Totaldac Reference D1

[wizard]

For us who like to listen to analog sources:

The next product from Totaldac should be an A/D converter, or a digital phono stage using the same technology as D1.
Or just add a analog input on the D1 - maybe possible?

 

[totaldac]

Those who want to use an analog source with the Totaldac (as a DAC/preamp or as a digital crossover) can use an external Analog to Digital converter connected in one of the 4 Totaldac digital inputs.
This is an example of external A/D converter:

http://www.mytekdigital.com/products/stereo192adc.htm

 

[wizard]

A new version of the D1 is available soon - D1 Tube.
Price €6960.

 

[LL21]

A new version of the D1 is available soon - D1 Tube.
Price €6960.

Now that is intriguing...is this being presented as an alternative to the original...or better?

 

[Glory]

Is it more $$$?

 

[LL21]

Is it more $$$?

Just checked...tube DAC is less. Dual DAC is Eur9900 vs Tube DAC 6960.

 

[wizard]

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[dallasjustice]

Looks like you have the updated version. I can see the shield. If these pix are of yours, I would love to hear your impression. The top is not easy to get off.

 

[wizard]

View attachment 8866

This D1-Dual will be reviewed by Leo Yeh in Taiwan.

 

[dallasjustice]

I wanted to update almost a year later. I am still loving my totaldac. I've recently tried some very expensive high performance pre-amps against the totaldac direct to dac. I tried the Krell 202 via CAST to the Krell 900e monoblocks. The 202 is very transparent but I felt a slight contraction of space in the recording with the 202. The other pre amp I don't want to mention because it would **** my local dealer off if I did. Its a very highly regarded (magazine reviewers cadre). The totaldac was significantly better without it interposed. All I can say is that you probably won't improve the resolution of your system if you use a pre after totaldac. All of this testing was done in a supremely resolving room\system.

Vincent showed very well in Munich! Here is a link.

Vincent is now building totaldac dual d1 monoblox. Twice the awesomeness! I am going to get a pair later this summer. I will post my impressions when I get them. I will also get a dual aes out d1 reclocker at that time to feed the DAC monoblox.

 

[totaldac]

Hi Dallasjustice,
Let me add an online photo of the Munich show.
Your link contains the comments of journalists, probably more to come.

 

[Elberoth]

Dallasjustice,

I put the TotalDAC in my system yestarday, and so far - I like what I'm hearing. I have my system setup with BADA Alpha DAC II and Spectral DMA-260 right now (into the Magico S5).

I have intercepted a DAC that was sent in for a review for a friend of mine (works for highfidelity.pl / 6moons), but hopefully - I will be able to keep it for a couple more days.

 

[AudioExplorations]

Adam, what are the lead contestants for your system (dac, amp, speakers) from all the gear you have been testing?

 

[Elberoth]

That is a good question ! I wish I knew the answer.

My Sashas are sold now (as is my darTZeel and Scarlatti), and on my short list I put Alexia, Magico Q3/S5 and Rockoprt Avior. I have Magico S5 loaners right now.

After I settle on the speakers, I will look for a suitable amp and source component.

 

[dallasjustice]

Which version? Is it the dual d1? If so, you shouldn't have any trouble driving the Spectral. Still being a fan of multi bit DACs, I am sure Keith Johnson would be proud a discrete r2r ladder dac is driving his gear.

I know you use the BADA USB. Notwithstanding a well done USB implementation, the totaldac works best via AES, if you have a good converter. I also use the BADA USB with my totaldac over AES.

Dallasjustice,

I put the TotalDAC in my system yestarday, and so far - I like what I'm hearing. I have my system setup with BADA Alpha DAC II and Spectral DMA-260 right now (into the Magico S5).

I have intercepted a DAC that was sent in for a review for a friend of mine (works for highfidelity.pl / 6moons), but hopefully - I will be able to keep it for a couple more days.

 

[Elberoth]

Yes, I have the dual d1. I'm currently driving it with RCA XLO Limited digital cable (with BNC/RCA adapter at BADA end) as I loaned my AES cable to a friend. Need to get it back

I'm using its RCA outputs (Spectral prefered connection), so basicly I'm only using half of the DAC now. But I also got a pair of XLR to RCA adaptors from Vincent, custom made for d1-dual DAC. I believe they use transformers to get the unbalanced signal from the balanced outs, and supposedly improve its single ended performance.

Did you try those in your system ?

 

[asiufy]

That is a good question ! I wish I knew the answer.

My Sashas are sold now (as is my darTZeel and Scarlatti), and on my short list I put Alexia, Magico Q3/S5 and Rockoprt Avior. I have Magico S5 loaners right now.

After I settle on the speakers, I will look for a suitable amp and source component.

What a shame you sold the darTZeel. The S5 would've loved it, and so would you... The Q3 too


alexandre

 

[dallasjustice]

Adam,
I've tried the d1 dual on both single ended (Dartzeel 108) and balanced amps (Soulution 710 and Krell 900e). I am currently using the Krell 900e. Of course, it sounds best balanced. But I used the balanced input on the Dartzeel 108 and it sounded glorious. I even had several friends over at my house after the Lone Star Audio Fest a couple weeks ago and I think everyone was impressed with the Dartzeel/TotalDac combo.

As you know, the 108's balanced input is not direct coupled and not the best input to use. I don't know about the Spectral. Is there a trafo behind it's balanced input? If so, I don't think you would benefit from an adapter, but Vincent would be the best person to ask about that.

One thing I am confident about: Using a pre-amp after the dual d1 will only reduce resolution; no matter the pre-amp. Tubes may give it that tube sound, but they will not increase the "space" of the recording. I went back and re-read my comments from almost a year ago and I vividly remember my first impression of the totaldac. The thing that struck me was the "spacey" sound (as Vincent calls it). The totaldac is excellent at retrieving the low level transients. I know that doesn't sound impressive, but when I close my eyes and try to imagine that I am at the Dallas Meyerson, it's much easier to do so with all of that low level detail and beautiful reverb tail. I hope you enjoy your time with the TotalDac.

Michael.

Yes, I have the dual d1. I'm currently driving it with RCA XLO Limited digital cable (with BNC/RCA adapter at BADA end) as I loaned my AES cable to a friend. Need to get it back

I'm using its RCA outputs (Spectral prefered connection), so basicly I'm only using half of the DAC now. But I also got a pair of XLR to RCA adaptors from Vincent, custom made for d1-dual DAC. I believe they use transformers to get the unbalanced signal from the balanced outs, and supposedly improve its single ended performance.

Did you try those in your system ?

 

[edorr]

Yes, I have the dual d1. I'm currently driving it with RCA XLO Limited digital cable (with BNC/RCA adapter at BADA end) as I loaned my AES cable to a friend. Need to get it back

I'm using its RCA outputs (Spectral prefered connection), so basicly I'm only using half of the DAC now. But I also got a pair of XLR to RCA adaptors from Vincent, custom made for d1-dual DAC. I believe they use transformers to get the unbalanced signal from the balanced outs, and supposedly improve its single ended performance.

Did you try those in your system ?

How does it stack up against the MSB diamond / galaxy, your current reference if I remember correctly.

 

[dallasjustice]

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/da...-dac-series-ii-230v-2013-05-19-digital-europe