Totaldac Direct vs Totaldac 7? What are sonic differences? What are technical differences for one to choose one model over another?

[caesar]

What are sonic differences between these 2 models?

What are technical differences for one to choose one model over another?

Also, confused about the Totaldac server vs. reclocker. Under what circumstances should one get one over the other?

 

[BF38]

Hi ceasar,
from my point of view, there are 2 Musically distinct ranges in Totaldac offer, one with output stage and another without ... the d1-seven is the THDG with output stage and the d1-direct, the first of the other, a kind of one-box d1-twelve ! And to be passed, last year from this Seven to the Direct my feeling is that the musical message is expressed with more freedom feeling, more humanity, we are getting even closer to the intentions musicians, even more incarnate ! Technically, I find more harmonic depth, fluidity & articulation, certainly more transparency. In the other side, the strong point of the d1-seven is its versatility what ever the system and a nice feeling of macro-dynamics.

Personally, I much prefer the d1-direct, on my system, I dive more and more easily into music.
Here for my personal feelings

It's nothing and it's all.
be in music.

PS : about the d1- server & the Reclocker, it's easy, the server (now Streamer) is a reclocker with an embedded network card.
here a review of the d1-streamer :
https://twitteringmachines.com/review-totaldac-d1-streamer/

 

[CKKeung]

Agree with BF38 completely!

Totaldac Seven has an improved output stage and excels in macrodynamics.

However I think that the Twelve and the Direct have magic because of their omission of the output stage.
Their transparency, agility and realness surpass other Totaldac models significantly.

BTW the Totaldac Reclocker can be easily ignored but it is integrated into the Twelve DAC and contributes to the greatness of Twelve.
All non-TwelveTotaldac users should consider adding a Reclocker as upgrade.
For example, adding a Reclocker to the Direct will make it performs much closer to the Twelve.

 

[BF38]

Right, CKKeung... sometimes forgotten because often integrated, the Totaldac reclocker is a masterpiece and not only on a Totaldac source system and now, i think that the new Live Power line is also clearly signifiniant for the musical soul !

 

[CKKeung]

Right, CKKeung... sometimes forgotten because often integrated, the Totaldac reclocker is a masterpiece and not only on a Totaldac source system and now, i think that the new Live Power line is also clearly signifiniant for the musical soul !

Hello BF38,
You have upgraded to the new Live Power transformers?
Pls share with us its effect.
Thanks!

 

[BF38]

Not Already for me but some friends, yes!... with the same nice feeling.
i'm now waiting for mine, a Live Power with 3 outputs to feed d1-server (double alim) and d1-direct.

I'll share my feeling in a few weeks !

 

[cat6man]

If you were going to upgrade one (either d1direct or reclocker) to the Live Power supply, which one would benefit the most?

Vincent: do you have a view on the relative benefits of where to put the Live Power first?

 

[BF38]

that is the question.

 

[totaldac]

It helps both the DAC and streamers, hard to say which one in priority.

 

[BF38]

In the other side, here, do we really need to know that before buying?....if as i imagine this new Live Power is compatible with all Totaldac devices (server, reclocker, dac), you just need to buy one, try it on every item and leave it on the top best sound combination and hop !

sometimes life is complicated and sometimes not !

Be in music

 

[cat6man]

In the other side, here, do we really need to know that before buying?....if as i imagine this new Live Power is compatible with all Totaldac devices (server, reclocker, dac), you just need to buy one, try it on every item and leave it on the top best sound combination and hop !

sometimes life is complicated and sometimes not !

Be in music

unless 1+1 = 3, in which case having just one power supply upgraded would be decidedly sub-optimal.

 

[BF38]

AAArrrgh, it's a terrific news, you kill me mister Cat6man !

 

[BF38]

Hi,
visual update of my définitive triumvirate source, d1-player, server & direct which can also evaluate itself
in a quartet if we integrate the d1-driver (the d1 box under the player box) !

I am reasonable, I would book the d1-twelve for when I would be an big good boy!

It's nothing and all
be in music

 

[CKKeung]

My view is similar to this new review :
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2019/09/totaldac-d1-direct-d1-seven-d1-driver.html?m=1#more

 

[BF38]

Mine too... the couple d1-direct / driver is just amazing !

 

[totaldac]

See here, the d1-driver was used here and got "best sound" for this show

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/thre...e-crème-de-la-crème.27433/page-61#post-600245