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

[Audioman]

Marco. This is merely a competently implemented computer dedicated to audio. I guess the reasons it sound better are likely linear power supplies and a particularly good cpu/board with well implemented software. I am looking forward to the basic version which will enable off board power supply and use of the highest quality hi -res DAC. Also this will involve a number of unobtrusive small boxes. Use of Linux may be a better option simply to minimise cost as in Essence MS7 is now an unecessary expense.

I think you need to listen to some 24/196 downloads before passing judgement on final quality. Also I am slightly perplexed by such a large difference between your CD performance and the streamed rips. This is likely down to transport derived jitter which would suggest your old Sony isn't so great in electrical terms. Also bear in mind a good modern DAC will be better in reducing jitter than 25 year old designs even with component modifications. I don't think the TFS dac is likely to be state of the Art. That is why the 'transport' version with dedicated dac will be the more desirable solution.

Paul.

[Macca]

Now you've finally gone off and joined the Dark Side Marco I'll be happy to take that rusty, jitter ridden piece of Sony ES junk off your hands - shall we say a ton, cash of course

[Clive]

I think you need to listen to some 24/196 downloads before passing judgement on final quality. Also I am slightly perplexed by such a large difference between your CD performance and the streamed rips. This is likely down to transport derived jitter which would suggest your old Sony isn't so great in electrical terms. Also bear in mind a good modern DAC will be better in reducing jitter than 25 year old designs even with component modifications. I don't think the TFS dac is likely to be state of the Art. That is why the 'transport' version with dedicated dac will be the more desirable solution.

Having listened to various CA players and a good number of DACs I've come to the conclusion that whilst DACs and the way they are configured internally makes fair old difference, the biggest gains lie elsewhere. The swapping of DACs and resulting sound changes are not so very significant vs getting what precedes the right.

I think there are those of use who struggled with most CD players - probably that's a one reason for us sticking with records. Others either didn't have records to compare with or were not susceptible to CD harshness and lack of 3D. I fully get where Marco's coming from having recently gone through a similar epiphany albeit via different route.

[Clive]

Andre, I can't speak for Marco....but I'm finding CA as I have it now at least bears comparison to vinyl. It's not the same but it's possible to swap between the two and not feel short-changed. There's no way I'm giving up vinyl, I want to be able listen to all my music!

[Theo]

Andre, I can't speak for Marco....but I'm finding CA as I have it now at least bears comparison to vinyl. It's not the same but it's possible to swap between the two a not feel short-changed. There's no way I'm giving up vinyl, I want to be able listen to all my music!

Having had the TFS for some time now (but only recently re-aquainting myself with it), my digital preference is still my Esoteric CDP. The TFS and the Micromega are similar (this is a good thing), and I prefer my t/t to the lot - but this could be down to the fact that maybe the mastering is superior (early/1st pressings) or the pressing is great (2x45rpm releases, etc.).

However, the context is that I have music in all three formats (I REALLY hope I don't get into R2R, because they are beautiful machines), and I need to hear all three utilising the best playback tool that I can find; I think I'm pretty close on my sources now.

Sometimes it's fun to do a CD/file/LP comparison, but it's never apples-with-apples, because the mastering/mixes are usually from different eras. Ultimately, it's all about the music, not the format, and I'm happy with how the TFS portrays music.

[YNWaN]

This is digital music replay for (quality) analogue-loving nutters, baby!

Marco.

But am I correct in thinking you are only using it as a transport and are still using your own DAC?

[AlexM]

Hi,

I have always thought that file-based playback holds all of the advantages it needs to in order to outperform a standalone CD player. There are other detracting factors of course, but this is my rationale for using my CDs in this way going forwards.

CIRC will allow the CD player to reconstruct missing burst errors from the CD to quite an extent, and during a rip this mechanism ensures that the ATAPI interface gets the corrected data too. A CDROM drive also has the advantage of being able to re-read frames as many times as it needs, adjusting speed downwards if necessary to get the data. A CD Audio drive is seriously handicapped in comparison in terms of getting the data off the disc intact. In fact it is pretty amazing it works as well as it does at all - I assume that interpolation is saving the day pretty often with less than pristine disks.

When the contents of the CD are checksummed via AccurateRip, and the confidence level is high, you can be as sure that the chances of even a single bit error are very, very low. Of course, an error in a rip is there forever, and there is no redundancy in the data to work out what was missing - whatever came of the disk is what you will be working with going forwards.

I have a large-ish CD collection that is the mainstay of my library, but I am looking forward to the future of shiny 24/192 files and all that might bring. I just hope that it doesn't just bring unimaginative rehashing of the usual audiophile reissue fodder, and that the music industry takes advantage of the opportunity to rediscover quality rather than squandering it by sinking to the lowest common denominator.

Well done to Jason for putting together an 'applicance' that delivers on the SQ front. There isn't any issue with the device using relatively prosaic internal components - they are fit for purpose, and the PSU noise issues will be a worthwhile improvement on s/n for the on-board sound card and converters. Those who say that it is expensive for what it is need to look at the VFM of 'traditional' audio components as a comparison.

Well done also to Marco for not being dogmatic about what the 'right' solution should look like, and being open to the future.

Regards,
Alex

[StanleyB]

But am I correct in thinking you are only using it as a transport and are still using your own DAC?

Let's put things into context. If you already have a wife of many years standing, and then suddenly acquired a mistress, would you be any less happy than if you lived with vinyl all your life and then suddenly discovered the joys of digital?

[YNWaN]

I haven't a clue - much too mixed a metaphor for me - I can't see what it has to do with my question either.

[terrybooth]

As a TFS owner of a few months standing. Can I contribute a few thoughts?

I bought the TFS because I found myself listening to CDs all the time. The turntable having been relegated to a box whilst I sorted out a new music room (which of course took longer than it should).

Having bought it, I discovered High definition audio downloads (I also discovered that a lot of sites offered low quality downloads).

I haven't quite sorted the usability side out. What I'd like to be able to do is to sit with a tablet in my hand and control the set from there. There are quite a few ways to skin that cat but I just haven't settled on one yet.

As I've already posted, I've replaced Windows 7 with Linux but I've got the system dual booting at the moment, so I haven't burnt my bridges.

Nearing the capacity of the solid state disk, I think that my next move is to get a decent NAS drive (anyone tried Synology for music?) and cable the two together on a fast ethernet network. This would also facilitate the remote control issue because I could give the TFS a static IP address.

The Xonar Essence soundcard, given the right material, sound pretty good to me. Certainly good enough on some material for me to not hear to much difference between reproduced and a live performance by the same person.

A little pot pourri for you.