Hi, I don't think the SACD that I listened to here is up sampled. According to Linn: "FLAC files are lossless at various high bit rates, for example, 48KHz, 88.2KHz and 96KHz (check each title for actual details). The quality is identical to that of an SACD (Stereo only). The format will be dependent on the actual recording method we used originally. No DSD files are offered as it is not possible to play them back on a PC so an equivalent PCM format is offered. These files offer true "studio quality" and are what was used by Linn to produce the production version of our CD releases."
Emm labs DA2 v2 upgrade
- Thread starter awsmone
- Start date
Hi, yes, if I remember correctly, there's some grain that overlaid the entire recording in my previous listening. But all the grain has disappeared since updating my XMOS processor. Instead, the grain has been replaced by very fine micro details!
Hi guys, I would recommend this recording to those who listens to classical violin music: Journey Through A Century Sueye Park violin. BID SACD.
Kreisler: Recitativo and Scherzo-Caprice op.6. Penderecki: Capriccio (2008). Prokofiev: Sonata in D for solo violin op.115. Reger: Prelude and Fugue in D minor for solo violin op.117 no.6. Schnittke: A Paganini (1982 version). Strauss: Daphne-Etüde. Weinberg: Sonata no.2 for solo violin op.92. Ysaÿe: Sonata in E for solo violin op.27 no.6. BIS SACD-2492
There is rarely, if ever, a perfect performance/recording. However, to me, this SACD is one! This SACD is the most realistic recording of solo violin pieces. Every nuance, micro detail and color Park draws from her Ferdinando Gagliano violin of 1785 is heard via my sound system and made possible only after I installed the new XMOS firmware. Park's violin is dead center and the Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin, is ideally resonant and dead quiet. Park's virtuosity is obvious and Park's violin has terrific presence.
Kreisler: Recitativo and Scherzo-Caprice op.6. Penderecki: Capriccio (2008). Prokofiev: Sonata in D for solo violin op.115. Reger: Prelude and Fugue in D minor for solo violin op.117 no.6. Schnittke: A Paganini (1982 version). Strauss: Daphne-Etüde. Weinberg: Sonata no.2 for solo violin op.92. Ysaÿe: Sonata in E for solo violin op.27 no.6. BIS SACD-2492
There is rarely, if ever, a perfect performance/recording. However, to me, this SACD is one! This SACD is the most realistic recording of solo violin pieces. Every nuance, micro detail and color Park draws from her Ferdinando Gagliano violin of 1785 is heard via my sound system and made possible only after I installed the new XMOS firmware. Park's violin is dead center and the Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin, is ideally resonant and dead quiet. Park's virtuosity is obvious and Park's violin has terrific presence.
DVO?ÁK Symphony No 8 JANÁ?EK Symphonic Suite From Jen?fa Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra/Manfred Honeck Reference Recordings 710 SACD (A Relisten)
This is my first relisten after the new firmware installation. All I can say is Wow, wow! Now, Manfred Honeck’s handling of the Eighth Symphony becomes dramatically more rapturously beautiful, more emotional, more expressive, more exciting and dramatic. Dynamics went off-the-charts, i.e. lifelike. Listen to its pounding timpani strokes. Listen also to the symphony’s closing moments - absolutely deliriously exciting! Listening volume: very, very loud.Perhaps you post your SACD recommendations in the appropriate thread?
The firmware update has not been released according to their sales manager. Below is his response when I asked yesterday.
"Hi Patrick,
No. There is no firmware update for the DA2 V2 currently.
Cheers
Shah Al Rashid
Director of Sales
EMM Labs / Meitner Audio"
I'm trying to think why XMOS firmware would produce a noticeable improvement in sound, esp for those of us who are using the optilink input that might actually skip the processor. (don't know for sure, but XMOS is associated with USB, AES, and SPDIF. Then again, optilink input is right next to the chip) .
The best I can come up with is that the XMOS chip is probably the noisiest digital source within the DAC that isn't built in-house. Other sources of noise would be the FPGA, DAC modulator (DSD noise), and PSU. It seems like these three are constructed or configured in house, but the XMOS is a noisy off-the-shelf chip. A different OS might bring down digital noise in the system.
The best I can come up with is that the XMOS chip is probably the noisiest digital source within the DAC that isn't built in-house. Other sources of noise would be the FPGA, DAC modulator (DSD noise), and PSU. It seems like these three are constructed or configured in house, but the XMOS is a noisy off-the-shelf chip. A different OS might bring down digital noise in the system.
The XMOS software was created as my DA2V2 was not able to decode DSD128 and higher files with my streamer. A request was made to Shahin and after trying all possibilities the XMOS was the last possible culprit. Thanks to Shahin it took EMM Labs more than 6 months to produce this XMOS which finally solved my issue. It did not result in any noticeable SQ improvement however and my technician also thought the XMOS should have nothing to do with SQ. Believe the XMOS was provided to other users just in case they have my problems.
Hi Tony, our earlier version of the firmware is V. 1.09. Your updated firmware is V. 10D. Another friend of mine who live in the USA also received the V. 10D and he, like you, found no difference in sound quality as compared to V. 1.09. However, my updated version of the firmware has a vast difference in sound quality as compared to V. 1.09. I can't be wrong because I have been relistening to countless SACDs for over four months already and the dramatic improvements in every aspect of the sound are unmistakable! And I am not alone in hearing the vast improvements according to my dealer.
Andy, not saying you’re wrong, just explaining my experience and I really hope I could have your improvement too!
hi Tony,
you meant your da2v2 couldn't decode DSD128. What input did you use on the da2v2 then?
John
Hi John,
Before the XMOS update, DSD128 and 352/354 hz files were played with hiccups and stops. I was using USB from my Taiko Extreme to the DA2V2, but please note I’m using an upgraded USB card from Taiko. Did not try other inputs for the DA2V2 as my Extreme only has USB output.
Tony
Hi, I really have no idea about that. I suppose it will eventually be upgraded as well. But bear in mind that the components in the DA2 V2/DV2 are different and of higher grade from the components in the MA3.
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