Stone,
Thanks for digging in on this new DAC. I really look forward to your impressions. Steve's descriptions are compelling! A lot of the talk is about how easy the DAC is compared to computer audio, but I am more interested in the DAC with computer, so am looking forward to your sound with your transport.
And it is true, if you need to reinvent the wheel, computers can be a big deal. But I don’t think it is bad now that a lot of us have finally winnowed through maze and found the important necessities. A lot of it is like other components...good power, a quiet computer (including known settings for quiet operation), vibration management, quiet cables....then you can do a USB power source to DAC or SDIF converter, a RAM disk for decent player software..and a really good DAC. The right basic stuff sounds really good here and might take a few hours to set up.
Most of the effort is converting files, which direct play from Steve's DAC needs.
Considering that, like Beowulf, I enjoy the computer interface quite a lot, hundreds of error corrected albums with nice album graphics, easily adjustable (and seen) playlists, and potential for very good tonal adjustments.
For me, subtle EQ across the spectrum for final system/room adjustment and tastes is a big deal. Aligned with the player software, it is transparent and easy, applied directly on the music data before DAC, basically mastering the whole collection to system, room and tastes. This took experimenting and effort, but here it is actually beyond a serious component upgrade in sound refinement because it is working within the framework of the sound everything else has arrived at…pulling it all together with finesse, and then taking it further.
The Torii MKIV adjusts really well with the switches, knobs and with five tube sets, but little EQs across the spectrum take my sound to places the amp alone can't go. And the whole computer rig can cost less than good EQ boxes. So for me, the computer is not just a nice interface, it can be an articulate refinement tool.... a "finishing" tool.
I wonder how Steve's DAC would sound with it?????
When it gets this good, I can't imagine getting Redbook much better than my current setup with the Tranquility DAC, but so far I am impressed that things can always get better. To make Rebook like analog masters, blind-tests by smart folks with good ears created the Tranquility. In the face of Hi Rez popularity, they could not get better sound than that of a really well implemented NOS chip, knowing this would limit their market. But it worked, they made Rebook great when most didn’t think it possible. Just a few years ago, that seems ages in DAC time.
Then the Torii MKIV was an unexpected and crazy connection, pulling more of what was already extraordinary micro detail from the DAC. Like they are made for each other, the balance, tonal density, open spaciousness, smoothness, ultra-complex micro detail, and associated lucidity....every phrase grabs me. I think this is from a number of improvements on the Torii, but with the new reconstructive feedback…if the DAC has the fine detail, the MKIV can pull it.
So like you with your Chord, for the new DAC to win.....may be difficult.... But also like you, I hope it does! The output transformer is bound to be great, and voicing to match Steve's tape rig...well......that could blow our minds!
I have not been tempted by High Rez or a new DAC my Redbook is so satisfying. But when Steve comes up with something.....I get tempted.
Really glad yours is coming soon! Looking forward to what you hear!
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