best dac(top end)

[Shy]

This joke is not funny.

[hdemico]

Originally Posted by Shy

This joke is not funny.

not a joke!it's for real!

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by hdemico

not a joke!it's for real!

Clearly, the future lies in a tri-amped hybrid DAC system - one that can exploit the strengths of different units while combining their outputs into a veritable juggernaut of synergy.


DC

[silverking]

Why don't I ever think of this stuff?

Why spend $10,000.00 on a single converter when you can spend $30,000.00 on three of them?

Amazing!

[Franco]

I'm currently okay with my Avocet (until someone makes a DTB or "Direct To Brain" device similar to Cerebro).

[mstan]

Why stop with the DAC? Lets do three ADCs to compliment 'em: one with a sample rate from 0-500hz, the second from 500hz to 6000 and the third for 6000. Perfect match for your three DACS!

[sat159p1]

Why stop on three? I think four is the way...

[ORC]

Originally Posted by dcollins

Clearly, the future lies in a tri-amped hybrid DAC system - one that can exploit the strengths of different units while combining their outputs into a veritable juggernaut of synergy.


DC

Multi-band DAC's are where its at y'all.

[I.R.Baboon]

Multi-band DAC's in M/S is where it's at, my friend.

[harryhess]

I'd like a different convertor for every frequency!!!! I'd mix and match them of coarse because on some songs my Lavry 1k might be a little nicer than my Forssell at 1k.

[feck]

Originally Posted by hdemico

Can you tell me the best dac for frequencies from 6000hz and up,in your opinion and experience?
I want to realize a 3-way digitally multiamped monitoring setup with 3 two channels dacs:
1)1 dac for the bass(under 500hz)
2)1 dac for the mid(between 500hz and 6000hz)
3)1 dac for the high(over 6000hz)

If you want,we can discuss also about the best dacs for 1) and 2)

Hahahahahahaha

[polybonk]

Originally Posted by dcollins

Clearly, the future lies in a tri-amped hybrid DAC system - one that can exploit the strengths of different units while combining their outputs into a veritable juggernaut of synergy.


DC

I think that you are way under thinking it Dave. Clearly the future is in 32 amped systems with 32 individual Prism Dream's all racked up.
And thats just for the tops on the HiVi Swans2.3B's. A flowing stream of silken flowering perfection will emerge.


Overview of 2.3BF Tower_HiVi,Inc

[The Convicted]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Sure, ESS for the highs, BurrBrown for the lows.

ESS products are a bit rare. But, if you have $179, you can get the BurrBrown PCM1792A built for you with your choice of opamps.

Ross Martin Audio

I have a dual 1792A system on order with Analog Devices ADA4898-1/2 opamps being installed. All direct coupled, no caps. 132 db dynamic range.

Or, spend more $$$.

Hey Jim,

I ordered his ad converter. Looking forward to getting it soon. I heard so many great things about his converters, plus he'll do custom orders if you ask.
I think this is the biggest bang for the buck in converters ever.

[hdemico]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Sure, ESS for the highs, BurrBrown for the lows.

interesting.Which dac with ESS chips(do you intend the 9018?)you reccomend?

[just.sounds]

Buffalo dac maybe?

Twisted Pear Audio

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Dave Collins is working on one. I'll try and get Ross Martin to offer one. It's needed. In the meantime, I have a dual PCM1792A, not too shabby either.

I moved on from the ESS chips, not happy with the sound of the high end. The 1792 is ok, not the winner in listening tests, though.


DC

[TC Custom Audio]

Originally Posted by hdemico

Can you tell me the best dac for frequencies from 6000hz and up,in your opinion and experience?
I want to realize a 3-way digitally multiamped monitoring setup with 3 two channels dacs:
1)1 dac for the bass(under 500hz)
2)1 dac for the mid(between 500hz and 6000hz)
3)1 dac for the high(over 6000hz)

If you want,we can discuss also about the best dacs for 1) and 2)

Obviously, digital filters offer some serious advantages for cross-over design. However, I question YOUR ability to design such cross-over. Will you be using an off-the-shelf box?

[Bob Olhsson]

My impression has been that chipmakers are far more into advancing lower prices and power requirements than audio quality.

[hdemico]

Originally Posted by TC Custom Audio

Obviously, digital filters offer some serious advantages for cross-over design. However, I question YOUR ability to design such cross-over. Will you be using an off-the-shelf box?

I am using a pair of old but fantastic Yamaha NS-2000.
I have modded them to triamp them.
I normally use the original crossover frequencies:500hz,6000hz.
Digital crossover is really interesting to use very high slope like 42db/oct,48db/oct or higher,and in this speakers my impression is that such a slope can be helpful to avoid resonance and breakup of carbon woofer(specially at high SPL levels).
I already have worked with analog crossovers(Pass XVR1,FM Acoustics)with excellent results,but I think digital crossover can go beyond;in this particular speakers I think for example a phase correction(time domain)can be helpful.
My idea is to use instead of a "cheap" digital crossover(where the problems always are...the low quality dacs!),a reference multichannel interface(the weiss AFI1)and 3 high level dacs.For now I have 2 Prism Dream DA-1,excellent for bass and mid.The crossover functions are the job of a specific software(for example Allocator).Or alternatively a XTA or DBX crossover using the digital outputs.
For me of course a third DA-1 would be absolutely optimal,but maybe some new chip can perform a little bit better in super-highs region...I don't know.
I am really happy with my DA-1
Ok now I can reveal that this crazy idea in not for mastering,but only for an High End stereo system
But of course this idea can be interesting for VERY open minded mastering engineers
Anyway if someone of you want to sell a DA-1 please contact me

[deft_bonz]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

My impression has been that chipmakers are far more into advancing lower prices and power requirements than audio quality.

Sounds more like X files

[Jim Williams]

Originally Posted by Bob Olhsson

My impression has been that chipmakers are far more into advancing lower prices and power requirements than audio quality.

Low cost codec's are where they make their money. High end conversion is where they make their reputation. These designers are dedicated pro's, the best in the biz. Like audio pro's or any other field, these designers also want the best. They may lose money on some higher end designs, but those are still done and the losses made up with profits from the crap they put into cell phones.

Spend a day in Tucson with the BurrBrown design team.

Then tell me they don't care.

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by hdemico

Can you tell me the best dac for frequencies from 6000hz and up,in your opinion and experience?
I want to realize a 3-way digitally multiamped monitoring setup with 3 two channels dacs:
1)1 dac for the bass(under 500hz)
2)1 dac for the mid(between 500hz and 6000hz)
3)1 dac for the high(over 6000hz)

If you want,we can discuss also about the best dacs for 1) and 2)

I suppose your gonna want all three DAC to have the same latency for this?

This sounds like a nightmare to me, that will in turn comb filter the entire spectrum to a piece of poop, but I am no mastering engineer, so I am here to learn.

[hdemico]

Originally Posted by Doc Mixwell

I suppose your gonna want all three DAC to have the same latency for this?

Absolutely correct.
I was forgiving to explain this detail,that of course I've considered.
I want to clock all this equipment with 1 clock only(not a external master,but one of the Prism can be master clock)
So a clock input in the dacs is desiderable if not necessary.
Also the Weiss AFI1 can be(and will be) clocked with the Prism master clock.

[dcollins]

Originally Posted by hdemico

Absolutely correct.
I was forgiving to explain this detail,that of course I've considered.
I want to clock all this equipment with 1 clock only(not a external master,but one of the Prism can be master clock)
So a clock input in the dacs is desiderable if not necessary.
Also the Weiss AFI1 can be(and will be) clocked with the Prism master clock.

Whatever sonic benefit external clocking may or may not give, it has no effect on the converters latency.

One thing that is practically guaranteed is different brands of converters have different conversion times.................


DC

[hdemico]

Originally Posted by dcollins

Whatever sonic benefit external clocking may or may not give, it has no effect on the converters latency.

One thing that is practically guaranteed is different brands of converters have different conversion times.................


DC

ok.So ,maybe a system with 3 identical dacs or a 6 channels single dac is the best option...
What do you think about XTA crossovers?

[UnderTow]

Originally Posted by dcollins

I moved on from the ESS chips, not happy with the sound of the high end.

Hence the need for a multi-DAC approach!

Alistair

[UnderTow]

Originally Posted by hdemico

I am using a pair of old but fantastic Yamaha NS-2000.
I have modded them to triamp them.
I normally use the original crossover frequencies:500hz,6000hz.
Digital crossover is really interesting to use very high slope like 42db/oct,48db/oct or higher,and in this speakers my impression is that such a slope can be helpful to avoid resonance and breakup of carbon woofer(specially at high SPL levels).
I already have worked with analog crossovers(Pass XVR1,FM Acoustics)with excellent results,but I think digital crossover can go beyond;in this particular speakers I think for example a phase correction(time domain)can be helpful.
My idea is to use instead of a "cheap" digital crossover(where the problems always are...the low quality dacs!)

Just use a single good quality DAC. Going multi-DAC will guarantee a skewed response. Or maybe you could be really open minded and try square wheels on your car...

Alistair

[Jim Williams]

Or maybe get some better speakers? Whatever DAC you use will exceed the response and THD of those old beasts.

Still waiting to hear Dave's DAC winner.

[yphs_mst]

Four Audio | HD2 cost is $4000++ I think ...