Topic: DAC shootout...and then some...

[ducati]

The only digital rig I know that does PCM > DSD is the dCS Verdi La Scala (or Verdi/Purcell)--dCS' upsampler/transport combo.  Their DACs decode DSD, but don't upsample to DSD.

A very good article on upsampling, what it is, and why the dCS system sounds so good can be found here:
http://www.iar-80.com/page21.html

Are there others that upsample?

I'll have some fleshed-out thoughts about the ack in the next few weeks...

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

Have you ever heard a cal labs sigma II yet?

That's a great box.  I actually have one for sale if anyone is interested and I'd make a better price than what I'm putting on agon.

The reason I'm selling mine is that it is a stock 16/48 version and with my new rig I need 24/96.  There were some upgraded ones that would handle 24/96, but if you like CAL enough to spend that kind of money, an upgraded alpha is probably the better choice. 

[JackoRoses]

Have you ever heard a cal labs sigma II yet?

That's a great box.  I actually have one for sale if anyone is interested and I'd make a better price than what I'm putting on agon.

The reason I'm selling mine is that it is a stock 16/48 version and with my new rig I need 24/96.  There were some upgraded ones that would handle 24/96, but if you like CAL enough to spend that kind of money, an upgraded alpha is probably the better choice. 

I would be interested in the 24/96 cal sigma II tube which I am currently keeping an eye on.
I am thinking about just getting a quality RCA cable long enough to go from the Delta Dio to the amp
for the time and just keep an eye on the market. I guess I like that california sound..(Not that I have heard a cal audio product yet.) I was kind of sad looking at my Adcom she has been awesome and will now become a bedroom DAC I think.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I would be interested in the 24/96 cal sigma II tube which I am currently keeping an eye on.

I think that you will like it a lot.  You'll have to post a review.

[JasonSobel]

I'm definately a big fan of these variable gain type DACs, like the benchmark and the Grace 90x series.  I think i'll be giving the 902 a run as my next system comes together (someday).

Have you ever done a direct, true, A-B comparison with the benchmark and either the Grace 901 or 902?

[JackoRoses]

Does anyone know of anyone doing california audio labs upgrades still?
Cal audio is defunct so obviously they won't be able to do the upgrade.
Or does anyone know exactly what is upgraded?
I would be willing to do it myself if I have part numbers and know what is done.
As long as no soldering to the board is required

[Nick's Picks]

I'm definately a big fan of these variable gain type DACs, like the benchmark and the Grace 90x series.  I think i'll be giving the 902 a run as my next system comes together (someday).

Have you ever done a direct, true, A-B comparison with the benchmark and either the Grace 901 or 902?

nope.

[Nick's Picks]

The only digital rig I know that does PCM > DSD is the dCS Verdi La Scala (or Verdi/Purcell)--dCS' upsampler/transport combo.  Their DACs decode DSD, but don't upsample to DSD.

A very good article on upsampling, what it is, and why the dCS system sounds so good can be found here:
http://www.iar-80.com/page21.html

Are there others that upsample?

I'll have some fleshed-out thoughts about the ack in the next few weeks...

EMM labs
Sony STR-DA2000es Digital reciever
same for the 3000/5000/9000
the Sony fully integrated + 5 disc SACD carosel player also converts analog and PCM to DSD before the final D/A converstion.

[ducati]

I meant outside the Sonys...

I have no experience with the Meitner gear, although I'd love to hear it.  Neat concept.