State-of-the-Art Digital

Ron Resnick

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Jan 24, 2015
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Innuous Statement + Lampizator Pacific

Innuous Statement + MSB Select

SGM Extreme + Lampizator Pacific

SGM Extreme + MSB Select

What are some other state-of-the-art combinations of streamers and DACs?

How does one decide?

How did you decide?
 
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Zero000

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I don't consider Lampizator to be state of the art. More a sculpted experiment in how excellent technical specs do not necessarily result in a good sonic performance.

I am also not sure the Pacific is the best sounding Lampi. My exposure has been very limited though but based on Munich it hasn't been good. But I reckon it's the systems its been in, not the DAC.

The MSB gear I have heard has always been good and it comes with excellent technical specs, too, I suspect.
 

Bodhi

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APL Hifi DNP-SR streamer & DSD-MR tube dac. That combo sounds resolving, natural, dimensional & non-fatiguing. Outstanding digital, and there is a new streamer coming out in the Master Reference (MR) series in 2020. Here is a link to a review by Audiophilestyle.
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
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Innuous Statement + Lampizator Pacific

Innuous Statement + MSB Select

SGM Extreme + Lampizator Pacific

SGM Extreme + MSB Select

What are some other state-of-the-art combinations of streamers and DACs?

How does one decide?

How did you decide?

It's very easy. Just compare. The Lampi GG1 is the best especially with 242 tubes added. I have compared to both Pacific and Select 2. Then add streamers to compare, if Aurender, SGM, or the CLO transport is better
 

Zero000

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My current DAC with AD1 will trash your GG1, Ked.

We WILL do that compare. Then try AD1 in your GG1.
 
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bonzo75

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My current DAC with AD1 will trash your GG1, Ked.

We WILL do that compare. Then try AD1 in your GG1.

Sure, get it over. Let's try in Paul's system and your system
 
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Zero000

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Sure, get it over. Let's try in Paul's system and your system

UK Paul you mean?

Should be in that new listening room before end of January. Let's try it then but can do Paul's during Xmas break probably.
 
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Kingsrule

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In the case of the dac (MSB SII) , I decided with my ears.

As far as the server (Extreme), I bought on technical specs, Emile's reputation and good faith
 

Ron Resnick

Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Jan 24, 2015
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It's very easy. Just compare. The Lampi GG1 is the best especially with 242 tubes added. I have compared to both Pacific and Select 2. Then add streamers to compare, if Aurender, SGM, or the CLO transport is better

Would I prefer the Pacific or the GG? (Don’t y’all get hysterical -- from many experiences auditioning together bonzo75 probably knows what I am likely to prefer.)
 

microstrip

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Innuous Statement + Lampizator Pacific

Innuous Statement + MSB Select

SGM Extreme + Lampizator Pacific

SGM Extreme + MSB Select

What are some other state-of-the-art combinations of streamers and DACs?

How does one decide?

How did you decide?

Curious that you ignore the DCS Vivaldi. We have several owners in WBF.

IMHO the speakers are the big unknown in your case - as far as I see no one here has large experience with your future speakers.

In my case the XLF /Vivaldi pairing is a big plus. Perhaps with the SoundLab's I would have stayed with the Metronome Calypso /C8+ . Anyway the Extreme confirmed my thoughts about the Vivaldi.
 
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Folsom

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I don't consider Lampizator to be state of the art. More a sculpted experiment in how excellent technical specs do not necessarily result in a good sonic performance.

I am also not sure the Pacific is the best sounding Lampi. My exposure has been very limited though but based on Munich it hasn't been good. But I reckon it's the systems its been in, not the DAC.

The MSB gear I have heard has always been good and it comes with excellent technical specs, too, I suspect.

Same on the Lampizator not being state of the art. It's state of the manipulation. Everyone knows it's all about curtailing a sound, it doesn't have any new tech in it what so ever. You buy it because you like the different type of sound.

MSB pushes pretty good on trying to be at the cutting edge.

But overall I'm not satisfied with any existing DAC yet.

Maybe the question isn't the right one? If you want a DAC, Ron, why are you concerned with which is the most technically advanced and not what one will suite your preferences?
 

Ron Resnick

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Jan 24, 2015
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Curious that you ignore the DCS Vivaldi. We have several owners in WBF.

IMHO the speakers are the big unknown in your case - as far as I see no one here has large experience with your future speakers.

In my case the XLF /Vivaldi pairing is a big plus. Perhaps with the SoundLab's I would have stayed with the Metronome Calypso /C8+ . Anyway the Extreme confirmed my thoughts about the Vivaldi.

I have not heard recent dCS components.
 

ALF

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Mar 15, 2012
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Curious that you ignore the DCS Vivaldi. We have several owners in WBF.

IMHO the speakers are the big unknown in your case - as far as I see no one here has large experience with your future speakers.

In my case the XLF /Vivaldi pairing is a big plus. Perhaps with the SoundLab's I would have stayed with the Metronome Calypso /C8+ . Anyway the Extreme confirmed my thoughts about the Vivaldi.
Try it, you'll like it Ron...

Cheers!
ALF
 

HughP3

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FWIW Ron , Joseph Cali recommends to me the Innuous Statement with MSB Reference. I currently have the low end of dCS in the Bartok, really like the sound and dCS is very well made. He is a dealer for both. However Comparing is not possible for me as The entire system is being replaced. Too many heavy boxes all at once, I will go with what he recommends.
 

caesar

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May 30, 2010
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Innuous Statement + Lampizator Pacific

Innuous Statement + MSB Select

SGM Extreme + Lampizator Pacific

SGM Extreme + MSB Select

What are some other state-of-the-art combinations of streamers and DACs?

How does one decide?

How did you decide?

Hi Ron,
I think I understand where you want to go with this, but the choices you list, you imply digital is streaming. Hence I suggest you rename the thread "State of the Art STREAMING Digital."

The reality, however, is that although streamers are extremely popular these days, they are not the "best digital". You can do an easy test with a dcs rossini player by plugging in an ethernet cable in the back. Although, it streaming sounds good, it's not even close to a decent transport, let alone a reference level transport that dcs sells with the rossini.

I feel bad for people who ripped their music and listen to the music most important to them by streaming rather than by playing a silver disk.

My concern is that without the full context, people will have worse sound...


_______

Aside from that, top tier TotalDAC models have that wrenching emotional quality that people wish their system was all about it, and TotalDACs belong on your list with a top CD transport, dCS network bridge/ latest TotalDAC streamer.
 

caesar

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I have not heard recent dCS components.

dCS is very "neutral". It's very system dependent, but I would say it will sound sterile in vast majority of today's systems.

dcs is very well engineered (I own their bridge, and it's incredible) but the British boys can't voice as well as msb or totaldac.
 

HughP3

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To Caesar’s point, The Gryphon Ethos has received very good reviews.
 
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bonzo75

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Would I prefer the Pacific or the GG? (Don’t y’all get hysterical -- from many experiences auditioning together bonzo75 probably knows what I am likely to prefer.)

GG. I would too. It is just a better product. Given you also favor more vocals you will alson like the Lampi 45s, or the EML special globe anniversary mesh 45
 
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Tango

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GG. I would too. It is just a better product. Given you also favor more vocals you will alson like the Lampi 45s, or the EML special globe anniversary mesh 45
You know. It wont be the GG if he picks up the Lampi. ;) And he will end up with the SelectII.
 

bonzo75

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You know. It wont be the GG if he picks up the Lampi. ;) And he will end up with the SelectII.

He doesn't really care for digital. He asks questions on the board to keep everyone happy.
 
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