Realremo, reason I mention about the V-Link is because I am considering getting a V-DAC II. I have been going into PC audio but been using the headphone out as my output. You said you have use the USB input of the DLIII and was not very good sounding. At what was it sampled directly? What computer are you using? Musical Fidelity makes a V-LInk 192, have you consider it?
Highend64, in regards specifically to the PS Audio DLIII, it drastically improved the sound from my CD changer, which is where it was implemented before I got into PC audio. frequency extension, soundstage width and overall clarity, all were made better with the DLIII. It is a bit long in the tooth compared to more modern DACs, but if you implement an excellent clock in the USB/SPDIF converter, the DAC becomes less important. By the way, don't use this unit for the USB input, implementation is very bad. This is why I bought the Vlink, which improved the USB performance considerably.
i would rather have a USB/SPDIF converter that takes 44.1 signals, all my music tracks are redbook rips. The Vlink is 24/96 only. my laptop automatically up converts the music signal to 24/96 because of the vlink. I'd rather have something non-windows doing that. I'm more concerned about the converter than the DLIII right now, and I plan to upgrade the vlink to a JKSPDIF MKIII sometime soon, unless I upgrade the amp first. Both upgrade paths should improve the quality of the hi frequencies. Right now the highs are brittle, I would prefer more air. otherwise, the sound is detailed and the mids are rich. Soundstage is broad and deep. The lows could be deeper, but what I have in the low end is well controlled and accurate.
I decided to upgrade the speakers instead. I'm starting to have mild tinnitis and i want to try soft dome tweeters. Plus, if i'd bought a nice converter, my head unit's cost would have doubled what i'd spent on the bx5 speakers, and in my opinion that's not the right balance. I'm still planning on getting a converter, but not until next year. trust me, everyone on Audiogon will hear about it when it happens, at least those who care to read my posts. I always do a lot of research on this site before a purchase.
Realremo, did you end up getting the Anedio U2 SPDIF converter? I am wondering if anyone has one and what they think. If your DAC has strong jitter control, I am not sure that any converter at any price will make a difference.
System edited: Been meaning to update the system profile for a while, too many changes to mention. New speakers arriving soon, pics up before end of August.
OK, read the review, thanks, another glowing recommendation for the RX6. The current sound with my BX5s is a bit bright, and I am wondering if the RX6s will tame this at all, because I think the BX5s have the same tweeter. I was thinking about giving silk dome tweeters a go, or bringing in some Focal Chorus 800 series towers, to see if the sound improves. But the brightness could be alleviated with a set of used RX6s and an upgraded USB/SPDIF converter...ay?
what's new about them? I don't have a subscription. If they came out with an improved model, that might be why I'm seeing two sets of RX6's for sale on this site. They are fairly rare used. If I had the $$$, I'd be on the fence between used Quad 22L2s and used MA RX6s. I want to try silk dome tweeters for a while, so...
Sorry to hear about the tinnitus.Ive had it for years,,seems to be worse at times.Ive heard that certain medications can make it worse.I usually only notice it if the room is very quiet.Welcome to computer audio! Pretty happy with mine.Hard to go wrong with the MAs.Talked to a fellow online that had them ,powered with Acuphase,and was very happy!
Ray, I did just buy one, about a month ago. I have been battling fatigue in my ears, and the onset of constant ringing which might be tinnitis. Haven't been to a doctor yet. All that said, I am still enjoying the system, albeit at much lower volume! Bought a decibel meter to monitor my listening sessions. Also invested in some PC Audio gear: Pangea USB cable out of the laptop to a Vlink, then using a Lifatec glass fiber cable into the DAC. Running iTunes with Jplay. I'm pretty happy. Except for the ringing. Every listening session I have, I start thinking about how good these little MAs sound, and how pissed I'd be if I tried to upgrade and wound up not liking what I bought!
When I started my first system,I listened to many speakers in the price range of the MAs.The MAs sounded better than other brands I heard.I bought Paradigm because the dealer dropped the price.I later regreted that choice as the MAs were the better sounding speakers.The Paradigm tweeters drove me nuts!The MAs were much easier on the ears.Live and learn.The MAs are very good for the price,very well balanced IMO.Unless you are going to spend at least 3x more,you might be making a sideways move.Wise decision to keep them for a while,,,IMO. A DAC might make a nice upgrade.If you buy one new,you could get one with a return policy in case you are not happy .I bought a used Bel Canto DAC2 and am still happy I did.
Regarding a rack, my current fave is this one: http://www.standsandmounts.com/vtiblseries4shelfaudiovideoracksilverpolessilvercapsbl404ssb.aspx And regarding Monitor Audio, I have very little to compare them to, only the B&W 685s they replaced, but I think the MA's are better in every aspect except the mid-range sound, which I found to be thinner than the 685's. These certainly won't be my last speakers, but they will have to last for the next couple of years.
Fantastic system Realreamo! I used to have the 1080's predecessor (RB-991) and really enjoyed it. I bet it the Halo pre make a sweet sounding pair. I really don't like Monitor Audio however speaker choices are so completely subjective. Good luck on your rack search, finding the perfect one can be pretty frustrating.
Timrhu, that is on my list. Also I need a decent rack. I am tired of looking at plywood on metal, its gotten uglier recently. Suggested locations for treatment: 1 - behind and to either side of sitting position, in the corners 2 - directly behind the electronics, maybe 2 panels straddling the rack 3 - ??? I need something to control the high frequencies, music like Interpol and Cocteau Twins tends to ring a bit.
Great system you have there. I agree that good sound doe not need to cost a lot of money. If I could make a suggestion it would be to look at some room treatments. Companies such as ATS Acoustics (no affiliation, just a happy customer) make affordable treatments that don't hurts the aesthetics IMO.
Thanks guys. I'm planning to replace the changer with the Rotel 1055 sometime in the future, and get the Denon up into my HT system. I also dream of owning the MA RX6 someday. But in the near future I have set a goal of filling my CD shelves before I buy any more gear.
See what a little money, imagination, patience and smart buying will get ya'?!!:) AND... you have the extra shelf space for added music! Very nicely done! I purchased mine here, as well. Long live A'gon
