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Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod (Read 12307 times)
BJF
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #50 - 02/19/21 at 17:14:32
 
Thank you to everyone for contributing to the conversation. You guys were a big help. Today I ordered a Schiit Bifrost 2. It probably won't be my last DAC, but it will get me off to a start. I settled on the Schiit Bifrost 2 for a few reasons:
1. The USB really does promise to be an improvement. And, for now, I will be connecting through the USB of my MacBook.
2. The easy upgrades seemed like a good idea--removable boards and card slot.
3. Sound wise, most feel it is between the Topping D-90 and Denafrips Aires. So I decided to start out on some middle ground until I get some experience.

I really liked the suggestion of the Cambridge streamer. That's an option I will keep an eye on for the future. Also, I really appreciated those who brought the cable quality issue to my attention. I'll start looking into that.

Thanks again!. I think I have found my people!
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piezoman
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #51 - 02/19/21 at 17:19:30
 
Hey BJF, good for you on the decision...and you've got a good plan. Indeed your choice should get you the hole-shot [racing term, lol] you're looking for. Enjoy the journey.....its all about that!

I'm just a relative novice at better equipment and more serious listening, coming back after 25 years of drought, and jumping in only 2 years ago. Ihave alot to learn. You found a goldmine here, great people with great knowledge. Members here have helped me out on a great start back into the heavens of the joys of listening, invaluable, and I wouldn't be even where I'm at now without their HUGE help.

So, its great to have another of our own here!

Brad
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CAJames
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #52 - 02/19/21 at 17:58:28
 
Quote:
Posted by: BJF      Posted on: Today at 17:14:32
...Today I ordered a Schiit Bifrost 2. It probably won't be my last DAC, but it will get me off to a start.


You have a great system on the way and your amp and speakers will amply reward you for any further upgrades you choose to make.

In the sales pitch for the amps Steve says they will never be the weak link your system, and I'll admit my first thought was "I'm sure they're nice but c'mon...." I had a pretty nice system that I replaced with UFOs and Omega SAMs because it was literally wearing out. My hope was I could get similar quality for less than I spent back in the day but I got a new system that blew it away. It has (almost) ruined me for headphone listening because it has the same or better resolution as my (pretty nice) headphone setup and it has me thinking many dangerous thoughts about future upgrades.

Which is just a roundabout way of saying enjoy your new gear, and if you choose to continue your journey enjoy that trip as well.
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Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E
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ArtMan
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #53 - 02/19/21 at 18:14:56
 
Doug, the Denafrips Pontus loads the bit stream into memory and then re-clocks the stream from memory. The absence of glare is one of the first things you will notice when playing through the DAC. Be aware that the default setting for phase reversal will be reverse phase. Just press the button on and off and you will be able to hear the correct phase. Light on is normal phase. You might also want to upgrade the power cord. The DAC is revealing enough that any change you make will be easily heard.

You likely will be impressed with the Pontus.
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will
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #54 - 02/19/21 at 18:15:47
 
Yes indeed BJF. You are in for some fun! Wink
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Dominick
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #55 - 02/19/21 at 18:42:00
 
Congratulations on your choice of the Bifrost 2.  I have been very happy with mine.   It’s a great sounding DAC to my ears with nice detail.  Just a heads up...when hear a click on the unit...it’s due to the change in the bitrate.  It’s completely normal and the DAC is functioning properly.  When playing music of all the same bitrate, you will not hear anything.

I just got notified that my Torii’s status went to parts pulled so I’m  totally stoked...so it’s likely that I have another month before it’s build.  I’ll report back at a later point in time, but I’ll now get to her how well this DAC sounds with the a more revealing system.

You will be very pleased with the USB input.  It’s definitely very refined.  The DAC sounded really good out of th box, but after a few days of regular use, it will open up nicely.  

Dom
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Steve Deckert
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #56 - 02/22/21 at 04:00:41
 

In keeping with the title of this post, and knowing the budget, I will assume that the DAC will be directly connected to the Zen Triode amplifier.  That makes more sense on a budget because the price of the preamp would just cut into the money spent on the DAC.  We all know the source is the most important component so any time you can spend double on the source vs. half on the source and half on the preamp, you are better to spend double on the source.

Running direct into the amplifier many will use the volume control on the amp to control the volume.  Some will have DAC's with variable outputs and use the volume control on the amp as a gain control. Either way, those who have more gain to work with will usually enjoy the best density, weight and dynamics irregardless of what chip technology is used in the DAC.

So in summary, DAC's with optionally more than 2 volts of output would have an advantage.


-Steve

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BJF
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #57 - 02/24/21 at 23:16:17
 
Thank you for the input, Steve. After reading your post, I checked the specs  for my dac: Maximum Output: 2.0V RMS single-ended and 4.0V RMS balanced. I am getting the XLR balanced option on my Zen, so balanced XLR in this case looks like a nice advantage over single-ended.  

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Blueone302
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #58 - 02/24/21 at 23:17:44
 
I kind of feel like I may be rehashing, but the more I think about it, I may be in the second stage....  or at least I feel like I may be moving into a different stage in my 2 channel listening life.  And I'm okay with that.  I've gone from thinking I might have to give it all up a year ago to the point of rebounding and can now consider a listening room addition.  At this moment and at the minimum, I need more Amp considering the size of the area I'm currently using.  (670 Sq Ft Open Area)  Rig is situated on the right side of space, but space is wide open.   If we build the addition, we're talking !6X28X9.

I've been down this road before.  My exuberance got the best of me and I ended up spending hundreds of dollars shipping speakers back and forth across the country.

After reading all the input.  I really do think the best situation in my situation and for my main room is to wait on AMP.  And then.... painstakingly figure out what to do with my sources.  But, man O man, have you seen the build list?  400+  Thrilled for Decware, bummed for the wait.  The real question might just be, "how much patience does Jim actually have?"

BTW, keep the discussion going.  I'm cutting and pasting, taking notes.

J
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Doug
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #59 - 03/12/21 at 00:08:12
 
Since several of you guys, by means of this discussion, helped me decide which DAC to purchase, I thought it would be reasonable to provide a little feed back.

After communicating in writing with Alvin at Vinshine, and due to his nearly immediate replies, I placed an order for a Pontus II DAC.  It took eight days for the DAC to make its way to Hong Kong from the Denafrips facility in Mainland China, and the trip from Hong Kong to my home in Lees Summit, Missouri came in right at forty hours!  Impressive, huh?  

As most Pontus reviewers have expressed, the packaging of the DAC was bullet proof.  

The unit itself is beautiful......much like one would expect to see in a $10,000 piece of gear—not a $1,700 DAC.

I connected the coaxial output of my Oppo 205 to one of the coax inputs on the Pontus and hooked the Pontus to my CSP3-25 and began playing music. Without going into great detail, I would like to quote Donnie, who said, “Buy a Denafrips and throw rocks at the other DACs.  They are that good.”  Donnie is right.  It reproduces music in a most beautiful manner.  This purchase is likely the most significant $1,700 I’ve spent since jumping into this hobby fifty years ago.  Yes, it really is that good!  My Pontus now has around a hundred hours on it, and I am more than satisfied.

Oh, and I’ve ordered a DSD decoder on eBay that will allow me to extract DSD files (in my case, SACD music) from my Oppo 205 and feed them to the Pontus through an HDMI I2S connection.  This method is said to produce out of this world results.  I’ll know in a couple of weeks.  

Now it’s time to figure out how I’m going to begin streaming music.

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CAJames
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #60 - 03/12/21 at 00:57:32
 
I both thank and curse you Doug. Every post about how good the Denafrip DACs are makes it harder and harder for me to resist ordering one.

I am curious about the "DSD decoder" you got on ebay. Mind sharing a link? For the last few years I've been using a Sony Bluray player to rip DSD files from my SACDs but it is a bit of a production and I'm always looking for something better. FYI/FWIW what I do is outline in these fora:

https://hifihaven.org/index.php?threads/rip-sacd-with-a-blu-ray-player.3652/

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/28569-sacd-ripping-using-an-oppo-or-pio...

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Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E
Woo WA22 -> 2x UFO25s, balanced monos
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Donnie
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #61 - 03/12/21 at 01:13:53
 
See, I speak the truth!

I'm thinking about moving up the food chain in the Denafrips line.
Maybe if old Uncle Sam sends me some money....
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kulafu
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #62 - 03/12/21 at 01:25:36
 
Doug,
I ordered my Pontus almost two weeks ago and hope to get it by end of this month.  I have a bluesound node 2i that I plan on using for network streaming initially but I am also going to give the raspberry pi method of network streaming a try also. Let us know if come up with any other ideas!
Bob
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ArtMan
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #63 - 03/12/21 at 02:14:54
 
Doug,

Have you tried the phase switch button yet? On my Pontus, the default setting was actually inverse phase. I accidentally found it out when I was trying to hear the differences between NOS and OS and accidentally hit the phase button rather than the OS button. I was surprised how much better it sounded when in proper phase.

It is in positive phase when the light is on.
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Doug
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #64 - 03/12/21 at 04:18:08
 
Here’s the link to the very recent Audiophile Style DSD decoder article.

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/at-long-last-listen-to-your-physical-sacd...
s-through-an-outboard-dac-r971/

After having read this article I asked Alvin if he was aware of any DSD IIS decoders, and he referred me to this same article, though he was careful not to give 100% endorsement of these inexpensive devices.

Regarding the phase switch, I had it in “negative” (inverse) phase the first full day of burn in and kept saying to myself, Hmmmm, I sure hope the bass comes to life.  Guess I should have read the owners manual prior to playing music!

And speaking of the NOS/OS option, so far I much prefer the NOS (non-oversampling) mode on every single recording I’ve played.  

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PAP Quintets with Voxativ 1.6
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driving Voxativs—no crossover
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Doug
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #65 - 03/12/21 at 04:23:39
 
Well, I just clicked on the link above and it didn’t work.  Here’s the actual name of the article in Audiophile Style.....

At Long Last! Listen To Your (Physical) SACDs Through an Outboard DAC
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Jay’s CD2T-Mk3
Denafrips Pontus II
ZROCK2 25th Mods
CSP3 25th & Custom Mods
PAP Quintets with Voxativ 1.6
First Watt J2 or Cary 300SEI
driving Voxativs—no crossover
LFD NCSE driving 15” Woofers
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CAJames
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #66 - 03/12/21 at 05:02:10
 
Thanks Doug! Very interesting indeed.
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[FOOBAR2000 | Jay's CDT2 MRK3] -> Denafrips Terminator 2 + Gaia
Sumiko Pearwood -> Mapleknoll Athena -> Luxman SUT -> Maple-tree Phono 3E
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Omega SAM , Hifiman Arya, Senn HD-650
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thethanimal
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #67 - 03/12/21 at 14:32:32
 
I have the Bluesound Node 2i connected directly to my SE84UFO using Steve’s DAG interconnects. Most of the time I use variable output on the Node for the convenience of remote volume control (using the Bluesound remote, my iPhone, iPad, my wife using her iPhone, or any guest using Airplay or Bluetooth) especially when watching TV. The TOSLINK output from the TV is so much lower in gain we have to crank the Node/Zen volume — just have to remember to turn it down before going back to streaming music.

As Steve noted above, with the higher gain from running the Node in fixed output I do notice an increase in sound quality, but I have to remember to turn the sub off before I do that! It’s run off the Node’s sub output, so running fixed shakes the house, clips the sub, and reduces my toddler to tears before I can get it turned off. Thinking of replacing that sub with a REL or two using the high level connection, but I take forever to make decisions. In the meantime fixed output is only for my solo listening sessions when I don’t want the sub.

I know Steve and others here love their Cambridge CXN, and the NAD C658 is probably another great choice for integrated streaming, DAC, and preamp options, but at less than half the price I don’t know of anything that competes with the Node. I can hear Murray Perahia breathe during his performance of Beethoven’s piano sonatas.  That’s a level of resolution I never had previously. What does another $1,000 get me? Being able to tell which nostril he’s breathing through?

That’s really a joke, because I’d love to try a Denafrips to hear the difference, and a ~$1,000 turntable/phono preamp combo to see how much I’m giving up to vinyl.
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kulafu
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #68 - 03/12/21 at 15:58:36
 
I also love the bluesound node 2i on my current setup (non Decware).  But that is only my frame of reference for a DAC.  I should be able to do an a/b comparison b/w the node and the pontus and can let you know.
Bob
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Omega SAMS,Altec 604C in O/B,UFO25th/Cary SET Monos/Torii Jr,CSP3 25th Holo May KTE ,HQP/USB/Pulse/EtherRegen, Roon/Thorens 1600(Decware ICs, speaker wires/Equi=Core 1800)
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Blueone302
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #69 - 03/14/21 at 02:38:54
 
Well, the Oppo died.  Bummer.  Still, hesitant to make a move before I receive the Mystery Amp.   Bigger bummer..... I think I've moved up maybe 52 spots on the wait list since Feb 2nd.  Not complaining.  Just stating reality.  350ish out of 400 plus.   So guessing I'm about 8 months out.  Still weighing everyone's thoughts/opinions.  Also accepting cash gifts.
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will
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #70 - 03/14/21 at 03:15:13
 
Sorry to hear your Oppo died! But maybe a blessing of sorts, pushing your front end research and move forward! Seems since your ZMA is so far out, might as well get a nice front end and by the time your amp shows, you will totally know your front end, and thus what the ZMA does in the system. I hope the donations offered will be appropriate for the front end you want!
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Dominick
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #71 - 03/14/21 at 04:39:20
 
Maybe you can revive the Oppo.  What’s the issue with it?  If it’s the laser...then just pop in a new one.  It may be the best $40 bucks you ever spend.  Here is the link to a replacement....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OPTICAL-LASER-LENS-PICKUP-for-OPPO-BDP-105D-Blu-ray...

Oppo’s are great players....it would be a shame to junk it without trying to fix it.

Dom
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Archie
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #72 - 03/14/21 at 06:31:31
 
A couple years ago my OPPO player crapped out and OPPO fixed it.  Very reasonable.
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Blueone302
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #73 - 03/14/21 at 18:09:45
 
Researching repair options.  It's not the laser, it's the streaming function. Guessing it is software related.  Although OPPO has stated otherwise in terms of offering support, they haven't offered an update to the firmware in quite some time.
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will
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #74 - 03/14/21 at 18:55:46
 
I didn't realize Oppo was still doing service. Nice. I would think it could be hardware too, the streaming coming in on a different dedicated circuit than the CD transport, ie, USB or ethernet, or whatever. Also I wonder if it is relevant to try reinstalling the current firmware???
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Blueone302
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #75 - 03/14/21 at 19:05:28
 
Yeah, tried that several times.  No go.  Been looking for an active support no to call.  Still looking.
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Decware ZMA w/ mods, Don Sachs Model 2 line stage, Decware: HR-1’s w/mods, Cambridge Audio CXN (V2), Cambridge Audio CXC CD Transport, Ice Age Audio: Cryo Copper Power Cords, Better Cables: Silver Serpent Interconnect Cables, Maple Shade Double Helix V2+ Spkr Wire
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Lon
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #76 - 03/14/21 at 23:30:28
 
I suppose you tried this; I know this worked for a friend of mine a year ago.

https://www.oppodigital.com/ContactUs.aspx
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Blueone302
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #77 - 03/15/21 at 05:36:14
 
Thanks for the info Lon.  And no, I have not tried the no yet.  Stopped working Sat. AM.  Plan on calling ASAP Monday.  Thought of you.  You're pretty high on the PS Audio Direct Steaming DAC right?  Noticed there are a couple on Audiogon.  A bit steep in terms of my price range.  Bigger issue is if I bought the PS Audio, I would want the bridge.  That's even more $.  My wife says she sees my wheels turning.  More like grinding.  Time will tell.
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Blueone302
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #78 - 03/17/21 at 22:01:26
 
I hate replying to myself.  I did send a message via Lon's link and also called the support number that came with my player's documentation.  No go so far.  As I was already thinking about upgrading, maybe this isn't such a bad thing.  TIf I can get it repaired, there does seem to be a used market for used market for Oppo players.  Knowing this doesn't help the choosing process.  But hey, maybe that's half the fun.  In the meantime, I'll hang out and see if they respond.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #79 - 03/20/21 at 17:11:34
 
The response from OPPO ended up being via email..... a long drawn out back and forth few hours of email.  In the end, the tech said there was essentially no fix on my end.  Guess it's time to weigh my options.  Since I was thinking about upgrading anyway, perhaps NOW is the time.  I have used the time to read, research and re-read.  For my situation, I'm liking Steve's suggestion of the Cambridge player.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #80 - 03/20/21 at 19:09:34
 
The Cambridge CXN V2 is solid, easy to set up and very user friendly with streaming services. If you ever want to upgrade it, check out the tube modifications offered by ModWright. Several folks, including me have taken the plunge. Check out the comments posted in the forum.

HK
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #81 - 03/20/21 at 19:21:22
 
Yeah, I was really interested in Steve's thoughts; and the ModWright upgrade might be the thing that takes me over the edge.  Wish I could hear it before and after first though.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #82 - 03/21/21 at 04:13:55
 
HK, do you have any pics of the modded unit you can share?
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #83 - 03/21/21 at 08:15:34
 
Here's a link to pictures and additional information on the modifications: pictures on page 3 and 4.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=169517.40

HK
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #84 - 03/21/21 at 08:20:05
 
Rack picture w/ modded CXN V2.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #85 - 03/22/21 at 04:13:49
 

Smiley I have no doubt that was money well spent.  I can already hear what it sounds like based on knowing how the stock unit sounds and having researched Dan's mods.  Power supplies are almost everything... but when you do get into the analogue output section I will say I've never seen an Opamp that I liked better than a good SET tube stage without feedback.  Congratulations, I bet it sounds wonderful.

Steve

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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #86 - 04/18/21 at 20:21:45
 
I just wanted to update this thread. I held out as long as I could but I too succumbed to the siren song of Denafrips. I ordered a Terminator, should be here in 6 weeks or so.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #87 - 04/18/21 at 21:02:16
 
Nice! I have been close to buying a Holo DAC pretty much since they first came on the scene, and even more so, since the May version emerged. But then I listen, and my front end conglomeration is so natural, complete, and real sounding I stay put. And like you, the Denefrips buzz got me as well, so I have been looking into them for a while too. But the Terminator and May are just so much money, and my system is so sweet as it is, I fear risking it....so I am feeling a little closer, but also stuck.

Especially since the May came out, I have been more seriously researching both the May and Terminator.... closer than ever to feeling like going for one. One trouble is, I have been working so long on fine detail and space — from the primary note harmonics and textures, to the progression from the note edges to the furthest out decay trails, all present in natural and complex ways, I am used to getting this and "need" it. This fine detail information just makes it all real to me, and I know many DACs don't get it as fully as I seem to need. So I get concerned that even though the ladder DAC system is designed to be good at this subtle musical information....there are all the other things.... parts choices, power supply, wires, output section method and parts, separation of noisy parts, connectors etc.... all influencing the DAC sound along with different ways of processing digital data.

So I get buffaloed.

The most recent concern for me, is that before Steve's initial comments on the May, most reviews I have heard have a coldish technical way of describing it.... not much insight into how the DAC effects how we feel. Maybe I just haven't found the right ones, but most appreciate the DAC in a big way, yet I don't hear the "love," or "awe." So I was really glad to hear that from Steve. Whereas, I seem to have heard more reviewers express an affection for the Terminator along with the technical information. My gut says go for the May..... or is it the Terminator?!@#$% or is the May$%^

Anyway, being sort of stuck, I am really glad you and Steve aren't, and glad we will be hearing more about these clearly exceptional DACs on this forum! You are in for some fun no doubt!
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #88 - 04/18/21 at 22:45:08
 
I hear you Will, that is exactly what I've been going through for the last few months. My front end sounds really good too, and it is a lot of money, but not nearly as much as I have invested in music and finally a couple days ago everything just came together and the the light went on and I ordered a Terminator. A big part of it is since I got my Decware amps I kinda feel like I'm cheating myself without a really high end DAC.

Regardless, I look forward to sharing my experience when it arrives.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #89 - 04/19/21 at 01:39:23
 
Yes, I am looking forward to your Terminator impressions! And I agree, they are a lot of money, but with Chinese developers steadily pulling out ahead of the curve, and doing it so inexpensively (relatively), your DAC appears to likely be as good or better than many DACs at twice or more the cost.... so is it expensive for what it is and can do???

For me, DAC modifications (by sound on my now maybe 4 year old DAC) made it perhaps twice as good as stock. And this DAC, developed by innovative young Chinese engineers who obviously listen and know tech, stock, was thought by folks who compared to be better than a the Schitt Yggdrasil and Auralic Vega. So, beyond sounding much better than anything I have tried, I figure its contribution to a "high end" front end is pretty real. Also I feel like everything else is pretty well covered, from power tuning, to computer (2012 Mini all tricked out), to an older/simpler Mac OS with over 200,000 lines of code removed, tuned only for audio by guys with good ears.... to tunable and musical/revealing player software (Pure Music presently)... to in-software EQ for fine-tuning the room... to good value but top notch USB conversion with a modified Singxer SU-1... to a tuned-up ZBIT and CSP3... to extra good sounding cables and quite transparent and neutral sounding vibration management... It seems to be a pretty complete front end.

But more telling perhaps, having done the DAC mods in the earlier amp, pre and speaker modification stages, all through the extensive work I have done to increase resolution, balance, and musicality.... seems the front end has kept up. As the amps and speakers improve in resolution and speed, the DAC just shows more and more of the fragile subtle information that makes it sound and feel like music.... very fine detail and space.... textures and all harmonic information from note harmonics into note edges, and seamlessly riding through to the end of complex decay trails... distinctly hearing complexity of timbre and decays of individual instruments and voices. So it seems this more complete wide-range resolution from the system would not be possible after a point if the front end did not have all the fine/nuanced information for the system to convey... finally awe inspiring musical complexity.

But that does not mean it couldn't be better with a better DAC!

As I reach new levels of beauty, it always amazes me, no matter how engulfing and magical, so far there is always more available with care and effort.

So I really do look forward to hearing more from Steve on the May, and from you on the Terminator as you get to know your beautiful new music makers! I appreciate your going there!
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #90 - 04/20/21 at 15:38:16
 
I have ordered a cxn v2, and have read with great curiosity your comments about upgrades.  I am in line to receive UFO2 and wonder if I should request XLR connection as Cambridge has that option.  Do you know the cost or guide me as to how I can answer that question? Thanks.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #91 - 04/20/21 at 16:01:59
 
Tony, I'm not sure that this is what you are asking about, but from the shopping cart the option to add one XLR input is:

Transformer Balanced XLR inputs for 1 source - adds $649

To be honest I personally would go for the power supply bypass option as better-sounding if you haven't already. I use a ZBIT and I get my best sound in between what would be the output of the single-ended and the full balanced output and actually would prefer to have the output of the single-ended into the amp rather than the full, un-attenuated output of the balanced section of my source, and my source only outputs less than 4 volts in balanced. But. . . a CXN users input would likely be more valuable than mine. I think a ZBIT might yield better sonic results than an XLR input itself, but I have no CXN experience.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #92 - 04/20/21 at 21:09:54
 
Thanks for the assistance.  Much appreciated.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #93 - 04/25/21 at 13:36:43
 
I received my Denafrips Pontus on the 4/14.  I have my bluesound node 2i connected using a bluejeans coax cable to stream Spotify and Tidal.  Denafrips and bluesound to amp using DSR ICs.  BJC cable still burning in, I think.  For now, to my ears just a subtle improvement with the Denafrips.  I also have an Ipad pro hooked up to the Pontus using a USB camera adapter and an Ice Age USB (which is also burning in).  Right off the bat, the USB connection, in my ears, was a significant improvement over the bluesound connection!  I did not expect the Ipad to sound so good.  I also discovered that you can remotely change the music remotely with my phone.  That was an added plus.  I would like to try other coax cables.  I would appreciate any recommendations on other coax cables.  Bottom line....I love my Denafrip Pontus from the get go!
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #94 - 04/25/21 at 14:15:36
 
Kulafu, I don't have a suggestion for coax, I would suggest trying an optical cable between your Bluenode and the Pontus. When I was using a bluenode my favorite connection to DAC was optical.

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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #95 - 04/25/21 at 17:20:39
 
Quote:
Posted by: GroovySauce      Posted on: Today at 14:15:36
Kulafu, I don't have a suggestion for coax, I would suggest trying an optical cable between your Bluenode and the Pontus. When I was using a bluenode my favorite connection to DAC was optical.


That's interesting, because optical is (by far) the worst way to do S/PDIF. I guess the exception would be if you are getting a lot of EMI from e.g. your TV or computer. But in general you get better sound from coax.

How long is your cable kalafu? It is possible if the cable is too short it won't work properly. I got fine results with a 4' Amazon basic cable, but now I'm using a 3' silver cable from www.signalcable.com, and it might be a little better still.


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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #96 - 04/25/21 at 19:00:53
 
CAJames,
The BJC is a 3ft cable.  I appreciate your recommendation.  Thanks.
Bob (Kulafu)
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #97 - 04/25/21 at 19:31:20
 
It's been a long time ago, but as I recall, like GS, I am pretty sure I ended up preferring a glass Toslink cable over the SDIF coax cables I tried between a V-Link and the original Decware ZDAC. I think I recall it being more nuanced and transparent. Guessing it is not cut and dried, different receivers and component implementations influencing connections. And unfortunately, this was maybe 10-12 years ago so vague, but I recall wanting to try the Blue  Jeans coax in that process, wanting to check out if their sales rag was real to me, and I found that coax cable sounded pretty bad compared to others I was trying. Sorry, I can't recall what they were, but cables have developed a lot since anyway.....

Having been using USB and I2S, and no coax for years, I can't advise on that except to say I personally have never heard any cables, power, analog and digital ICs, or speaker that sounded the same, and some digital cables are much better for transparent audio to me.

I read that Steve has been experimenting with Coax between the Cambridge and Holo DAC, probably in his digital journey thread, and preferred one, though without naming it... Might still be testing, but you may be able to get some help there? And there are bound to be some informative Coax threads on Audiogon, AudioCircle and whatever they are calling computer audiophile now.

Guess I am just suggesting trusting your ears on this one, not tech specs, and maybe continue to do research toward seeking out a better solution with that in mind.

Good luck in optimizing your new DAC! I look forward to impressions as it comes together and burns in.

Will
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #98 - 04/25/21 at 20:51:36
 
I've had really good results with glass optical as well (Lifatec) and use that in two systems. Having no metal is an interesting phenomenum and can be a bit unsettling but I've learned to often prefer the sound. One other advantage besides reducing EMI/RFI possibilities is the "hum-free" nature of the optical transfer.

The coaxial cable that I do use in one system is not cheap so I hesitate to recommend it but really do like it--it's a Take Five Audio Deluxe, which is a Neotech cable with great connectors and cryo'd.

https://www.takefiveaudio.com/products/1124-neotech-nevd-2001-deluxe-digital-cab...

I've also enjoyed a Creative Audio Solutions "Black Knight" cable in the past which had a big bang for the buck, but it is no longer available. In AES/EBU the Van DeHul is excellent.
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Re: Help Choosing a DAC that Pairs Well with Zen Triod
Reply #99 - 04/25/21 at 21:29:22
 
Thank you Will and Lon.  I did Steve's Digital Journey and noted what Coax cables he was using.  I am really liking the USB input to the Pontus.  I do have a PI2AES coming so I will just wait for it to try multiple output options.
Bob
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