I recently sold my beloved totaldac in favor a dreaded "chip DAC." I now use a DEQX HDP-4 which uses an IC for conversion. The DEQX, however, offers DSP speaker correction as well as active crossover and delay. I also use the DEQX to integrate a pair of JL Audio F113 subs on front and back walls.
Basically the DEQX works in the time and frequency domains to help the speakers and the room sound their very best. The upgrade in musicality is stunning. This is saying a lot since my totaldac was no slouch. I've also had other very finely made DACs like the playback designs MPD-5, BMC DAC and Empirical Audio top DAC. The DEQX makes everything work better in my system. My speakers sound better, there's way more bass dynamics, speed and tonal correctness. There's a ton more space in my room. One friend commented that my room now sounds like it's 10x bigger than it is.
I have to admit it. I think I've been seduced by the "parts jockeys." Who are these people? I am talking about the folks that enjoy showing their gear with lids off. Check out all those caps! Wow, are those lundahl transformers? How many shunt regulators are on that board? Is that the CC-957 clock?
Okay parts matter. But what matters more? The parts or the design?
I vote for design. I think parts are important. But every component MUST fit into the total system and make every other component/room in the system sound best. No part of a system is an island!
So, are you a parts jockey or a system dude?
Michael.
Basically the DEQX works in the time and frequency domains to help the speakers and the room sound their very best. The upgrade in musicality is stunning. This is saying a lot since my totaldac was no slouch. I've also had other very finely made DACs like the playback designs MPD-5, BMC DAC and Empirical Audio top DAC. The DEQX makes everything work better in my system. My speakers sound better, there's way more bass dynamics, speed and tonal correctness. There's a ton more space in my room. One friend commented that my room now sounds like it's 10x bigger than it is.
I have to admit it. I think I've been seduced by the "parts jockeys." Who are these people? I am talking about the folks that enjoy showing their gear with lids off. Check out all those caps! Wow, are those lundahl transformers? How many shunt regulators are on that board? Is that the CC-957 clock?
Okay parts matter. But what matters more? The parts or the design?
I vote for design. I think parts are important. But every component MUST fit into the total system and make every other component/room in the system sound best. No part of a system is an island!
So, are you a parts jockey or a system dude?
Michael.