Topic: [DD] ADC Comparison - Edirol R-09 & R-09HR

[bgalizio]

This is an ADC line-in comparison between the Edirol R-09 and R-09HR. For the ADC test, I ran as follows:

Pioneer DV-588-A CD/SACD/DVD-A deck > Kind Kables (RCA > mini) > recorder (24/48 line-in)

I chose to record at 24/48 because it's the highest available on the R-09 and it is the recording format I will personally be using.

The R-09 was set at level 8, and the R-09HR was set at level 35. This results in approximately the same final recording gain for the two (see the R-09HR thread for more details http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,100541.msg1400415.html#msg1400415). I initially tried the default inputs (13 and 40, respectfully), but was clipping.

The discs used for the comparison are as follows:
Track 1 - Grateful Dead - American Beauty DVD-A, Box Of Rain
Track 2 - Nickel Creek - Nickel Creek SACD, The Lighthouse's Tale

I recorded appx 90sec of each track. Disregard any clicks you may hear at the beginning of the recording, as it was me pressing play/track switch. The files are an A-B blind test, with A-1 being track 1 for recorder A, B-1 being track 1 for recorder B, etc.

The 24/48 FLAC files (encoded to FLAC level 8 using xACT) may be downloaded below:

A-1: http://www.mediafire.com/?cxcwskmzf47
B-1: http://www.mediafire.com/?td9wjlcd1zo

A-2: http://www.mediafire.com/?mnezssyzedn
B-2: http://www.mediafire.com/?ylejmtsnmyw

FFP: http://www.mediafire.com/?7cytduujxsy

After a few days or no activity in this thread, I will post the key. For those who are impatient, you can PM me for the key.

[Dede2002]

I'm impacient. I'll PM you.

[Dede2002]

This is an ADC line-in comparison between the Edirol R-09 and R-09HR. For the ADC test, I ran as follows:

Pioneer DV-588-A CD/SACD/DVD-A deck > Kind Kables (RCA > mini) > recorder (24/48 line-in)

I chose to record at 24/48 because it's the highest available on the R-09 and it is the recording format I will personally be using.

The R-09 was set at level 8, and the R-09HR was set at level 35. This results in approximately the same final recording gain for the two (see the R-09HR thread for more details http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,100541.msg1400415.html#msg1400415). I initially tried the default inputs (13 and 40, respectfully), but was clipping.

The discs used for the comparison are as follows:
Track 1 - Grateful Dead - American Beauty DVD-A, Box Of Rain
Track 2 - Nickel Creek - Nickel Creek SACD, The Lighthouse's Tale

I recorded appx 90sec of each track. Disregard any clicks you may hear at the beginning of the recording, as it was me pressing play/track switch. The files are an A-B blind test, with A-1 being track 1 for recorder A, B-1 being track 1 for recorder B, etc.

The 24/48 FLAC files (encoded to FLAC level 8 using xACT) may be downloaded below:

A-1: http://www.mediafire.com/?cxcwskmzf47
B-1: http://www.mediafire.com/?td9wjlcd1zo

A-2: http://www.mediafire.com/?mnezssyzedn
B-2: http://www.mediafire.com/?ylejmtsnmyw

FFP: http://www.mediafire.com/?7cytduujxsy

After a few days or no activity in this thread, I will post the key. For those who am impatient, you can PM me for the key.

Well, that's a tricky one . They both sound great. But to my ears, samples A are more light and less defined on the bass side.
For this alone I'd choose samples B.

[bgalizio]

Bump. I thought more people would be interested in this comp.

[gmm6797]

I am but cant find my good Shure head phones LOL
Ill run it vis speakers when the download ends

[Dede2002]

Bump. I thought more people would be interested in this comp.

Why don't you just move the whole thing to the recording gear area? Sure there would be more interested people there.

[bgalizio]

Bump. I thought more people would be interested in this comp.

Why don't you just move the whole thing to the recording gear area? Sure there would be more interested people there.

Good call - mods, could you move this thread to the recording gear section?

[jmz93]

I want to say the #2 samples are the R9HR, but really, I think any difference I am hearing is all psychological, i.e. not there except for in my head. *laughs*

They both sounded great through tube amp plus Klipsch speakers, and my Grado SR80 headphones and I can't tell a difference.

[cl516]

well i can only listen through a laptop speaker right now, so i won't even try

[HarpDoc]

I also vote B. Fuller sound.

[spyder9]

I prefer the B tracks.  Big bell-bottom bass, recessed highs, and passive mids.  A and B aren't that close sounding.  A tracks sound like they have some air in the them and lack the bass response that B has.  Overall, they both sound great. 

Thanks Ben!     

[GregDunn]

Very difficult to pick a clear winner for me.  I "think" B has a little more clarity and the string plucking might be more defined, but not enough to get worked up over.    Track 2 is actually a little better for this test IMHO because it makes use of lower level signals where I would expect the A/Ds to have more differences.

As for which one is a "better" copy of the source - No idea what the original recordings sounded like, though I suppose I could run out and buy them for the purpose of the test.   

[bgalizio]

As for which one is a "better" copy of the source - No idea what the original recordings sounded like, though I suppose I could run out and buy them for the purpose of the test.  

They're good source albums to have, especially in SACD/DVD-A!

Thanks for the comments all (and the suggestion to move the topic to the recording gear forum). I'll wait a little longer before posting the key. But, if you are dying to know, send me a PM.

[intpseeker]

I like 'em both and have a hard time hearing a difference.

[Gutbucket]

In the end, I like B.

Stream of thought.. immediately noticed the string attack on track 2. Much sharper. Too much? 'A' sounds good too.  In a way that I don't take notice of the top.  Maybe that'll be better, long term.. start preferring 'A'..  remember that I had the treble boosted +1db on the amp for adjusted playback of the acoustic stuff I recorded yesterday (on an R-09).. reset flat. Prefer B, repeat the ordeal with track 1. Like 'B' on both tracks now, but most obvious on 2. Notice it in the top, mostly.

I'll guess B is HR, but if it's not I'm even happier I have what I have.