I received a 4 box D1-12 yesterday. They were converted from a D1-7 and a reclocker. Thanks to Vincent’s advice, I added a live power to the base 3 box configuration.
I heard many good things about the unbuffered output. That was the first to try with my amp supporting only balanced inputs and XLR cables. Using three symphonic tracks, I heard somewhat muted dynamics even at a decent volume. The music did not come alive. I was nervous and started to miss D1-7.
Then I anxiously switched over to the buffered output and lowered the volume by 7dB to match. Incidentally, that was how the HK importer connected the DAC in the pictures that started this thread. In the confine of a complete passage, it was clear that D1-12 was so special. I can include common descriptors for high fidelity, excellent musical qualities and liquidity together. That would be fitting of what I heard of the set with less than an hour of burn-in (at least the Live Power, 1 mono DAC, some ports and cables were new). My limited experience shows that the best components sound good from the start and only improve from there.
I had a dream (a.k.a. unreasonable expectation) to be able to reproduce a symphonic concert in my room. For many years coming back from a concert, I would be disappointed to listen at home. D1-12 finally closed the gap (chasm perhaps). I could feel the tension building in music and the simmering when instruments bloom out and up to fill a hall. It is not necessarily the most analog sounding digital by my account. It is better described as sounding very real. The sensation is hard to describe.
Over time the utilitarian aesthetic of Totaldac grew on me. I realized why Totaldac did not invest in exorbitant casing to pass on to customers. I started streaming local files with a Stereophile’s Class A+ DAC (nice CNC milled chassis) and still have it. When my D1-Dual went back to Vincent to become a D1-Six, I gingerly set it up as a substitute, but not for long. That DAC had been upgraded with an improved power supply, fuse elimination, digital sync, and DSD128 after the class award no less. I guess 16/44 on a D1-Dual was more compelling. This time when the D1-7 went back, I did not bother with a stand-in, knowing I would be discouraged.
For the people who have started with Totaldac, I think it is encouraging to aspire to Vincent’s creation and continued refinement. A reclocker or an all inclusive streamer is a significant boost. For the people sitting on the fence, I would suggest finding a current owner in a private setting to listen for yourself. Media reviews of competitors or even TD products are not really indicative. The setup and the taste may bear no relation to yours. I am thankful that Vincent took on this path as a business to give us much gratification. My favorite Budapest Festival Orchestra led by Ivan Fischer is coming to town this month. I am not going for a change. I can reproduce that experience for pennies.
CKKeung: You were not joking to tell it apart from another DAC in seconds. It is not hard.
sbo6: You have among the most transparent speakers on the market. Wait until you hear a D1-7, Direct or 12 on those. Mesmerizing!
