Recent content by kma

  1. K

    Sablon Evo usb cable

    Has anyone compared the FTA Sinope with the Sablon Evo? This might be splitting hairs (since both are excellent), but if anyone could compare and contrast that two, that would be great. Thanks.
  2. K

    EMIA Elmaformer (volume control) review

    Has anyone compared the Townshend Allegri Reference with a Slagle silver based AVC preamp like the EMIA or the Icon? I'm wondering how Townshend's "fractal" copper wire compares to the silver wire approach used by Slagle for his autoformers. I hear a lot of votes for silver vs. copper on the...
  3. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Thanks for the offer, Believe High Fi.. I told Astrostar I'd rather not torture myself at this point since I'd go into debt to afford a Kassandra haha. But, if I ever get something going, it would be nice to see where I stand. I can always drop by your place for a listen too.
  4. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Hi Astrostar, I think the bottom line on upsampling or not is really depending upon if the outcome works in one's system or to one's ears. Like I said, my Aqua DAC is also filterless (analog and digital), yet with upsampling (with precise control through HQplayer of noise shapers, etc), I...
  5. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Hi Astrostar, thanks for all the useful tips. I was planning to upgrade the I-V transformer to either a Sowter or Lundahl. Do you have any experience with either of those? You should try HQplayer rather than Roon as the upsampler. I have both together, but I don't use Roon for any upsampling...
  6. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Hi, I will try to respond to your comments, thanks. Few points. Have you tried an over specified power supply to know it makes no difference? The Kassandra has a huge power reservoir to create a 'pseudo' battery supply or an ideal noise free linear supply. That is how I understand it. I think...
  7. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Thanks for your input. My personal opinion is that, the weakest link of the AN kits, and for that matter, even the high end UK AN DACs (like the 5), is the digital implementation overall. I've heard an AN DAC 5 in demo, and from what I recall, it doesn't come across as a "modern" design, in...
  8. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Hi Lordcloud, sure. Don't hold your breath though. The difficult part is to try to fit everything in the same 4.1 chassis. Without this constraint, it would be very much possible. I may have to offload the existing power supply and regulator to another chassis, or figure something else out...
  9. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Sorry, meant Pulsar Clock, not Pulse.
  10. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Thanks guys. Interesting observations on the upsampling for this DAC. I guess it does make sense that every DAC will respond differently. I have an Aqua La Scala (the PCM1704 version), and I actually notice the opposite when I upsample with HQPlayer (soundstage grows and image density...
  11. K

    Aries Cerat Kassandra II Ref DAC: Wow!

    Has anyone tried comparing NOS vs upsampling and applying a 24b/384k or 24b/352.8k input through USB from a capable source like HQPlayer? I was wondering if a better (or worse) result is achieved through upsampling on this DAC considering the 18-bit DAC IC used, thanks.
  12. K

    Some Members Discuss Their Nola Speakers

    I had an "audio" friend over from out of state the other day. He never heard the NOLA sound before coming over. After his brief listen, I think he liked the sound a lot (and was complimenting of the overall ease, detail, depth of stage, height of stage, etc etc). But, he felt the presentation...
  13. K

    Some Members Discuss Their Nola Speakers

    Hi Steve, thanks for your response and glad to be aboard. I have much more NOLA insight to share, for any prospective buyer (or someone who is on the fence). Just ask away :) The speakers really do "speak" for themselves in the way they convey music. There is emotion to the rendition. I've...
  14. K

    Some Members Discuss Their Nola Speakers

    I've never heard the grand reference, but I've heard the concert grand a couple times. Easily one of the best speakers ever produced. They make music enjoyable and mesmerizing. Having said that, I've also heard a few of Carl's other speakers down the reference line. When I first met Carl (he...

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