomas? I was.

So that's a Wolfson chip, AD826's and the new PSU.

What next? :concertina:

webby

11-06-2009, 16:57

The new PSU arrived this morning.

Is that the psu that comes with the 7520 now?

StanleyB

11-06-2009, 17:12

Not if you're a He Man like me, Stan! ;)
40Kg - oof, but I could just about lug it around with its two front handles.
I am still amazed you lifted those NS1000M's out of your car and threw them over your shoulders as if they weighed next to nothing...

Stan

kininigin

17-06-2009, 16:47

hi all im a new member here and im very interested in the latest beresford dac.I've read about the dac section and the headphone section but not the pre amp section.If i purchase one it would run into a arcam alpha 9 power amp,does anyone have any experience running the dac in this type of mode or should i get a seperate pre amp?

StanleyB

17-06-2009, 16:51

I use mine as a preamp, and now I have a couple of preamps waiting to visit ebay..

By the way, introduce yourself in the welcome section and observe the 25 posts rule in order to obtain the AoS members discount on the TC-7520.

Stan

ReachtheSky

17-06-2009, 22:20

I can recommend using the 7520 as a preamp, particularly with suitable opamp upgrading. It is a great DAC/PreAmp/HeadAmp package.

Dougr33

17-06-2009, 22:49

Works great with my NAD 272 power amp. BTW, it replaced my wonderful Arcam set (A85, CD73).. increased clarity and double the power has been a very nice upgrade for me. Driving Von Schweikert VR2s. Stunning.

Running with the 4032 on preamp side, 7562 on hpa.

Cheers.

Labarum

17-06-2009, 22:50

I can recommend using the 7520 as a preamp, particularly with suitable opamp upgrading. It is a great DAC/PreAmp/HeadAmp package.

I use my 7510 as a preamp. I have no need of an analogue line level input. Must buy a 7520 sometime, but no hurry, satisfied with what I have.

kininigin

18-06-2009, 00:41

Labarum

18-06-2009, 01:08

im also thinking of changing amp and speakers at some point any suggestions?

If I was starting from scratch I would seriously consider the AVI solution - digital active speakers.

http://www.avihifi.co.uk/

If the 9.1 Actives are beyond reach, the proposed Neutron system might serve.

But do note that there are active monitors and digital active monitors sold for to the music industry that will show well on the price/performance scale - except that the little black boxes might be domestically unacceptable.

http://www.musictechmag.co.uk/mtm/studio-monitors.

The Quad Active bookcase speakers might serve - you would need something like a Standac to drive them.

http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/ranges.php?sector_id=2&range_id=5

kininigin

18-06-2009, 12:09

If I was starting from scratch I would seriously consider the AVI solution - digital active speakers.

http://www.avihifi.co.uk/

If the 9.1 Actives are beyond reach, the proposed Neutron system might serve.

But do note that there are active monitors and digital active monitors sold for to the music industry that will show well on the price/performance scale - except that the little black boxes might be domestically unacceptable.

http://www.musictechmag.co.uk/mtm/studio-monitors.

The Quad Active bookcase speakers might serve - you would need something like a Standac to drive them.

http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/ranges.php?sector_id=2&range_id=5
thanks for the suggestion brian,the avi neutron 5's with and on amp sound like what im looking for and within my budget,any one heard the neutrons?

Labarum

18-06-2009, 14:28

thanks for the suggestion brian,the avi neutron 5's with and on amp sound like what im looking for and within my budget,any one heard the neutrons?

But those you must compare to the Quad Actives - they are about £300 each.

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/moreinfo.cfm/Product_ID/3859

£264 ea

kininigin

18-06-2009, 20:57

ok labarum i'll take a listen to the quads aswell,so looks like im selling all my present kit to help fund whatever i go for,im like a little kid at the moment who cannot decide which present to open first i'll keep you all posted on what i will go for

happy listening

kininigin

China Groove

21-06-2009, 03:02

ok so sounds like it's a good all round package,think i'll give it a go when funds allow.

im also thinking of changing amp and speakers at some point any suggestions?

i have alpha9/9p not glamorous,i know but have served me well since 97(alpha 9 is being sold) and some wharfdale pacific evo 20's.

I mainly listen to electronic,funk,reagae,soul,hip hop some rock also some classical.

I've recently moved to a smaller house,so standmounters needed for up close and personel listening.

I would like to have something which gives plenty of detail with tight rhythmical bass,doesn't have to go super loud.

You don't say what your budget is, but I'd consider going with active speakers, especially if space is at a premium. I recently read a review of Dynaudio's new active speaker:

http://www.sixmoons.com/audioreviews/dynaudio/active.html
I'm a great fan of the Dynaudio sound, very precise, great sound stage and detailed, but very musical. They suit a wide range of tastes. I have not heard these particular speakers, but 6 moons reviews are generally unbiased. You could certainly use the 7520 as a pre-amp for the speakers. Might be worth a listen - but then again I don't know what your budget is.
Happy shopping!!

kininigin

22-06-2009, 16:43

hi china groove,im going to go for some active speakers and have a budget of about £600 maybe could stretch it a bit more.I'll check out the dynaudio range and see what they have.

China Groove

23-06-2009, 00:44

Dynaudio only make one set of actives that I know which were the one sin the review.
Best thing to do is have a listen to music you know and don't be blown away by first impressions - listen for a while and then make up your mind.
I'd be interested to know what you go for.

kininigin

23-06-2009, 16:21

They also do studio monitors which i have been considering,but am unsure if studio monitors are the right thing for home listening.

Surely they have to be faithful to the recording with out adding their "own sound" which would make them ideal for home listening.

Or am i missing something?

China Groove

24-06-2009, 04:17

They are very true speakers, very natural and neutral, but musical. They have three or four ranges of speakers with several in each range from compact stand mounts to floorstanders.
Not cheap, but worth the sound.
Anyway I'm getting off topic in this forum!!

Radiotron

24-06-2009, 15:14

This thread is about speakers now?

Puffin

24-06-2009, 19:13

I've recently moved to a smaller house,so standmounters needed for up close and personel listening.

I would like to have something which gives plenty of detail with tight rhythmical bass,doesn't have to go super loud.

I use these 10 stone each monsters and two subwoofers in a room 9ft x 9ft. Sounds superb loud or quiet. Nearfield monitors - forget it. Small speakers= small nondescript sound IMO.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/saxonsex/FostexDoorChain.jpg

Labarum

24-06-2009, 19:27

[QUOTE=Puffin;50934]I use these 10 stone each monsters . . . /QUOTE]

I that a Fostex full range unit in a horn?

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_comp/FE-Series.shtml

Must be a very sensitive speaker.

A Linn Squeeky DS would drive it nicely with its rather limited 20W per channel.

Puffin

24-06-2009, 19:31

Yes. It is a Fostex 206E in a 208Sigma Back Loaded Horn cabinet. I made them two and a half years ago (seems like only yesterday!). For a full range speaker with no crossover, I think they sound superb. They are 97dB sensitive so 1W is vey loud.

Labarum

24-06-2009, 19:42

Yes. It is a Fostex 206E in a 208Sigma Back Loaded Horn cabinet.

I have heard reports that the Fostex units can be quite harsh. What is your experience?

Some of these projects interest me

http://diyaudioprojects.com/

Maybe this

http://diyaudioprojects.com/Speakers/Tobler-ONE/

not as sensitive, but not as big and still no power gobbling crossover.

Puffin

24-06-2009, 19:50

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/saxonsex/Fostex.jpg

I think we are in danger of completely hi-jacking this thread. If the moderators want to move it to say "Full Range Speakers" thats fine by me.

The beauty of the Fostex full range speakers was that there is a wealth of info on Diyaudio and Worlddesigns fora and the build is so easy. There is no crossover to bother with. Oh and they say you either love or loathe Horns!

No harshness once you pluck up courage to cut out the pole pice in the middle of the drive unit and fit a phase plug. I use spotlight bulbs ala Beauhorn styleee

Labarum

24-06-2009, 19:54

So, this horn

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_comp/pdf/recom_enclose/208ez_enclrev.pdf

Amazing.

And yes, let a Mod detach these posts into a full range driver thread.

Puffin

24-06-2009, 19:58

Thats the one. I used Baltic Birch Ply, cut mostly to size by my local timber yard. Wood alone was £250, but I have heard a lot of very expensive speakers over the years and IMO these are a steal. Above post edited to include a pic.

Labarum

24-06-2009, 20:07

Thats the one

The wood cost £250, but the drivers are very cheap!

Mass produce the horns in concrete!

Puffin

24-06-2009, 20:14

You go first!

Labarum

24-06-2009, 20:22

I have often thought that even small speakers could be made in concrete or ceramics. Have we got it all wrong.

Years ago Wharfedale had a few DIY designs using drainpipes.

foxysounds

25-06-2009, 11:53

hi china groove,im going to go for some active speakers and have a budget of about £600 maybe could stretch it a bit more.I'll check out the dynaudio range and see what they have.
At that budget you should also try and listen to a pair of Adam A7s (active nearfield monitors). I use these in my home studio (which currently shares a room with my HiFi) and I'm increasingly thinking about merging the systems. I've been incredibly impressed with the A7s.

Simon.

kininigin

25-06-2009, 13:48

ok i'll add them to my list which seems to grow everyday.

does anyone here use the beresford TC 7520 as pre amp for active studio monitors?

Fi-Wi

25-06-2009, 19:20

I hate to be a bother but can a mod please move the OT-posts to a seperated thread? :scratch:

Marco

25-06-2009, 20:19

Hi,

If you quote the specific post numbers which you feel are off topic, I'll look into it and move them to a more appropriate area if necessary. Unfortunately I don't have the time to scan through the thread and read everything :)

Marco.

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 20:57

StanleyB

26-06-2009, 21:38

One thing I'd hoped was that it would automatically switch between inputs, depending which source was playing, but I gather this isn't possible?! :)
I was hoping it could make tea and take pictures as well:).

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 21:48

Hi there! I'm really new to this whole DAC thing and have read the 7520 has really got the edge especially with all the possible upgrades! I just wondered if input switching is likely to be just around the corner, or whether it can be implemented through a mod or anything? Sorry if this is really basic stuff, you'll have to excuse my ignorance! :)

StanleyB

26-06-2009, 21:55

There's a TC-7520 mod thread about. Maybe you can come up with a mod to do that:).

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 21:58

So I take that as a "no" then!

trailer

26-06-2009, 22:01

I'd take it as a "can't you train your cat/dog/pet etc"

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 22:04

Hi Trailer! I believe I might just have been chatting to you over on one of the other HiFi/AV forums earlier?!

trailer

26-06-2009, 22:06

Every chance

Fancy one of these?

http://www.onionbag.com/0809-usa-home--jackson-tribute-5221.aspx

StanleyB

26-06-2009, 22:08

Obviously you either under estimate some of the members on AoS in their ability to perhaps devise such a mod, or you are eager to jump to conclusion in the absence of any current solution. Technology doesn't stand still, and chip manufacturers release on an almost daily basis new products that offer an answer to long standing problems.

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 22:08

Every chance

Fancy one of these?

http://www.onionbag.com/0809-usa-home--jackson-tribute-5221.aspx

Ordered myself one late last night!

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 22:11

scrufftyguy

26-06-2009, 22:26

Technology doesn't stand still, and chip manufacturers release on an almost daily basis new products that offer an answer to long standing problems.

So is input switching not possible with any external DAC? Like I say I'm new to this. :)

leo

26-06-2009, 23:26

Hi everyone!

I'm really interested in the 7520! Could someone tell me if it's available already modded (at extra cost), or is it always a DIY job?

One thing I'd hoped was that it would automatically switch between inputs, depending which source was playing, but I gather this isn't possible?! :)

Unless you have something like a remote to turn the devices (plugged into the dac) output S/PDIF on and off it wouldn't be easy
The S/PDIF signal from most devices plugged into the dac is usually always transmitting (even without music playing) so the dac would need a way of knowing which device to lock onto
Having manual switching is the easiest

ReachtheSky

27-06-2009, 04:31

I seem to recall Stan mentioning, some time ago, something about considering automatic source input sensing/switching for future DAC developments/products – but some way down the line!
Granville

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 08:11

StanleyB

27-06-2009, 10:19

Well you got 7 more posts to go, and you can then get the TC-7520 AoS Special Discount;).

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 10:23

Oooh...how does that work? Does that mean I've only got six left now? :)

StanleyB

27-06-2009, 10:34

It depends on if Marco and Rob don't consider than cheating on your part;).

STan

leo

27-06-2009, 10:38

Thanks for the replies, that's clarified things a bit for me....I won't hold my breath for automatic switching then!

This looks like a really good DAC, just 2 weeks ago I was leaning towards getting the DACMagic but the more I read about the Beresford DACs the more I think I should perhaps get the 7520.

Ade

The Dacmagic may have a couple of extra features like balanced output but even without upgraded op-amps the 7520 sound betters it imo

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 10:43

The Dacmagic may have a couple of extra features like balanced output but even without upgraded op-amps the 7520 sound betters it imo

That's good to know, as I have no need for the balanced outputs at the moment anyway. I'm planning on putting my Arcam CD62 CD player (which I think uses a 24-bit multilevel Delta-Sigma DAC) through the 7520 too. Does anyone know if I'm likely to get an improvement in sound there aswell?

Ade

leo

27-06-2009, 11:08

Don't know about the CD62 but somebody on here reported it sounded a lot better than his Arcam CD73

BTW the majority of dacs used in newer cdp's are classed as 24bit delta sigma, it doesn't really tell you enough to say if its decent or tat:)

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 11:34

Well since the CD73 is supposed to outperform my CD player I might be in luck....fingers crossed!

Ade :)

Spod

27-06-2009, 13:55

I didn't find the 7520 as supplied that big an advance on the CD73t, but as soon as I changed the opamps - 4562 or 4032 - it became a zillion times superior.

leo

27-06-2009, 14:15

Thats easy then, get yourself a 7520 + LM4562 (or THS4032) job sorted:cool:

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 14:18

That's good to know, thanks for the info!

Ade

Dougr33

27-06-2009, 14:24

I'd agree (except for the 'zillion' part), very nice upgrade from the cd73

I didn't find the 7520 as supplied that big an advance on the CD73t, but as soon as I changed the opamps - 4562 or 4032 - it became a zillion times superior.

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 14:28

So would you recommend me picking up a 4562 and swapping things over?

Ade :)

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 20:26

Well you got 7 more posts to go, and you can then get the TC-7520 AoS Special Discount;).

Hi, Could someone let me know if I've qualified for the AoS discount, and if so, what I should do to buy a 7520 at the discounted rate?

Thanks,

Ade :)

Stratmangler

27-06-2009, 20:31

Hi, Could someone let me know if I've qualified for the AoS discount, and if so, what I should do to buy a 7520 at the discounted rate?

Thanks,

Ade :)

PM STan (Sensimilia)

Chris:)

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 20:34

Thanks Chris, hopefully I'll have myself a shiny new DAC in the very near future!

Ade

Stratmangler

27-06-2009, 20:53

I don't think you be disappointed - my TC7510 has served me proud and even survived a couple of soldering iron attacks doing mods that Stan posted here on the forum.

You will also have the benefit of the updated PSU.

Chris:)

Fi-Wi

27-06-2009, 20:56

Just remember to behave yourself on this forum the next couple of days (and after) or a mod will erase one or more of your posts and Stan will charge you extra after all. :eyebrows:

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 20:56

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 20:59

Just remember to behave yourself on this forum the next couple of days (and after) or a mod will erase one or more of your posts and Stan will charge you extra after all. :eyebrows:

Cheers for the advice....i'll leave making trouble until my card's been billed! ;)

Fi-Wi

27-06-2009, 21:05

And don't forget to post your findings here (since I still enjoy a 7510).

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 21:09

Definitely will, I've never had an external DAC to compare it to, but I'll let you all know what I think! After all I've read I have very high expectations now! :)

Spod

27-06-2009, 21:16

I'd agree (except for the 'zillion' part), very nice upgrade from the cd73
sorry, zillion was the highest number I could think of in a quick reply;)

So would you recommend me picking up a 4562 and swapping things over?

Ade :)
personally I prefer the tirna-modded 4032, but at a tenner each its easy to experiment, just remember to allow them to run in before passing judgement.

Incidentally you won't get the discount unless you PM Stan. I was too shy to do so and paid the (£17?) price.

scrufftyguy

27-06-2009, 21:25

Thanks for the info, i'll probably just try the 4562 first and see how I get on from there!

Just sent Stan a PM!

Ade :)

Fi-Wi

27-06-2009, 21:29

From what I've read here it's best to invest your discount into a 4562. But I only can tell from what I've read.

brainz2000

02-07-2009, 22:50

Is there any chance of a 7510 with a USB - is there a DIY mod or a return to Stan option to get a USB fitted ?

I am working on that:).

I've been patient, and this comment left me dangling ....

Is there any news on this front, or should I take the plunge and get the newer model ...

I could really do with a mod so that I can put more money to an amp upgrade I want .... but I really want a USB interface given I've now finished ripping my 350 CDs to FLAC

:scratch:

Stan - any comment

Thanks

tim