• 1 Post
  • 11 Comments
Joined 1 year ago
Cake day: October 23rd, 2023
  • focal71@alien.topBtoAudiophile•What makes an expensive dac sound better if cheap dacs nowadays have both low noise and great frequency responce?English
    1·
    1 year ago

    With all things equal in a system reproducing sounds the way you want, changing the DAC should be materially different for the better of what you value in reproductive sound.

    Just listen and determine if there is value to you. I don’t chase perfection. I chase not messing up what I have achieved. I finally have synergy. I can listen for hours knowing it isn’t the most resolving or the biggest stage but just a magic enjoyment. Will I stop looking for more? Of course not.

    All this talk about the best DAC is mute to me. There is too much competitive jostling for recognition. Camps form around different preferences. “Mine is better than yours”. Follow your ears and be prudent to your wallet. Somewhere there is a genius electrical engineer but also somewhere is a marketing department trying to part with your money.

  • focal71@alien.topOPBtoAudiophile•Lumin vs EversoloEnglish
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    1 year ago

    I got my RasPi and DigiOne because of Darko. Gave it a try and compared to others. It was so good for the money. The U2 mini was better but with the money saved I got the chord Hugo DAC along with the lifetime Roon with money still to spare.

    Now that eversolo a6 is so talked about, I know it will have to exceed the u2 mini or I don’t need bother with it.

  • focal71@alien.topBtoAudiophile•Do you still buy physical media, and if so, which?English
    1·
    1 year ago

    Been reading that the best version of a song consistently is the Atmos track down mixed to 2 channel. I think there is a guy on this subreddit reviewing all the versions of a song (cd, vinyl, cd and stream) or albums.

    One way to improve vinyl is a good phono preamp. Look around the used market for older top of line models. I got my slightly older $3000 original priced model for $500 used. The quietness is noticeable improvement. Still the same pops but all of a sudden my records sound like a digital version with all the magic of records retained.

  • focal71@alien.topBtoAudiophile•WiiM Mini vs More Expensive StreamersEnglish
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    1 year ago

    I have compared six streamers and anxious to get my hands on the eversolo also.

    There are noticeable differences. The way a device is powered (power supply) and the design to isolate the power from the computer does make a difference.

    Sonos port, node 2i, Wiim mini, RasPi with DigiOne, raspi DigiOne signature and Lumin u2 mini in order of quality.

    The last two are noticeable more open sounding.

  • focal71@alien.topBtoAudiophile•Review: sold my Node 2021 (n130) and kept the Wiim Pro Plus -- perhaps some seller's remorse but may be psychologicalEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Streamers make a difference if the power supply is well isolated from the digital bits/processing. I’ve compared Sonos, Node, Lumi and my ultimate solution.

    That’s where you notice the biggest difference. The act of streaming is similar. This is where the theory of it’s all the same are true.

    I found the Wiim mini very poor sounding compared to my Raspi w/ Allo Digione Sig. feeding the same DAC. The Wiim software is excellent though.

    So much of the streamers are wasted build quality though. Pre amp features or unnecessary DACs or more aluminum chassis than needed. A good galvanic isolation from the processor is all that is needed for a good streamer IMHO.

  • focal71@alien.topBtoAudiophile•Why Are So Many Home Hi-Fi Listening Rooms So Sad-Looking?English
    1·
    1 year ago

    Style is learned over years of moving to new spaces and the partner you are with.

    As we age and reset spaces we always try to one better. If your finances allow.

    I am on my fifth home and mostly dabble in 2 channel and HT. I tried separate spaces but ultimately like combined spaces.

    When I moved into my current home I opened up walls and ran a lot of wire. Creating a media closet for the whole house audio and HT gear. For two channel, I created a rack of gear to the side at the front. I saw so many photos of others who put their 2 channel gear locked into the closet , even the turntable.

    I have visited other audiophiles and their man caves. I have seen the clean and the cluttered. To each their own. It is a solitary hobby and our safe space. Build it as you like.