Hi Peter, I must have missed something...what's wishful thinking?

jfrech August 08, 2014 13:28

John, I think you know that is wishful thinking.

peterayer August 08, 2014 04:35

Jfrech,

Yes, I have had some major changes. Still evolving, but almost done.

thesaint519 August 08, 2014 03:10

Jfrech,

Haven't been here in a few, but some major changes since I last visited. Kudos, as usual.

thesaint519 August 06, 2014 04:40

I heard the DCS stack 120,000 at a dealer the other day and I liked it a lot. I was in shock because I never liked the DCS every time I heard it at CES. It is very musical indeed. I, however will not spend this kind of money for digital. It changes all the time and what was 100,000 last year can be had for 50,000 this year and your stuck with losing a lot of money if you want to sell. My limit for digital is under 20,000. So far I am leaning towards the Aesthetix and will give a full report soon.

jwm July 14, 2014 16:34

I agree on the Atlairs. Really chameleon like in how they respond to all before em...including cabling. How do you like your DAC's? My dCS Vivaldi DAC is nearly completion on break in and I couldn't be happier. My dealer is going to bring matching Vivaldi Transport by soon...Digital is really getting a LOT better lately

jfrech July 14, 2014 13:31

Ebay, that is where I buy all of my LP's. I had a problem just two times which is a great track record. The Altairs are great they sound different with each component change. Right now I have the Lampizator Big 5 Dac and the Aesthetix Romulus CD player/ Dac.

jwm July 13, 2014 22:07

Hi, I suppose you're loving your Altairs still? I am.

Any ideas where to find the originals? I have a few...and can understand your point...

jfrech July 13, 2014 16:35

Jfrech, I have found if you can find the original jazz pressing in good shape it is way better than any of these reissues.

jwm July 13, 2014 16:14

I know I've been on a digital craze as of late...but vinyl never ceases to amaze me...a few tweaks on the arm (VTF from 1.78 to 1.74), a 1/8 turn to the left on the cartridge mounting plate clamp screw, and maybe a 1/16 up on vat...and bam.

Listening to the new Music Matters 33's. Joe Henderson, Grant Green, and the Kenny Burrell. These to me sound a bit better than the 45's...really well done jazz vinyl

jfrech July 12, 2014 17:06

Steve Dobbins stopped by tonight w/ Arnie. Spun some vinyl and very very slight tweaks to the arm (nudge lower on VTF, a nudge higher on VTA). The Schroeder LT arm continues to amaze me !

jfrech July 11, 2014 05:31

Musicmann1, I wrote a lengthy response only to loose it to the electrons. What I have is a prototype dac. Soon there will be a better version which will include two computers with one only doing audio. Based on what I've heard I'm buying one. Is it better than the Dcs gear? I don't know.

tbg July 06, 2014 04:08

Tbg - yes very very hard life :-)

jfrech July 05, 2014 13:40

TBG can you describe this PRO SERVER, that you are using and where can one by one, and what is its MSRP?

Thanks....

musicmann1 July 04, 2014 21:34

Jfrech, I know your ambivalence. I now have a pro server that plays everything in double DSD including some limited recordings done in double DSD and many SACDs converted to DSD and then played in double DSD. Most of the 1.5 terabytes of recordings are cds also converted from PCM to DSD. The key benefit is moving the digital filtering up well beyond audibility with the effect of greatly improving detail and sense of the soundstage. One can hear the decay of notes.

My consternation is that using the server is so easy and using my Nantais Lenco Reference tt with the Ikeda 407 arm and 9TT cartridge to play vinyl is so labor intensive that I often don't listen to vinyl often.

I too find vinyl fulfilling and enjoyable, but digital is much closer to master tapes. I used to do master tapes but they are even more of a pain.

It really is a hard life that we lead. : )

tbg July 04, 2014 16:58

I'd love to stop by again...and I know that 30/12 is pretty amazing. And I still LOVE my vinyl...I am NOT saying digital is now best always. I am saying it's doing some really interesting things that I've never heard from digital before. And, depending on the recording, I may prefer digital based on certain qualities in the software that the new DAC is bringing out now...

jfrech July 04, 2014 13:44

John, want to stop by on your next trip to Boston and hear my 30/12 again? Precision and natural sound are it's hallmarks.

peterayer July 03, 2014 23:33

Hi Peter, I've been wondering about this. I wish I had a explanation. There is just a preciseness, while being so natural, that pulls you in...

jfrech July 03, 2014 14:09

John, I'm surprised that the timing with the Vivaldi dad is even better than the timing of your direct drive turntable. That is very interesting. Why do you think that is?

peterayer July 02, 2014 15:11

One VITAL item not listed.
A copy of the OCCDs sound sample, a CD with tracks to test the best; if your system can take it?
Ciao,
Geoffrey

lazinov July 02, 2014 08:13

Hey, I am really impressed with the dCS Vivaldi dac. I never ever thought I'd say this..but it surpassed my vinyl in how it conveys the inflections and timing and intent of the musicians in the recording. It's just so interesting to listen to. It's not like digital is better or vinyl is better. They are both great. Vinyl has a inherent warmth (a friend called it more full bodied) which i agree...but it's not like it's better...more a Merlot vs Pinot Noir...they are both good.

It's still, like vinyl, dependent on the recording.

jfrech July 02, 2014 03:02

Great stuff, JFrech...yes, I too have heard about new things from TA that may go above Opus.

I agree with comments about RefMM (MM2) being a very substantial improvement in my own system over RefXL. Can only imagine Opus!

lloydelee21 June 18, 2014 00:03

Gayle, really appreciate you stopping by. We don't all get together enough !

Thank you for the compliments !

jfrech June 17, 2014 17:57

#95 - frankly I am thrilled with the improvement. The move from Ref MM2 to Opus MM2 is a bigger move. If Ref XL to Ref MM is like 1 => 2 Ref MM to Opus is like 1=>3 or 4. It's pretty cool...

I am starting to hear comments about a new line over Opus...but not a replacement for MM2 versions...anyway, I am sure they'll take care of us and our recent MM2 purchases if it's true. What I like about Transparent !

jfrech June 17, 2014 17:56

Hi John, glad to hear you like the improvement coming from Opus cables. My Ref MM2 cables are a big improvement over XL and I imagine Opus should have at least similar or even more improvement over MM.

Btw, I heard Transparent soon renewing all of its cable lines, completely changing current MM2 topology to a new one, bringing a higher line over Opus which is hard to believe given its cost and performance. Personally, I am so pleased with my Ref MM2, no intention to consider any upgrades within 4-5 years.

number_95 June 17, 2014 11:05