Master Fidelity NADAC DAC and Clock
- Thread starter Davidny
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why not a Grimm MU1 as server/streamer? If the MU1's upsampling isn't wanted, that can be turned off.
I was fortunate to get my NADAC DAC & Clock about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Burn in takes patience. Although it sounds quite good out of the box (better than the Tambaqui) it takes 2+ weeks to start reaching its potential. I’m now hearing at home what I heard at GTT Audio. This is an exceptional DAC. I’m hypnotized by the music, I no longer think about the gear!
Here’s a review from Greg Weaver, who does a far better job describing what he’s hearing than I ever could.
Here’s a review from Greg Weaver, who does a far better job describing what he’s hearing than I ever could.
Congratulations Davidny! I have heard these NADACs really shine with DSD. Can you describe sound / improvements while streaming Qobuz files? Thanks!
Hi fast freight, and thank you. To answer your question, and then some:
1. Everything (streaming, locally stored files, CD quality, hi-res files) sounds much better, but that’s not saying much since my comparison point is the Tambaqui at 1/4 of the price.
2. I’ve found generally (because there are exceptions based on how well the recording was engineered and archived) the hierarchy of the best sounding music starts with locally stored, modern (within the last ~15 years) recordings at high resolution (DSD64 or 96/24 and above) followed by high-res recordings of older recordings. As much as I love the convenience of streaming, I’ve found for the same piece of music at the same resolution locally stored sounds better than streaming. I have no idea why. And I don’t know where a modern CD/SACD player ranks having abandoned my Soulution SACD player with external clock for a better sounding Roon on a MacBookPro 6 years ago.
So, on the NADAC the very best sound that comes the closest I can imagine to the mic feed or a live performance is listening to locally stored files in DXD (352.8/24 or 32, or DSD256 or 512). On the NADAC, listening to the same recording in DSD sounds a touch smoother, spacious, more beautiful particularly in 512 v 256, whereas DXD has a touch more sharpness. So it’s a matter of taste and the recording.
If interested check out this link
spiritofturtle.com
This guy has been at the forefront of high resolution digital recording. He records music using the NADAC clock and professional equipment from Merging Technologies which was built by the people who founded Master Fidelity. You may not like the type of music he records but his hi-res music files sound exceptional, particularly on the NADAC. Other sites like NativeDSD have a much wider selection of hi-res music.
I first heard digitized music visiting a company called Soundstream in Salt Lake City in the early 1980’s. And ever since I’ve been a believer of the potential of digital music, and in comparison to analog. Clearly there have been numerous, major improvements in technology for reproduced music on digital and vinyl. And it’s encouraging to see much discussion recently on this website of many new products in the digital domain.
But for me the NADAC is a big step to fulfilling the potential of digital music reproduction.
1. Everything (streaming, locally stored files, CD quality, hi-res files) sounds much better, but that’s not saying much since my comparison point is the Tambaqui at 1/4 of the price.
2. I’ve found generally (because there are exceptions based on how well the recording was engineered and archived) the hierarchy of the best sounding music starts with locally stored, modern (within the last ~15 years) recordings at high resolution (DSD64 or 96/24 and above) followed by high-res recordings of older recordings. As much as I love the convenience of streaming, I’ve found for the same piece of music at the same resolution locally stored sounds better than streaming. I have no idea why. And I don’t know where a modern CD/SACD player ranks having abandoned my Soulution SACD player with external clock for a better sounding Roon on a MacBookPro 6 years ago.
So, on the NADAC the very best sound that comes the closest I can imagine to the mic feed or a live performance is listening to locally stored files in DXD (352.8/24 or 32, or DSD256 or 512). On the NADAC, listening to the same recording in DSD sounds a touch smoother, spacious, more beautiful particularly in 512 v 256, whereas DXD has a touch more sharpness. So it’s a matter of taste and the recording.
If interested check out this link
The importance of an accurate clock signal in digital recording and pl
History From the early days of digital audio, I had the pleasure to be involved in the research & development activities of several hardware manufacturers. In 1989, the time that I was Producer/Engineer at Channel Classics (NL), I got the wonderful task to coordinate our distribution activities...
spiritofturtle.com
I first heard digitized music visiting a company called Soundstream in Salt Lake City in the early 1980’s. And ever since I’ve been a believer of the potential of digital music, and in comparison to analog. Clearly there have been numerous, major improvements in technology for reproduced music on digital and vinyl. And it’s encouraging to see much discussion recently on this website of many new products in the digital domain.
But for me the NADAC is a big step to fulfilling the potential of digital music reproduction.
Hi again,Hi fast freight, and thank you. To answer your question, and then some:
1. Everything (streaming, locally stored files, CD quality, hi-res files) sounds much better, but that’s not saying much since my comparison point is the Tambaqui at 1/4 of the price.
2. I’ve found generally (because there are exceptions based on how well the recording was engineered and archived) the hierarchy of the best sounding music starts with locally stored, modern (within the last ~15 years) recordings at high resolution (DSD64 or 96/24 and above) followed by high-res recordings of older recordings. As much as I love the convenience of streaming, I’ve found for the same piece of music at the same resolution locally stored sounds better than streaming. I have no idea why. And I don’t know where a modern CD/SACD player ranks having abandoned my Soulution SACD player with external clock for a better sounding Roon on a MacBookPro 6 years ago.
So, on the NADAC the very best sound that comes the closest I can imagine to the mic feed or a live performance is listening to locally stored files in DXD (352.8/24 or 32, or DSD256 or 512). On the NADAC, listening to the same recording in DSD sounds a touch smoother, spacious, more beautiful particularly in 512 v 256, whereas DXD has a touch more sharpness. So it’s a matter of taste and the recording.
If interested check out this link
This guy has been at the forefront of high resolution digital recording. He records music using the NADAC clock and professional equipment from Merging Technologies which was built by the people who founded Master Fidelity. You may not like the type of music he records but his hi-res music files sound exceptional, particularly on the NADAC. Other sites like NativeDSD have a much wider selection of hi-res music.The importance of an accurate clock signal in digital recording and pl
History From the early days of digital audio, I had the pleasure to be involved in the research & development activities of several hardware manufacturers. In 1989, the time that I was Producer/Engineer at Channel Classics (NL), I got the wonderful task to coordinate our distribution activities...
I first heard digitized music visiting a company called Soundstream in Salt Lake City in the early 1980’s. And ever since I’ve been a believer of the potential of digital music, and in comparison to analog. Clearly there have been numerous, major improvements in technology for reproduced music on digital and vinyl. And it’s encouraging to see much discussion recently on this website of many new products in the digital domain.
But for me the NADAC is a big step to fulfilling the potential of digital music reproduction.
Thanks for that great feedback and references. What streamer are you using and I assume USB? Since I have the Tambaqui, I think your comparisons and evaluations are extremely helpful, if not expensive!
I have had a host of streamers audition for my Tambaqui and all have left.The JCAT S1 sounded the best, but I chose not to keep it. I have sold the Aries G2 and the Aurender N20. I still have a Grimm MU1 which I like a lot, and using that in my second system with the Makua w/ Tambaqui. I want to try the Oladra, but not sure if its USB is the best should I go with NADAC.
Wow you’ve tried a lot. I’ve heard the MU1 / Tambaqui and it’s very impressive.
My system is listed in my signature below. I haven’t changed anything because the NADAC is optimized for USB.
I can laugh at myself because I’m still using the same, outdated set up to fulfill the server / streamer functions. But overall my digital sounds so good it doesn’t matter. Until of course the next great idea presents itself.
At this end of the spectrum trying for the very best is a crazy expensive pursuit, so it’s important to choose wisely. I learned a long time ago that particularly in digital better price performance is a constant. So being patient is a real virtue. For example I really enjoyed my Tambaqui for almost 6 years, and as of today it’s still a great product.
My system is listed in my signature below. I haven’t changed anything because the NADAC is optimized for USB.
I can laugh at myself because I’m still using the same, outdated set up to fulfill the server / streamer functions. But overall my digital sounds so good it doesn’t matter. Until of course the next great idea presents itself.
At this end of the spectrum trying for the very best is a crazy expensive pursuit, so it’s important to choose wisely. I learned a long time ago that particularly in digital better price performance is a constant. So being patient is a real virtue. For example I really enjoyed my Tambaqui for almost 6 years, and as of today it’s still a great product.
Marcus, have you had the opportunity to hear the NADAC D yet?
Yes, certainly
The NADAC D has been running here for approx. 200 hours now.
This is indeed a special product.
Overall, it's probably one of the most complete and invisible components within this segment that I've experienced. It's dead silent and highly transparent, resolved and balanced with no apparent restrictions in terms of dynamics and headroom. This is not a product to choose if you're looking for any particular characteristics though, where it demands a high level system which is already well balanced and in harmony.
The price is high, but based on my experience the real competitors on this elevated level are very few on todays market.
Any specific questions, please ask.
/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se
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A thumbs up from Dr David Robinson of Positive Feedback
positive-feedback.com
Impressions: A Postcard From New Jersey about GTT Audio - Positive Feedback
GTT Audio
positive-feedback.com
Well, A thumbs up for Bill and GTT Audio. I visited only a couple of weeks ago. I now have a pair of shiny gloss black Vivid Giya 2s in my system!A thumbs up from Dr David Robinson of Positive Feedback
Impressions: A Postcard From New Jersey about GTT Audio - Positive Feedback
GTT Audio
And I have the Nadac pair on order.
Bill's showrooms and hospitality are bar none. As I am familiar with much of the gear, listening was both familiar and astonishing. The big room, with the Moyas- WOW. I have never heard speakers of any size disappear like tis. I suggest they offer that disappearing blue color with screens behind so you actually can not see them! Then, as I was considering the G1 Spirits vs the G2s, both of his other great rooms. Of course the Spirits are amazing, but I opted for the G2s as they fit better in my room. I am not disappointed. The play rich and deep and resolve and oh well, they are fantastic. Of course I will have to wait fo the Nadacs, but anticipation is the name of the game. And, I get to fully appreciate the Giyas for now.
I am also looking for the USB output streamer of choice for the Nadacs. I have a Grimm MU1, and love it with my Tambaqui as so many do. I will keep it in my other system; it sounds great there with my Makua / Tambaqui, and runs Roon Core. Any thoughts on great USB output streamer are appreciated.
Bill's service is top notch. He opened his home / showroom to me for my exclusive audition. He delivered and installed my new speakers with efficiency and expertise. And to boot, he has the best stuff!
Congratulations. Making the choice based upon your room is very wise.
regarding the streamer, I've been reading about this one, but have no experience (uses JPLAY instead of Roon, but does support Qobuz and Tidal): https://jcat.eu/product/xact-s1-evo/
Hello, I have actually had the S1 Streamer form JCAT / XACT in my system. I used with my Tambaqui, and can easily say it was the best sounding streamer I have critically listened to in my system. (Aries G2 w Sean Jacobs PS, Tambaqui Bridge, Aurender N20, Grimm MU1). But I did not keep it, as no Roon. I may revisit this decision! I have not heard the Oladra, and have only heard of a new PF streamer optimized for Roon. Meanwhile,
the G2series 2 Giyas keep amazing me. The lower midrange and bass are most obvious. But imaging and delicate sounds keep surprising me!
No, it is their own Linux based OS:
My Pinkfaun 2.16 ultra experience
I will update the match dual pink（ultra usb）with wadax reference（psu and akasa cable） later through my Wechat Media of China. Then will post some information here. Looking forward for your impressions. Your signature also states you have a Taiko Extreme SGM, have you compared it to your Pink...
www.whatsbestforum.com
I have the new Pink Faun OS installed on my 2.16 Ultra with the Ultra USB bridge going into a Tambaqui. It sounds wonderful and in my opinion bests the Stylus OS.No, it is their own Linux based OS:
My Pinkfaun 2.16 ultra experience
I will update the match dual pink（ultra usb）with wadax reference（psu and akasa cable） later through my Wechat Media of China. Then will post some information here. Looking forward for your impressions. Your signature also states you have a Taiko Extreme SGM, have you compared it to your Pink...
Thanks Goetzfam, what software(s) are you running? (Roon?) I understand there are options.
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