Hi Joanna, thank you, much appreciated - what DAC do you have ?
Location: Navan
Posts: 378
I'm Jo.
Location: Navan
Posts: 378
I'm Jo.
thanks, Peter. I'll give the XLD a go.
I still use XLD on the rare occasions I rip CDs, it uses the Paranoia engine to give a bit perfect rip, and a sodding good job it does too.
Fidelia is my playback app of choice. Massively flexible and superb quality; I’ve found nothing to beat it. It also supports audio plugins so one can play about if it tickles one’s fancy.
Ben Duncan mains conditioner
2022 MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro 10/16/16/16
Samsung QE75Q90T 75" QLED TV
XMOS DSD Async USB to Coax converter
RME Audio ADI-2 FS (AK4493) DAC
Chord Clearway XLR interconnects
Audioquest Crimson USB interconnect
QED Quartz Reference optical interconnect
Edifier S3000 Pro active speakers
Atacama SE24 stands
Location: Navan
Posts: 378
I'm Jo.
I like them all so it is hard to elect a primus inter pares, there are but small variations in the width of the soundstage and the 'nearness' of the sound within the audio depth of field. I find that the differences in sound between DACs, unlike the price tags, are not so great.
For functionality the Roksan is best, I use this with better recordings feeding my best HP set up, a Lehmann Linear with Sennheiser HD700s. The others I rotate using each for a few weeks at a time. I like them all and would find it hard to sell any off.
The Starting Point SP3 is a NOS DAC using a TDA1543 chip. I use that for older recordings, circ 1920-1949. It is also well suited for long listening sessions and has a small footprint and can switch over to battery power as it has two 9v batteries inside.
The Beresford SEG I use along with a Beresford Capella HPA and Sennheiser HD650s. A super pairing IMO, and the two boxes can run off a single power supply as the Capella has a DC out that the SEG can run off.
The Myryad has a laid-back sound and matches a Myryad Z40 HPA I have, another pairing that i can use for long hours without fatigue.
The Dragonfly I use when away from home and it feeds a pair of Grado SR80s.
I do most of my listening over headphones and find swapping out DACs less of a changer than using other headphone amps or headphones.
that sounds like you have most everything under control there !
love my K-1000's :-)
Movies ~ oppo 105 ~ marantz SR8001 ~ tannoy precision ~ BK Monolith Sub
Vinyl ~ beogram 8002 ~ graham slee accession phono pre
Red Book ~ Teac PD-H600 ~ red wine audio signature 30.2 ~ akg k-1000 headphones