My 2019 Update Thread - My final system I think.

[Pigmy Pony]

I like your avatar Gary, I want one to put on the wall next to my deck

[Macca]

I’m other News…

Incoming

Again?!!

[Gazjam]

Again?!!

Well…. Yeah

Really enjoying CDs again,
CD transport into the May Dac is the way to go for me, don’t see another CD Player in my future.

Love what the Shanling ET3 does over i2s into the Dac, but there’s a lot of Networking/Streaming functionality on it I don’t use since I got a dedicated streamer?
I’m looking for a more focussed, upgradeable approach to playing CDs.

For example,
I’ve played around with its internal upsampling 16/44 to hires and even DSD, which is great, but it’s more “different” than better over the original disc?
With my Dac into NOS anyway…

Maximising 16/44 is the way.
Know there’s more to be heard from the silver discs so been thinking about next steps?
At this point I think I’m hitting incremental changes/diminishing returns so thinking outside the box, and not just chucking money at it.

i2s uses the transports internal clock to do the timing, unlike USB, so the best possible clock in the Transport is probably ideal?
The ET3 sounds great, but I don’t think it’s at the same level as my Dac.
So upgrading the CD Transport, to one with better linear power supply, better clocks and better, single purpose, servo/drive mechanism.
Better single tool for the job?

The ET3 has a load of networking/streaming ability built in, which I dont use now I have the Eversolo T8 streamer.

So a case of streamlining and upgrading what CD playback kit I have, a more exact tool for the job, and future proofing too.

The new CD Transport has a master clock input, so will look into that at a future date.
i2s into the Dac, remember?

Being delivered Friday,
thinking To take a day off work!

Also doing some Turntable isolation tweaks, picked up some Stack Audio isolation footers to replace TT feet and some other TT stuff too.
Got a set for under the new CD Transport too.

Update thread when it lands Friday

[Firebottle]

All sound very interesting Gaz, awaiting developments.

[Gazjam]

Tried the Stack Audio Aura EQ footers under my Eversolo T8 streamer earlier.
They replaced a set of Isoacoustics pucks on top of a Soundamped Steel plate.

Bought 2 sets, based on different weight requirements,
Level 1 for the new CD Transport
Level 2 to replace the stock feet on the Project X8 turntable.

Read good things about them,
took a punt based on 60 day return window.

Was listening to YouTube via the Streamer’s Airplay function, so no major audiophile stuff, but it does sound blooming great.

Took a daft turn and put the Auvas under the Streamer.

Without exaggeration these are the best at what they do by a LOT.
Put my money where my mouth is and ordered sets for under all my gear, within ten minutes of hearing them.
Been many years since I’ve heard such a difference comparing gear, but they made THAT amount of improvement.

Not about making your gear sound better, but taking away the stuff that’s making it sound worse.
And these are the best I’ve heard at that by far.

Weekend job to replace the stock feet under the turntable with them, now really looking forward to that.

Hugely recommended.

[Marco]

Hi Gaz,

Remember me?

Marco.

[Gazjam]

Great to see you back Guv’nor.
Place was different without you here.

Hope all’s well mate.

[Gazjam]

Well…
despite the image hosting site I used after Imgur being back up and running, it being down has broken the link on the forum here, so my system pics are gone.
Bit of a bummer,
this thread I used as a visual diary on my system and any changes to it.

Annoying,
but “ah well’

[Marco]

Great to see you back Guv’nor.
Place was different without you here.

Hope all’s well mate.

Cheers, mate. I'm much better now after 5 years of dealing with the effects of long Covid. Posting here again has helped.

Good to see you're still around. I hope that continues

Marco.

[Pigmy Pony]

Well…
despite the image hosting site I used after Imgur being back up and running, it being down has broken the link on the forum here, so my system pics are gone.
Bit of a bummer,
this thread I used as a visual diary on my system and any changes to it.

Annoying,
but “ah well’

However you look at it, it's just yet another case of 'computer says no'. And is why I will never pay for music I can't injure someone with by throwing it at their head.