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Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 2:27 pm
by DaveF
Hi Folks,

Since I'm looking to replace my currently on-loan Arcam CD23 CDP, I'm hoping to host a listening session at my place where I'd love the chance to compare various DACs and CDPs. The Jadis amp has several line inputs so it should be easy to switch between different sources.
Initially I'm hoping to use the Arcam as a transport with SPDIF, so any standalone DAC must have such an input. That said, you're most welcome to bring a transport if needs be.

Not interested in PC audio so I dont really wish to be comparing different MQN versions :-) but I know some of you use a PC front end anyway.

I'm not sure what format the session will be, I guess it would depend on the numbers coming. I'm based in Malahide so that might be a bit of a long trek for some of you.

The Lampi, Meitner and Hugo DACs are the ones I'm most curious about but a big chunky CDP would really float my boat too. Some of you are probably blue in the face comparing DACs at this stage so Ill understand if you want to give it a miss.

The outcome of such a session is of interest me for a few reasons:
1. I'm not really convinced that there are differences between DACs of similar technolgies with the exception of ones with NOS or valve stages. I'm more than happy and would indeed prefer to be proven wrong there!
2. The Jadis is a fairly coloured amp (but in a really good way) so I'm curious to see if the Jadis does indeed mask out small differences if they exist in the first place.

I havent finalised a date yet but hopefully in the coming weeks.

Let me know if you're interested in bringing a DAC/CDP or to just come along.

Dave

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 2:31 pm
by Diapason
If I can make it (whenever it is) I can certainly bring along my own chunky CD player. I'd be interested in this test myself, because Tony says I'm buying a new DAC soon. :-)

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 2:32 pm
by jaybee
I'm afraid I'm a long way from the lofty heights of your shopping list (rDac) I'd love to pop along to hear, can bring ears and wine (wine probably better than ears!)

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 3:25 pm
by Ivor
If I can bring mine over I can make it. You might be interested in this from PFM

http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/show ... ght=lector

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 4:27 pm
by Sligolad
Count me in Dave for the Meitner end of the chain though I might regret hearing the Jadis as you just got to in before me at Cloneys.
Holidays planned in 3 weeks time but if you are thinking anytime before then I should be fine.
Cheers, Pearse.

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 4:34 pm
by DaveF
Cheers lads. Saturday week, 5th July, looks the most likely date so far. Tony has confirmed that he'll bring the Lampi and some Meridian thing.
Bring longish interconnects too as I've none spare.

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 4:37 pm
by Diapason
Definitely won't be around for that one, but I'll think of you from France (assuming the air traffic controllers allow us to go.)

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 4:44 pm
by DaveF
Thats a pity Simon. Those Wadia tanks give me a hard on.

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 4:46 pm
by Diapason
Uh-huh, possibly for the best that I can't make it along, so!!

Re: Listening Session - Dacs/CDPs

Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2014 4:47 pm
by DaveF
lol.......was waiting for that one