Golden Gate DAC arrives.

[wisnon]

Golden Gate measures better than the Oakland as per our man's test

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SUBJECTIVELY, the GG bridge is more attractive and has more "presence" and gives a more 3D view, and has better "FUN-damentals". LoL

 

[Audiophile Bill]

Audiocrack - I would agree with you regarding your comment on focus not being a strong point of the Shun Mooks. The only issue imho is that stillpoints can often sound super focussed and dynamic, which excites in the short term but does not sound natural and easy in the longer term.

I will try a test when my golden gate arrives as I have stillpoints ultra 5s and ultra diamond resonators.

In terms of focus of the golden gate I can't comment as yet but can about the big 7. Ime, dsd sounds much more focussed than the pcm engine. In fact if you listen to a channel classics dsd track, the focus is mesmerising. I am using we replica 274b recti with 101d's.

I don't anticipate that golden gate will ever sound as focussed as a Trinity or a DCS - I believe that the ss topology leads to this precision whereas the dht output stage reduces that absolute precision. However - I don't think that the ultra precise and over focussed presentation is actually representative of real life even though I would agree that it sounds truly amazing and sometimes daw dropping. I personally try to voice my system as natural as possible but feel that there is a very narrow margin between precision and musicality. Getting that balance right is what sets the greatest systems apart IMHO.

 

[Audiocrack]

Audiocrack - I would agree with you regarding your comment on focus not being a strong point of the Shun Mooks. The only issue imho is that stillpoints can often sound super focussed and dynamic, which excites in the short term but does not sound natural and easy in the longer term.

I will try a test when my golden gate arrives as I have stillpoints ultra 5s and ultra diamond resonators.

In terms of focus of the golden gate I can't comment as yet but can about the big 7. Ime, dsd sounds much more focussed than the pcm engine. In fact if you listen to a channel classics dsd track, the focus is mesmerising. I am using we replica 274b recti with 101d's.

I don't anticipate that golden gate will ever sound as focussed as a Trinity or a DCS - I believe that the ss topology leads to this precision whereas the dht output stage reduces that absolute precision. However - I don't think that the ultra precise and over focussed presentation is actually representative of real life even though I would agree that it sounds truly amazing and sometimes daw dropping. I personally try to voice my system as natural as possible but feel that there is a very narrow margin between precision and musicality. Getting that balance right is what sets the greatest systems apart IMHO.

Thanks Audiophile Bill. I agree with you on all points! Going to a concert hall - in my case in particular "het concertgebouw" in Amsterdam - I never think about focussing because everything sounds so natural that you don't give a damn in which row a clarinet or oboe is being played. So indeed in a sense this is all audiophile 'babbling'.

Btw, Trinity is imho not exaggerating in this regard.

Miguel of Tripoint Audio was using quite a few Stillpoint is his system before he introduced the Tripoint emperor and Thor se grounding cables. After inserting last mentioned items in his system he removed all Stillpoints because they sounded in his set up unnatural and (somewhat) bright. So I believe I can understand what you are saying about the Stillpoints although I have never tried them in any of my systems.

 

[Audiocrack]

P

Audiocrack - I would agree with you regarding your comment on focus not being a strong point of the Shun Mooks. The only issue imho is that stillpoints can often sound super focussed and dynamic, which excites in the short term but does not sound natural and easy in the longer term.

I will try a test when my golden gate arrives as I have stillpoints ultra 5s and ultra diamond resonators.

In terms of focus of the golden gate I can't comment as yet but can about the big 7. Ime, dsd sounds much more focussed than the pcm engine. In fact if you listen to a channel classics dsd track, the focus is mesmerising. I am using we replica 274b recti with 101d's.

I don't anticipate that golden gate will ever sound as focussed as a Trinity or a DCS - I believe that the ss topology leads to this precision whereas the dht output stage reduces that absolute precision. However - I don't think that the ultra precise and over focussed presentation is actually representative of real life even though I would agree that it sounds truly amazing and sometimes daw dropping. I personally try to voice my system as natural as possible but feel that there is a very narrow margin between precision and musicality. Getting that balance right is what sets the greatest systems apart IMHO.

Forgot to mention one thing: in my admittedly limited experience so far good dsd 128 recordings sound clearly more natural and focussed than dsd 64 recordings.

 

[Audiophile Bill]

P

Forgot to mention one thing: in my admittedly limited experience so far good dsd 128 recordings sound clearly more natural and focussed than dsd 64 recordings.

At the end of the day, you have a truly world class system so I guess it is nice to be able to select the source based on mood and programme source. Those speakers of yours are to die for.

 

[Audiocrack]

At the end of the day, you have a truly world class system so I guess it is nice to be able to select the source based on mood and programme source. Those speakers of yours are to die for.

I am very priviliged indeed. Thanks for your kind words.

 

[bonzo75]

Thanks Audiophile Bill. I agree with you on all points! Going to a concert hall - in my case in particular "het concertgebouw" in Amsterdam - I never think about focussing because everything sounds so natural that you don't give a damn in which row a clarinet or oboe is being played. So indeed in a sense this is all audiophile 'babbling'.

Btw, Trinity is imho not exaggerating in this regard.

Miguel of Tripoint Audio was using quite a few Stillpoint is his system before he introduced the Tripoint emperor and Thor se grounding cables. After inserting last mentioned items in his system he removed all Stillpoints because they sounded in his set up unnatural and (somewhat) bright. So I believe I can understand what you are saying about the Stillpoints although I have never tried them in any of my systems.

In all set ups and with all components that I have geared they sounded that way. They enhance the top and bottom, and dry out the midrange, and are very unnatural.

 

[bonzo75]

Audiocrack - I would agree with you regarding your comment on focus not being a strong point of the Shun Mooks. The only issue imho is that stillpoints can often sound super focussed and dynamic, which excites in the short term but does not sound natural and easy in the longer term.

I will try a test when my golden gate arrives as I have stillpoints ultra 5s and ultra diamond resonators.

In terms of focus of the golden gate I can't comment as yet but can about the big 7. Ime, dsd sounds much more focussed than the pcm engine. In fact if you listen to a channel classics dsd track, the focus is mesmerising. I am using we replica 274b recti with 101d's.

I don't anticipate that golden gate will ever sound as focussed as a Trinity or a DCS - I believe that the ss topology leads to this precision whereas the dht output stage reduces that absolute precision. However - I don't think that the ultra precise and over focussed presentation is actually representative of real life even though I would agree that it sounds truly amazing and sometimes daw dropping. I personally try to voice my system as natural as possible but feel that there is a very narrow margin between precision and musicality. Getting that balance right is what sets the greatest systems apart IMHO.

You will be surprised. For me an image that is more palpable is more focused. Which is the lampi. But audiocrack and Mike are playing in a different league with their ground isolations and herznan, where we really have no experience

 

[Elberoth]

Anyone made the 256 DSD upsampling in Jriver work with the Lampi ?

I recently got the Jriver 21, hoping the the new 4x DoP feature would work, but no luck.

 

[Bruce B]

Anyone made the 256 DSD upsampling in Jriver work with the Lampi ?

I recently got the Jriver 21, hoping the the new 4x DoP feature would work, but no luck.

Been working for me today.

 

[Audiophile Bill]

You will be surprised. For me an image that is more palpable is more focused. Which is the lampi. But audiocrack and Mike are playing in a different league with their ground isolations and herznan, where we really have no experience

I see what you mean. I don't define focus in that way in my mind. My definition was much more about really precise image definition. Lampi is like an impressionist whereas the uber ss dacs are like Dutch golden age.

 

[Elberoth]

Been working for me today.

Are you using Jriver 21 ?

It works for me as well, but only using HQ Player.

 

[Bruce B]

Are you using Jriver 21 ?

It works for me as well, but only using HQ Player.

Yes, JRiver 21 on MacBook

 

[Elberoth]

Do you use any drivers ? I think this is where PC/Mac versions may differ.

 

[Bruce B]

Do you use any drivers ? I think this is where PC/Mac versions may differ.

The driver is the Combo Anamero something??
Not in the studio right now.

 

[Geardaddy]

Ppp

Hello Bonzo75,

I have been using various Shun Mook items such as their feet, sextet and mpingo discs for at least 10 years now so I suppose you can conclude that I am very fond of them. The reason why I am not using them under my GG dac so far is the following: if you want to be critical on the GG - and please keep in mind that I really love it, in particular dsd 128 sounds awfully good in combination with my Kondo equipment and Tidal LA loudspeakers
(have not yet tried dsd 256) - it is its focussing capabities. My Trinity combo sounds clearly more focussed and precise. Maybe it is only my set up as the LA speakers probably still need additional playing time (have around 550 hours on them) and maybe the LA's need to be repositioned in my room (and I can assure you that moving around 485 kg speakers is not particular pleasant). Or maybe it is only my GG as it was one of the very first if not the very first GG Lukasz produced. One thing the Shun Mook feet are not doing imho is better focussing. So I am sure that using Shun Mook feet under the GG would improve its performance in many aspects, but the aspect of focussing is holding me back.

So my question to all GG users is: what are your feelings about casu quo experiences with the GG regarding the aspect of focussing?

Audiocrack, the focus drifts depending on output tube choice and isolation. I am using the Starsound racks, and it improves the focus and sound staging quite a bit

 

[Geardaddy]

Audiocrack, Starsound stands will also potentially improve Tripoint performance. Just ask TBG Norm....

 

[BruceD]

Yes, I have owned the SM record clamp and loved it but a friend of mine tried it out and loved it so much that I never saw it back. Anyway, I agree with you that this clamp is very good. According to some the Dalby record clamp is even (and clearly) better but I neverd heard that clamp.

What is your feeling about the aspect focussing and SM?

Using the Tripoint Troy se and in particular the Tripoint emperor made me much more aware of the importance of focussing in my two systems and although I like the SM items very much - after all I am still using them after so many years - focussing is in my view, as mentioned before, not their strongest point.

Hi Again AC, Yes I was offered the Dalby by Music Score--but happy with the SM-- re focussing that is indeed shade complex to fully sort with sound I feel ---and for another thread in the future--

I don't want to lose sight of the original Poster adage --which is the Lampi GG

We've digressed--maybe another time to continue our thoughts/etc on the SM's

Finally re the Pricing of the Clamp Bonzo-- mentioned --it is $2800 USD from SM direct in the US

Good listening

BruceD

 

[Audiophile Bill]

Hi Guys,

I am upsampling to 256 dsd using foobar - never have a drop out. I also have tried upsampling my dsd to dsd 256 successfully.

In all cases, I prefer upsampled to 256. Ymmv.

 

[Audiocrack]

Audiocrack, Starsound stands will also potentially improve Tripoint performance. Just ask TBG Norm....

Thanks Geardaddy. Miguel is working on special dedicated platforms (that can also be grounded) for under the Tripoint Troy and Emperor units. Really looking forward to these devices as they promise to be something very special.

Btw, my Troy signature is supported by a Halcyonics/Accurion micro 40 magnetic decoupler and I really like what it is doing for the Troy signature.

As mentioned before I have not yet tried any tube rolling with my GG dac but I fully believe you that different tubes really matter, including with regard to the aspect of focussing we have been talking about lately in this thread.