Yeah I thought that comparing only with the Auralic Vega was a bit of a letdown, specially for someone that had so many other DACs pass through.
alexandre
alexandre
Totaldac Reference D1
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I wasn't surprised at any of Michael's conclusions. I thought it was cool that Vincent's USB cable outperformed the Light Harmonic USB cable, according to Lavorgna. I have one. I can say it's the best one I've had. I had a wireworld platinum and the totaldac USB cable smoked it. Here is a picture of mine.
It's also significantly less expensive than many other USB cables and has real parts in that box. Vincent tells me they are all discrete parts to filter out computer noise. There's no ADUM USB isolator chip or any other off the shelf chips in the box.
It's also significantly less expensive than many other USB cables and has real parts in that box. Vincent tells me they are all discrete parts to filter out computer noise. There's no ADUM USB isolator chip or any other off the shelf chips in the box.
Gee, that's no surprise based on your large investment, but unfortunately he didn't compare the d1 to any of the MSB DACs, on both PCM & DSD.
The USB cable does seem like it could be a great value for DACs without good noise isolation.
Why don't you post a picture of the inside of totaldac USB box, so we can see the "real parts."
I am VERY tempted by this DAC, with the idea to complete it by Vincen't D1-SERVER when it will be available (Or an Aurender if I can't wait that much).
Even thought I am still hesitating between the Total DAC D1-Dual, WEISS 301 server+DAC & Audio research Reference DAC, I think that I may go for TotalDAC also because I like the idea of purchasing my gear from someone with who I can communicate. it is like getting "my precious" directly from the hands of it's creator
I must say that I listen to music mostly to Pop/Rock/vocals/piano, and this mostly through headphone. I have a Fostex TH900 re-wired, and I am tempted by buying a STAX SR009 + Blue Hawaii SE amp.
So, my question are
- : Has someone tested the D-1's Headphone output ? Does it offer the same sound quality than what is offered buy very high-end stand alone +1000$ headphone amps ?
- Has someone being able to compare sound quality between those 3 ( Total DAC D1-Dual, WEISS 301 server+DAC & Audio research Reference DAC ) ? Before I discovered the TotalDAC, I was leaning toward the Audioresearch REF DAC ...
- and, Is the "tube" version (D1-Tube) ment to be a cheaper version than the D1-Dual version or is it ment for people looking for a more "tube signature" ?
Thanks in advance for your advice
To be fair, I have met Daniel Weiss and he always answers my email, despite me not owning any Weiss equipment. He is very approachable.
What is your opinion on the difference in sound between the Tube and solid state D1 dac?
I've never heard the tube version. From my limited experience with tubes, i prefer transistors.
To a lesser extent, the output impedance might matter in your case. What is the input impedance of the amp you plan on driving with it?
LOLI understand!
I doubt the impedance will matter much in your case. The other factor is your amp's gain. If it's in the normal range, around 26db, the max output voltage will be enough. However, if you have a low gain amp, then you want to reconsider the tube version. Having said that, I am certain Vincent said he also offers fully balanced tube output stage. In this case, the max voltage is higher and the output impedance is lower. You should consult with Vincent on exact voltages and impedance.
1v RMS to max output is what it says on their website. It looks like the tube version could easily drive it.
The part that interested me most about this DAC, is the digital volume attenuation is done at 69 bits, and the reports about it being the first DAC to not benefit from a real high quality pre-amp.
I just don't need or want an anolog input, so have been waiting for a DAC digital volume to get to this level of performance.
I just don't need or want an anolog input, so have been waiting for a DAC digital volume to get to this level of performance.
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