Weak link in my signal flow... D/A?

[proxy]

Hey all,

I've been reading up on D/A converters and wanted to know if anyone with a similar setup as mine could chime in with insight about my current singal flow. I've been upgrading my studio (particularly my back end), and am starting to have a creeping feeling that my 888|24 D/As are degrading my signal especially now that I'm incorporating outboard to what I 'print'.

My stereo mix output goes:

888|24 D/A (clocked off of Apogee Rosetta) -> g384 -> 747sp -> Rosetta -> 888|24 -> Mix+ -> 888|24 D/A -> Mackie 1604 for Monitor levels -> Dynaudio BM5as.

Aside perhaps *my feeble brain* being the weakest link of all, do you think a Benchmark DAC before the 384, and a Presonus Central Station instead of the Mackie would bring things to a more even plateau? That's about a $1,300 investment, but eliminates two very suspect elements (888 converters and the Whackie).

Anyone?

Thanks,

- proxy

[Sui_City]

We were in exactly the same situation.

Mix plus with 888/24's.

Got ourselves a Lavry Blue.

Holy fukk.

Quite simply, the tops were smooth, the stereo image and depth of the mix became almost tangible, the bottom end was no longer smeared, and a huge reduction in ear fatigue.

Ear opening to say the least.

Before you buy, wait for the AES show at the beginning of Oct to see if anything new is coming out.

[proxy]

Hey,

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, Lavry gets talked about a lot here, and that 2-channel is not completely out of the question financially. A little more than my original plan, but I wouldn't mind feeling like "holy fukk!", especially after investing in the higher-end outboard gear. With my current setup, I'm listening to 2 fairly so-so *compounded* D/A conversions when I mix - that can't be good.

Anyone else gone through this kind of 888|24 ugrade? I've heard the L2 hardware converters are quite good too. Anyone go that route?

Thanks,

- proxy

PS - Yes, who knows what lurks, waiting to pounce on my wallet at AES...

[aussie_techie]

sorry i havnt done it but some people have found that a good clock like a big ben can make the 888 sound good or there is a UA thats a 2ch AD DA converter and a master clock(i forget the model) but that would address both problems at once. what ever you decide with multiple converters you need a master clock
i would definatly get that mackie out of there, i would say thats weaker than the 888 but then i hate those things with a passion

[proxy]

Yes, the Mackie... I've had that thing for years and I think I need to get it out of the chain. I've heard the Central Station is pretty great for the money, and I may start with that to get a preview of what different D/A will sound like - then I can judge how crazy to get with the rest of the D/A.

I know that a master clock is supposed to improve the sound, but technically, I wouldn't require one unless I was trying to keep multiple A/D units from being out of sync, right? As long as I have the 888 following the Rosetta, and for example 4 stereo Benchmark D/A units following the 888, I wouldn't require a master clock, no? Or am I missing something...?

Thanks,

- Proxy

[Sui_City]

There is a thread on the Dan Lavry forum at PSW about external clocks that is worth reading.

The clock is most critical when doing AD conversion. Once that is done there is nothing you can really do if jitter has been introduced into the signal.

On the DA side, what you are looking for is a converter that will keep the data clean as possible, i.e. not introduce any jitter itself. The AES stream carries data and clock, so no, you would not need an external clock to sync the DA's.

From this point of view and given the thread in the Dan Lavry forum, I would find an external clock to be a waste of cash.

[proxy]

Thanks Sui,

The other option I've followed is the Lynx Aurora which is interesting, particularly for 888|24 owners - did you consider that when you did your upgrade? It is not a whole lot more than a Lavry, but with 8 in/out it could lay the groundwork for getting into things like subgroup compression with outboard which is appealing.

Thanks!,

- proxy

[Sui_City]

Prox,

The Aurora wasn't an option for us when we bought.

If I was you I would contact Nathan at AtlasProAudio . He has access to both and can give you some info, i'm sure.

Having said thatI don't regret the Lavry purchase 1 bit.

[proxy]

Cool - thanks! thumbsup

- proxy

[proxy]

So, the Aurora is shaping up to be an interesting option, although I may have to sell my Rosetta to cover the cost.

Does anyone know how those converters compare to the 48k Rosetta (the 2 channel A/D)?

thanks,

- proxy