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matblak

31-10-2009, 01:52

Hey everybody

My name is Glenn. I came across this forum while researching dac's.

My current system is quite humble, and simple:

- iMac & PS3
- Lexicon Alpha (usb audio interface / dac pre)
- Canare balanced leads
- Mackie MR5's (active monitors)

In future I would like to upgrade the monitors to JBL PRO LSR6332's and the dac pre to Benchmark DAC1 PRE.

I listen to a lot of different genre's of music, such as:

Fantomas; Sonic Youth, Faith No More; Dinosaur Jr; Black Sabbath; A Perfect Circle; Tool; Ministry; Smashing Pumpkins; Beehoover; Brant Bjork; Tomahawk; Kyuss; Lou Barlow; Mr Bungle; Che; Corrosion Of Conformity; Mark Lanegan; Karma To Burn; Alice in Chains …

I think thats it?

Glenn

Spectral Morn

31-10-2009, 08:08

Hi Glen

Welcome to AOS, have fun and get stuck in.

Regards D S D L

Beechwoods

31-10-2009, 13:45

Hi Glenn, and welcome. Good to see Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jnr in someone's welcome post. 'Daydream Nation' and 'Bug' are two fantastic albums from a great year in music, IMHO!

Themis

31-10-2009, 16:03

Hi Glenn,

welcome to the forums. We have plenty of music in common. ;)

You can put this to your list of dacs also (on the pro side) : http://www.thomann.de/gb/tc_electronic_bmc_2.htm

matblak

31-10-2009, 23:49

Thanks guys, I feel at home already. :smoking:

The Grand Wazoo

31-10-2009, 23:55

Hi Glen,
You stated musical preferences interest me as there's plenty there I like, but also some stuff I've never heard - I'll have to investigate.

Welcome to the Art of Sound!
Cheers

matblak

01-11-2009, 01:42

Themis

01-11-2009, 07:03

Oooer I can really see that on my desk … and just within budget too :eyebrows:

Have you had any experience with this unit? How would it compare to the Caiman in terms of SQ? Ideally I prefer a flat response, but listenable (it's been a long time since i've enjoyed my collection).
Unfortunately I haven't listen to it personally, but some friends of mine (whose knowledge and "taste" about neutral dacs are the same as mine) highly regard this dac in the "flat response" aspect.
So, comparatively to the Caiman I would say that both dacs are very neutral.
Their differences don't come from the sound, but rather from the connexions (and the use) intended : The BMC has XLR analog outputs and digital outputs but the Caiman has a USB input. The digital inputs of the two are slightly different, too. Moreover the BMC is intended for studio use, so it has also a volume knob on the digital domain. (http://www.beresford.me/products/Caiman.html and http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/BMC2_manual_US.pdf)

On the looks, also, the two units are quite different. This may be important, too. ;)

matblak

01-11-2009, 11:57

Unfortunately I haven't listen to it personally, but some friends of mine (whose knowledge and "taste" about neutral dacs are the same as mine) highly regard this dac in the "flat response" aspect.
So, comparatively to the Caiman I would say that both dacs are very neutral.
Their differences don't come from the sound, but rather from the connexions (and the use) intended : The BMC has XLR analog outputs and digital outputs but the Caiman has a USB input. The digital inputs of the two are slightly different, too. Moreover the BMC is intended for studio use, so it has also a volume knob on the digital domain. (http://www.beresford.me/products/Caiman.html and http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/BMC2_manual_US.pdf)

On the looks, also, the two units are quite different. This may be important, too. ;)

Thanks for the info. Really all I want is to convert the digital from my iMac and PS3 into balanced line-level analogue with some way of controlling the volume to the active monitors. I only listen with my system, no recording.

As for the volume being on the digital domain, I'm not entirely sure if that's good for me or not? Would I be better just getting a good dac with balanced out and then controlling volume with a TC Electronic Level Pilot? (http://www.tcelectronic.com/levelpilotstudiodetails.asp)

As for looks, I prefer pro, and definitely prefer the BMC - nice design.

Once again I thanks you for your help. Is there somewhere/someone else I should be asking these questions?

Themis

01-11-2009, 12:28

Alex_UK

01-11-2009, 20:05

Welcome aboard Glenn, I can see you're already getting stuck in, and we already have some pictures so just to say enjoy!

matblak

02-11-2009, 08:06

I meant it has a digital volume also. But the same knob can control the analog signal too. I'm like you, I prefer volume control on the analog domain, as the digital one affects bit depth. Of course, a Level Pilot is more cute (and certainly more handy in pro use).

You can post more questions in "The Digital Impression" section. ;)

Ok, Last question about this unit I promise ;)

Since there is no USB input I'll need to output via toslink from the iMac. I see the BMC has two optical inputs, but one is ADAT? Can I still input my iMac into the ADAT and operate as normal toslink? I will need the other optical for the PS3 ...

Themis

02-11-2009, 10:40

Ok, Last question about this unit I promise ;)

Since there is no USB input I'll need to output via toslink from the iMac. I see the BMC has two optical inputs, but one is ADAT? Can I still input my iMac into the ADAT and operate as normal toslink? I will need the other optical for the PS3 ...
You can use a toslink switch : http://www.amazon.com/Optical-Toslink-Digital-Audio-Selector/dp/B000VGUEEU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1257158369&sr=8-6

Another solution would be a converter opt -> coax http://www.fullcompass.com/product/250546.html
(or even an ADAT -> toslink, but I think they are more expensive.)

matblak

10-11-2009, 10:38

I bought the BMC-2, it arrived today! I'm listening through el cheapo headphones atm ... awaiting new leads to hook up the monitors.

So far the difference is very audible, extended range, expanded stage, smooth lovely sound, if this is a sign of things to come then i'm in for a treat ... nice recommendation :eyebrows:

Themis

11-11-2009, 07:14

Nice ! I can't wait for your feedback when you hook up your monitors. I know some who have it plugged with some high end gear (LavardinITamp and JMR Concorde Signature speakers) and are very happy with it.

Enjoy ! ;)