Just upgraded from the Playback Designs Merlot DAC to the Playback Designs Edelweiss MPD-6 DAC. The Merlot DAC is very good, The Edelweiss MPD-6 DAC is even better, another level of transparency and separation. A very nice upgrade to the system.
Thanks for the comments milpai. Regarding the Playback Design Merlot. It is an extremely good DAC, IMHO. Detailed, highly resolving, but still very musical with NO digital edge to it. There are a lot of great DAC's, but if you have heard Playback Design DAC's, they are the most analogue, musical sounding digital reproduction I have heard. The Merlot delivers a significant portion of the PBD sound. Too bad they stopped making them, because their entry level DAC is now pretty pricey, but you can find used Merlot's from time to time. I upgraded to an Edelweiss MPD-6. Comparing it to the Merlot, I would say you gain transparency, air, and some increased imaging and separation with the Edelweiss, but the Merlot is no slouch. Hope that is useful.
Thanks tcutter for the info on the WB speaker line. I've heard them at shows and concur with your assessment. Extremely high tech and innovative use of materials, but not well known in the US. Love that you had some older model KEF speakers. I had my 107's redone with new wiring and crossover components. Made an already good speaker much better IMHO. Thanks again.
Thanks jond. I checked out your system page. I'm a big fan of Audio Note speakers and the tube gear looks awesome with some nice upgrades! Congratulations on a great looking system!
Hi, highend 64. Thanks for the comment. I had GIK do the entire room design and I followed their recommendations. Because of windows, CD shelves and a front door on the rear wall, it was not feasible to properly treat the rear wall behind the listening position. I think the rear wall treatment is preferable, but as long as one wall, front or back, is properly treated, you get the same acoustic benefit by killing and diffusing reflections. GIK recommended the front wall treatments and the results have been excellent! What is not shown in the pictures are celing absorption panels and a diffuser/absorber on the opposite side wall, which are also beneficial. In this room size, bass absorption is critical as you likely have found out. I was amazed at how the bass improved with the traps recommended by GIK. GIK does a free consultation and room design. Of course, they hope you will buy their stuff but it was a major improvement to what I had in place before. Hope that is helpful.
