4 years ago I was unhappy with the sound of my car system compared to my home systems. I was using a highly rated head unit and CD changer, but the sound quality was poor. I started to experiment with DACs in the car inspired by Wes Philips of Stereophile. One of my first attempts was a Sony Discman with Toslink out into a Cal Gamma DAC. The sound was fabulous. One of my first tweaks was a Theta TLC which really improved the highs and bass. I then read an artice in Audio Electronics by Gary Galo called "Optimizing the S/PDIF". He discussed the importance of using a true 75 ohm cable with BNC connectors. I then made 75 ohm cables with BNC connectors with parts from The Parts Connection. I modified my DAC and TLC by adding 75 ohm BNC connectors. The sound improvement was as large as adding the TLC. I recently removed the BNC cables and hard wired 75 ohm cable between the "jitter boxes". This was another significant improvement. In the last year I have slowly replaced the Kimber PBJ interconnects with Cardas Cables. Cardas Crosslink is the same price as the PBJ, but much richer with greater harmonics. However, my favorite Cardas is the Neutral Reference. I would appreciate any upgrade ideas any of you have. Thanks
Well, actually both of you: I don't have a comment in reference to what I like or dislike about these systems. But I have a question instead. What cars are these systems installed in??
I almost have the same system. I am using the TLC for jitter reduction into a CAL GAMMA PIE. Are you using multiple TLC and another unit to boot? I spoke with the designer at Theta he believed benefit could be had up to 12 in series. I am using Tera Labs cables, AIR 3 for interdconnects, Decade for digital and Prime 1000 & 500 to all the speakers. For an upgrade in the next month I would suggest looking at the Image Dynamics new ID1 digital preamp/eg/Xover/dac. After talking with the director of thier engineering I believe this to be our answers to everything. It even decodes SACD! Also throw away that damn Audio source @^%%& I tried every product they make and they all cluttered up my signal path. If you get an ID1 you wont need the EQ. My other thoughts were a ... whoa I huh don't mind telling someone of the same level of sonic disease a few secerts but not the world. I do have a few other tricks that are easy and cheap and would help out with your 3Ds or depth and placement. Find my E-mail and contact me.
