NVA 'TFS': 'The Future Statement' lands at Marco Towers...

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The "elephant in the room" question is whether Richard will appreciate Marco's positive comments on the TFS, or see it as the death knell of the new product. I look forward to that topic on the Subjectivist :eyebrows:.

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Why should he think that, Stan? I should think that it'd be the exact opposite (in fact, Richard is more than happy), as let's face facts, without me being too immodest, stuff that I love and recommend sells and thus tends to become successful. Just look at how popular modded Techies are now ;)

I certainly can't take all the credit for that (no chance), but I've definitely successfully planted a few seeds in people's heads, if the contents of what's written here and elsewhere now about modifying SL-1200/1210s, not to mention my PM inbox, are anything to go by!

A few years ago, no serious audiophile would've even considered owning an SL-1200... I predict a similarly bright future for the TFS, in the sonically discerning non-DIY computer audio market. And there are plans afoot to make the TFS even better, so watch this space!! :eyebrows:

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Ali Tait

Yes agreed Clive, I have both versions of that album. If you like FM, I bought the DVD of "The Dance" and a mate ripped the soundtrack for me. A great sound. DVD's are a good source of hi rez stuff.

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Good point about DVDs, I'll look out for some charity shop ones.

I was comparing redbook, 24-96 and vinyl over the weekend, specifically with the chain as I wanted to understand the recording issue as best I could. An interesting exercise though I can't know how the mixes really compare.

I've heard it against in my system - 7520, Valab two - box 1543 dac, Audio Note Dac Zero and the new Musical Fidelity dac. Better than all except probably the AN, which was not really better just different ( I like valves and how they sound). My main dac uses the AK4396 board used in the Chinese dac with a valve output stage which was built for me by Nick. See the thread here -

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13204

I use the valve one for music, and have one of the finished ebay ones on the end of my Sky box. It runs the valve version surprisingly close and is easy to upgrade, try swapping the opamp for OPA627 - the opamp is socketed on the board.

There is a marathon thread on diy audio about this dac, and full set of instructions for upgrading all the board components should you wish to do so.

Comparing MFSL to some of the so called Hi Res remasters should put a wry grin on your face.

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Originally Posted by Clive

Good point about DVDs, I'll look out for some charity shop ones.

I was comparing redbook, 24-96 and vinyl over the weekend, specifically with the chain as I wanted to understand the recording issue as best I could. An interesting exercise though I can't know how the mixes really compare.

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Good idea. Just check the back as not all are hi rez and it usually says on the back or the disc what the resolution is.

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Originally Posted by Welder

Comparing MFSL to some of the so called Hi Res remasters should put a wry grin on your face.

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Yes, can be very good, as can SHM-CD. As I said, I think the original mastering is more important.

Darren, sorry forgot to say, can't remember for sure but I think it was about 10 days.

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Originally Posted by StanleyB

The "elephant in the room" question is whether Richard will appreciate Marco's positive comments on the TFS, or see it as the death knell of the new product. I look forward to that topic on the Subjectivist :eyebrows:.

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Well, the TFS has never been marketed proactively, apart from (I believe) 5 users talking about it on the Subjectivist forum over the past 12 months, and a lot of that chat surrounds best practice in getting the most out of the beast (Jason helped me out enormously in tweaking mine). I think that there is now a genuine opportunity - via this forum - for a wider audience to at least be curious as to what it provides.

If you already are a keen digital diy-er, this probably isn't for you. If you are happy with the standard PC or Mac/DAC solution, you might not be interested. There are those who have yet to tread the water in digital streaming/downloads, and this purpose-built sound quality-focussed device might be a great introduction. It's just another alternative: it just happens to be one that sounds great and ticks my boxes.

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Originally Posted by Theo

There are those who have yet to tread the water in digital streaming/downloads, and this purpose-built sound quality-focussed device might be a great introduction. It's just another alternative: it just happens to be one that sounds great and ticks my boxes.

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Me too, and what you say, in a nutshell, is the reality of the situation. There are many people like me who were holding back and waiting for the right product to come along.

Also, AoS reaches a worldwide audience, and what's written here about the TFS will most certainly not do it any harm... It's rather interesting that we currrently have 224 people on line, and most of them are reading this thread! Also, look how many hits this thread has had in the short time since it's been 'born' ;)

I will always champion what I consider as genuinely superb audio equipment and ancillaries; especially ones which are high in SPPV (and that's SPPV based on the cost of commercial products, not those from the DIY arena).

Marco.

I would be interested in knowing how hard the Window operating system has been tied into the hardware.
There is absolutely no doubt remaining in my mind that ALSA drivers not only sound better than WMD drivers but develop at a faster pace.