Printable View
Jeez Stan - good job my wife doesnt read these posts - yet more money on the line for HiFi kit various :eek:. The repairs to the Beyerdynamics will be (a very reasonable I think) £70 + VAT and P&P but I'll look out for a pair of HD800's at a reasonable price but looking at prices on The Bay at the moment I think I'll pay for a holiday in the sun instead :)Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Steve
The Denon D7000 is also a very good choice and worth trying. A pity you are not close by to me otherwise you could come and try them all out. As for paying for them: ever considered moving into Harley Street ;)?
Still holding out for "that" to replace my Caiman+ in the big setupQuote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Clearly youv'e not seen my ex-wife's financial settlement ( I hope you havent anyway) :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
:stalks:
Steve
The effect of that newfangled crystal locked oscillator is quite startling, Stan. It completely changes everything, and offers, in a wholesale fashion, a brand new presentation. It really is forcing me now to set aside a lot of free time to go back and revisit and re-listen and re-discover my entire music library. Everything, and I truly mean everything I've listened to via Bushmaster so far sounds so incredibly different, that it's not even funny.Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
My wife (I promise, I'll drag her into this discussion only once) remarked early on how this new sound is "too nice", and how she didn't like it. And indeed, compared to Caiman, back-to-back, Bushmaster tends to sound way too polite.
However, the moment we put on Amy Winehouse, my wife lightened up and said how now this sounds way superior to the old configuration. So it seems almost material-dependent.
Well, after 12+ hours of burn-in on the Bushmaster, I may be inclined to agree with you. Unlike with the Caiman, where in my case the burn-in delivered instantly audible change, here I'm not detecting much of a change. Perhaps I should leave it on for another two-three days and then compare?Quote:
Originally Posted by NRG
I am still very baffled and confused that the Bushmaster would change the presentation in such a drastic fashion. For example, listening to Thomas Dolby's "I Scare Myself" (from his 1983 "Flat Earth"), I'm shocked to hear how the trumpet in the right speaker is now completely muffled and pushed into the background, and has lost much, if not all of its previous sparkle (it's almost as if it got castrated). Yes, it is much more polite and pleasant now, but I always felt that that rough edge and sparkle on that trumpet added much of an edge, in a good way, to that production. Can someone/anyone confirm that that's indeed how this (in)famous trumped should sound? (I tend to believe that a lot of people should be familiar with this amazing hit song?)
Thanks, and cheers!
When are these BM customers gonna shut up, realise that they've struck gold and just listen to the music? ;) :lol: . I am doing my darnedest to resist the temptation and every time I look at this thread another brick falls out of the wall.
ATM I've got one on my list for Santa but the question is whether I can hold out that long. Anything likely to happen before Christmas, design wise or performance wise, Stan?
Dave.
NB: Rhetorical question and not really expecting an answer :) .
OK Pussyman, time to put up and spread wide (I mean, open up your wallet) and take the plunge. We're talking pocket change here (certainly cheaper than spending one night on town), and it's gonna change your life forever!Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveK
Far from it. This sort of music decoding accuracy has up until now only been possible with expensive and complicated design configurations. But in the midrange price bracket designers have been happy to move the technology further in very small steps so that they can extend the length of their employment within the companies that they work for. I don't have that kind of baggage to carry around. For me it is about the music and I can interact directly with my customers and know right away what works well and what doesn't.Quote:
Originally Posted by magiccarpetride
Maybe the trumpeter was using a trumpet mute? May be the Bushmaster is letting you hear that clearly now.Quote:
Originally Posted by magiccarpetride
Obviously, and your work speaks for itself. However, please be prepared to take it on the chin from some of your reviewers, as we continue coping with the shocking and revolutionary change in the way we're hearing music now. Old habits die hard, and if you've been abused by a lot of spurious digital noise and wild and wooly jitter throughout the years, once you get released from the torture chamber, sometimes you feel like you miss your torturers (a.k.a. the Stockholm syndrome:)Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
On the downside, I'm beginning to detect a bit of a bad news. I have a nagging feeling now that my digital transport (fully modded Squeezebox Touch, or SBT for short) is really not up to the snuff when feeding the Bushmaster. I think my bottleneck may be upstream at this point. Seems to me that I'll need to upgrade the transport, but I have no idea to what.
Now, that upgrade is certainly not going to end up being pocket change for me, that's for sure.
I'm pretty sure you're right, Stan, which means that previously the Caiman was interjecting the 'phantom' sparkle, probably in the form of some digital artifacts. Possible?Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
It wasn't accurate enough to pick up that sort of detail. Wait till you start hearing the recording errors and back ground action in the recording studios. In one record I have from Usher you can hear the hangers-on chatting and laughing in the mixing studio next door.
I'm not a headphone user. Can such murky details get picked up by the speakers?Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
My NS1000 can.
I would buy one just for listening to Solid Air, I have never heard Danny Thomson play the bass so well. I hear the bumps and noises that until now have been the reserve of my headhone rig (which it now surpasses sonically with a few hours on it).
Dont swither......get one and enjoy a real taste of something special......
Are you sure it's not the emperor's new clothes ;)?Quote:
Originally Posted by wee tee cee
Speaking about accuracy, the tincy-wincy rhythmical details, such as the slight brushes on the cymbals causing the seemingly endless shimmering decay, and the ultra quiet spurious sounds produced by the drum kit as the drummer keeps working and pumping the groove is what now gives the life-like impression of a live band playing in my room. The sense of rhythm is now sensational, perhaps the best aspect of this DAC.Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Also, the way drums and bass now gel together and lock into the groove, it's simply unbelievable. They heave and breathe like a single organism. Certainly makes one appreciate the artistry of a great funk ensemble.
The detail on the cymbals is unprecedented; I'm only slightly confused that the cymbals now sound so brown and coppery, not silvery and metallic like they used to. It still messes me up, interferes with my expectations. But I'll be fine... I'll slowly learn the proper ways.
Nice to see that I'm not alone with Mike in revelling in what the NS1000 bring to the proceedings Stan :DQuote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
I bought another two pairs of them after hearing & purchasing the first pair :eyebrows:
sounds lke your pleased with it neil, must say with all these good reviews i've been wondering if i should give one a go,Quote:
Originally Posted by NRG
i'm using a passive 16 chip terra dac and was really suprised how much difference the lack of the op amp made, more of everything compared to the early version i have.. could this be similar in sound quality or even better ?
:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Good to see so many folks enjoying the Bushmaster, too.
I must admit that the longer I listen the better it gets ... I'm now hearing a LOT of 3D imaging depth, which I didn't perceive before.
Maybe the BM is running in more, but my suspicion is that it takes a while to acustom yourself and adjust to the new, superior presentation. You almost have to re-learn how to listen in order to appreciate what the BM can deliver. And that takes time.
I've a nagging and somewhat disconcerting feeling that the Bushmaster is the best digital source I have ever heard. :scratch:
... and I have a Stan-recommended battery pack on the way, which he says will improve it. Now that's a scary thought! :eyebrows:
i once had 2 pairs too... my lad still has one pairQuote:
Originally Posted by Reid Malenfant
i loved mine, but I moved on in the end...
but only diy speakers put me in that position to do that
For those looking for a CD transport to feed the BM, I can strongly recommend an Arcam DVD player! I've had two of these now (one fell off a stool and bust :doh:) and while the typical somewhat smooth and lazy Arcam sound comes out of the DAC section, the digital audio output signal carries a lively, detailed and well focussed sound! :thumbsup:
:scratch:Quote:
Originally Posted by jandl100
Battery should improve things :)Quote:
Originally Posted by jandl100
Ah, now that is a source! A DAC isn't, you had me confused :eyebrows:Quote:
Originally Posted by jandl100
You lot are a bad influence. Couldn't resist it any longer and I've just placed an order for the Bushmaster.
Tony
Yes Steve, Stan has made a good 'un, the lack of caps/opamps in the output really improve the SQ. I found it took me a while to appreciate this as I'd become very used to the effects of these in cct and what I though was 'accurate' was most likey not ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by SPS
Tony, I do not think you will regret it.Quote:
Originally Posted by LittleTone
Since I got snake bite I just wish I had more spare time to spend with this poison, but due to extra hours at work and BushMaster released just now when football have to be watched too (every second year though).
I cheated I have to admit, I left Snake to be treated with burn-in special CD sources such as Densen etc... and there are huge improvements compared to few hours on the clock, when I listened my lovely BM first day.
Tony, let us know how it compares to your Rega DAC?
Stop it, stop it please, another brick has just fallen out of my wall of resistance :lol: .Quote:
Originally Posted by LittleTone
I'm awaiting a mini audition report from a guy whose ears I trust and then ......
I am surprised by the absent of Covenant :scratch:. He is normally in touch within the first week. Anyone knows if he is OK?
I am fine thanks Stan. As I mentioned a while back I cannot use a BM at the moment as my Caiman serves as a pre-amp. Can you imagine how frustrating it is to read this stuff night after night? :scratch:Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
I fully understand. I shall put you down as a beta tester for anything with variable output :).
I dont mind doing it either :dance:Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Yea! That's made my night. :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
Now that's a statement I can fully empathise with but for different reasons :( . Would you add my name to your Variable output beta testers list please? - and don't forgett I've got some Hi-Res XRCDs - does that increase my chances :lol: ;) .Quote:
Originally Posted by Covenant
Dave
I need trustworthy ears Dave. And you yourself have pointed out that you rely on other ears for confirmation. That's a risk factor when doing beta testing that cannot be taken lightly when we are taking about breaking new grounds and being confronted with uncharted territory. Especially when a piece of kit might have to be tested in secrecy and cannot be disclosed to others outside the loop. The excitement of it all might be far too much for you to bear, whilst Jerry has a known track record with previous kit of mine and knows how to take a secret to his grave if need be :lol:.
First I want to thank Stan for the incredible fast delivery. The Bushmaster was shipped on Monday and arrived this morning in Berlin.
My first impression: It is an absolute improvement compared to the DAC-Chips that are integrated in the AirPort - what a suprise :)
It's now burning in for the next 48 hours, so I will post a more detailed opinion in the future.
But, as an Information Sytems student, one thing puzzled me: The PSU has "Exclusive for Beresford.me" printed on it, but it seems like an "ordinary" Unifive PSU. I don't want to make a spiteful remark - I was just wondering what is "Exclusive" on this PSU?
Another question, which I dont expect to be answered: What DAC Chip is driving the Bushmaster? (A PCM1794?)
As already said, I am fully happy with my purchase, even if I have listened only for 2 hours today, it is a big step forward for my setup. I listened to the Rega DAC and DacMagic before and I think this is the best value-for-money product I bought in the last 5 years in terms of HiFi. :thumbsup:
Well Stan, you might have just made Jerry's night but you've completely spoiled mine ;) . Fancy thinking that Jerry's ears are more trustworthy than mine :scratch: - does he have a medical certificate that gives technical details of his hearing performance and a couple of gizmos to 'correct' it 'cos I have :ner: .Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
And as for taking a secret to the grave, has it escaped your notice that I would have to retain any secret for a lot shorter time than Jerry? :lol: :eek: :mental: .
And you ask Jerry who put him onto his new headphone amp :ner: .
I think you've slipped up there Stan and missed a trick or two :lol: :lol: . I'll try hard not to let it figure in my decision whether or not to invest in a Bushmaster ;)
Dave.
Stan,Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
I'm hearing you, I shot from the hip riled by the frothing hype, devoid of any sonic experience......I put my own money down and trusted initial observations. If I can offer a quantum of solace regards my impetuosity, your product has reinforced everything I hold dear about AOS, genuine musical enjoyment through a hi-fi is not inextricably linked to financial parameters.
If you feel an apology is needed.......I hold my hand up
.
-sorry Stan, I took a cheap snipe.
Apologies Tony.
Yes, but he has a Croft power amp, and a lot of beta testing of the Bushmaster was done with several versions of those. So his findings can easily be reproduced with the same kind of kit ;).
Ummm ... not you, Dave! :nono:Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveK
I have an upgraded MF-XCANS, and now I have the Bushmaster which handily runs rings around it! :eyebrows:
So, you don't trust my ears, then, Dave? :(Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveK
... Jerry sobs, and leaves the room disconsolate and heartbroken :o
:deceased:Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
.... Ummm, I'm not sure I'm prepared to take it quite that far, Stan! :lol:
Jerry, I'm (almost) completely lost for words and that doesn't happen too often :lol: . The 'Jerry' I was referring to, and I think so was Stanley, was the northern on from Lancashire (nearly as good as Yorkshire), not the soft southern one from deep in the Gloucester backwoods :ner: .Quote:
Originally Posted by jandl100
Dave.
Ah right - saw that just in time, Dave.
Can now wipe the tears from my eyes and remove the noose from around my neck ....
The speed of my delivery service was discussed only yesterday or the day before :).Quote:
Originally Posted by James_Woods
The power supply was discussed at length in another topic some time ago. If you do a search you should be able to dig up the relevant thread, and the history behind it. It looks ordinary, but it is not ;). If you look up the data on the UniFive website you'll get a lot more info on it.Quote:
But, as an Information Sytems student, one thing puzzled me: The PSU has "Exclusive for Beresford.me" printed on it, but it seems like an "ordinary" Unifive PSU. I don't want to make a spiteful remark - I was just wondering what is "Exclusive" on this PSU?
From recollection the PCM1794 is a current DAC that needs an I to V converter before it can produce a voltage. That rules it out for use as a passive DAC chip. The number of the IC that I use is printed on the chip package so it is not a secret to find out.Quote:
Another question, which I dont expect to be answered: What DAC Chip is driving the Bushmaster? (A PCM1794?)
Thanks for confirming what many others have also been reporting as well on AoS. It's good to have multiple sources as reference to any claims made with respect to the Bushmaster versus other more expensive DACs.Quote:
As already said, I am fully happy with my purchase, even if I have listened only for 2 hours today, it is a big step forward for my setup. I listened to the Rega DAC and DacMagic before and I think this is the best value-for-money product I bought in the last 5 years in terms of HiFi. :thumbsup:
Ah Jerry, that's good, we're all back on the same hymn sheet again :lol: .
I have the utmost respect for your ears but you did slightly disappoint me when you did not enthuse as much as me about the HA10 review in HiFi Pig. That's not to say I disagree with you in any way - I suspect (know ;) ) that your ears are used to hearing far more sophisticated bits of hi-fi than are mine and you were naturally comparing the HA10 with other kit you've heard. So just because they were as good as anything I'd heard before, the same could not be said by you - simples :) .
Anyway, I expect to succumb to BM temptation sooner or later so God help you if it doesn't live up to your findings :ner: :lol: ;)
Dave.
Maybe I sound a little bit stupid, but which package? The metal case is "warranty-void-protected" and there was nothing printed on the black package, as far as I know.Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB
I will lookup the PSU-Thread, thank you for the quick answer! :)
Stan,
Thanks to the talk about various headphones I suddenly remembered that I have a pair of tatty (spongeless) Jecklin Floats - plugged them in - phew was that good! Best they have ever sounded - they always were a bit bass-light - they still are - but what a mid-range/top end. Not only that but the opening to 'The Goodbye Look' on 'The Nightfly' by Donald Fagen was a revelation - I have never heard the various instruments in the opening bars presented so clearly.
I had bought a repair kit ages ago but never bothered to glue the pieces together - a job now scheduled for tomorrow.
I might get out my WhiteNoiseAudio headphone amp and do a comparison using the Jecklins.
Wow, putting my cash away for one of these, seems like THE upgrade to have at this pricepoint.
Why the interest? If it sounds better it is...a bit of a google shows that the ES9023 is functional with out IV there are others ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by James_Woods
Hi Bobby,Quote:
Originally Posted by edmondwolfman
Yes, it's a better DAC than the Dacmagic IMHO - the dacmagic is good, but the BM is better.
I didnt notice a huge difference through my budget Marantz amp, however when I put my new exposure 2010s2 in, the differences became all to obvious. Much, much better bass, a much wider soundstage and better separation.
Both the exposure amp and BM are still running in, but the sound is lovely - silky smooth with no coarseness. Its maybe a little bit more laid back than the dacmagic, but not much.
So, I guess it all depends upon the rest of your system.
What have you got and what's wrong with the sound?
Cheers,
Stan - you are proving that keeping things pure and omitting electrical components in the path with no oversampling is strongly benefitting sound quality.
May I suggest keeping the same ethos in mind when designing your DAC with preamp - perhaps keeping the preamp in the digital domain bit-perfect. Or if you want to stick with analogue - the simplist one with least parts seems to be one of those Light Dependant Resistors as depicted here http://diyaudioprojects.com/Solid/DI...ve-Attenuator/.
Anyway, just some thoughts.