I really can't figure out why it works here then. Exclusive mode is checked in Win control panel. What do you think the problem is?


I am not talking about Arc Prediction, just doubling. Doubling works here if I set the "DAC is" to 24/96 in XXHE. If I set "DAC is" to 16/96 (which my DAC is), doubling does not work. Weird? Something is wrong here I think.

The new DAC is up an running, a fine little box.

One question: is the Windows volume control supposed to work when playing with XXHE? Connected by toslink.

Moreover: the DAC is 16/96 NOS. Playing 16/44.1 material, if I set "DAC is " to 16/96, doubling doesn't work. If I set "DAC is" to 24/96, doubling works. Why? Windows sound control panel is set to 16 bits in both instances.

Ok, so I got a Moodlab Concept NOS DAC for using until the Naim DAC comes out. Seems like a proper product based on rational principles. It will do max 16/96. Will report back one I'd had a chance to live with it a bit.

    
- analog output: unbalanced output (RCA) , 1.6V rms
- Low Jitter receiver from ST + Philips TDA1543 combo for digital signal reception and conversion
- passive I/V conversion using high quality Vishay resistor to preserve signal integrity
- onboard precision voltage regulator for individual ICs
- "shunt" regulator with constant current source for DAC chip

Thanks for the replies guys, I have ordered a DAC today and am eagerly anticipating it. Will post some impressions once I have got the chance to use it a bit.

Altmann Attraction DAC?

Anyone tried pushing their mono buttons (if you have one) and compare AP and vanilla?

Thanks for all the feedback. Buying without an audition is not really a problem, because nearly all the DACs I have been contemplating have a return policy if one doesn't like it.

Thanks for the link. Saw the Moodlab was quite expensive there, it is much cheaper from the manufacturer in Taiwan. I really don't need USB because I will be using Toslink to avoid ground loops in the system.

Looking forward to hearing what you have to write Peter

Hmm, the Audio-GD DAC-19MK3 looks nice. Dual BB 1704UK DACs.

I will, but I think the Phasure DAC will be more than I am willing to pay for a DAC, if 3-4k is in Euros.

Well, I can't buy the Phasure yet, or am I wrong? Moreover, what would the price be I wonder?

So, I am getting a new DAC. I know this is a personal choice, but I would still be interested in hearing input from you guys.

I need a Toslink input, gonna be running it from my Onkyo sound card. NOS seems interesting, but I am open to oversampling DACs as well. Other than that, everything is game, but I need something that runs cold at idle since I keep my gear on 24/7, so no tubes.

Price isn't very important, but I will not get something frightfully expensive.

So, I have a few I've thought about.

- Moodlab Concept or Dice
- Beresford Caiman
- MHDT Labs Constantine+
- Audio Note DAC Zero (has a tube, but is designed to be left on 24/7)
- Naim DAC

I am not that preoccupied with detail and soundscape, I would like something that sounds natural and non-analytical. Good timing is essential above all.

Any thoughts?

Now I feel like my DAC is the weirdo DAC that does the opposite of everyone else's. SeVeReD's description of vanilla is just like my description of AP. Well.

I have decided to get a new DAC, not because of XXHE, but it has been a long time coming. Please feel free to chip in the thread I have started if you have suggestions. The choice makes me

http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=941

Thanks man

I was principally interested in whether or not others experienced big differences between AP and no AP. What one likes best is subjective and there is never "wrong" taste. Computer audio is so confusing at times that I may have preferred AP by merely changing mainboard in my PC, one never knows.

It's weird though, your description of AP is just like how I experience no AP. Goes to show that diversity in gear gives great diversity in results when it comes to PC audio.

I agree; however, I wasn't trying to get anyone to agree with me, I was more wondering what parametres people judge their SQ by. AP sounds more detailed and airy here than non-AP, but that does not mean I like it better than the non-AP sound. The two settings are distinctly different in my setup, and I was wondering if others are of the same opinion, and if so, how they differ.

btw, great sodding speakers you have there m8 What do you use to drive them?

Being in a massive minority, I have been trying out AP vs no AP some more. My clear opinion is still that AP kills the "natural" aspect of the music, making it sound, while very detailed and neuanced, a bit hard and dull. Makes me wanna change songs.

Had my wife switch between AP and vanilla this evening (omg she thought I was a nut) without me knowing what played, and it was extremely easy to say if AP was on every time, especially with rock. AP makes rock shouty, vanilla makes rock rock. AP also makes sibilants more aggressive.

Mind you, my speakers are a bit particular, very dry and detailed, and very fast, which makes me sensitive to timing. I don't really give a fuck about soundstage and 3d and space and what not, only the groove. In light of this, I have probably chosen the wrong speakers, since they throw a massive soundstage and have a bag full of traditional round earth hi-fi qualities. However, when one gets it right with the other gear, they are probably the best flat earth speakers ever with tons of boogie.

My point is that, with these preferences, you can see what I think is important in a system and the reason I don't like AP.

I propose a test. Find a track you KNOW makes you want to move your body. Turn the volume loud, but not so loud that it's unpleasant. You should feel the bass slightly (no headphones here use speakers), but it should still be comfortable volume-wise.

Now, turn on AP, preferably with Quad but Double works too. Play the track for a minute. Play it again for a minute. Now turn off AP and any upsampling. Play the track again. Does it make you wanna move more?

You should try, y-4 without AP and oversampling is the best sounding XXHE so far - by far (in my system, that is). Especially in the groove department. Tried out a few arias from Orlando Finto Pazzo (Vivaldi's third opera) today, and they rocked just as much as Queens of The Stone Age at full volume.