I see now that you beat me to it with your post; I missed it. We were basically saying the same thing.
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Which DAC would you recommend?
- Thread starter Black_Rabbit
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If you’re looking to try something completely new, why not check out music mixed in Atmos via streaming?
Mind you, I have no personal experience with it. I do know there are people who enjoy that kind of multi-channel mixed music, though I’m a bit skeptical myself. It might be good, BUT if the mix is just about chasing effects (like a snare drum popping up in the rear channels/speakers every now and then, for instance) it would probably just annoy me.
Atmos mixed music, that’s really a topic for another thread, though.
In any case, I’m mentioning Atmos since you’re considering new options; it might be right up your alley. If you’re already into home theater, you’re kind of on that track already, so to speak.
(Gemini AI)
I just noticed which speakers you have. They’d probably benefit from a bit of a boost across the frequencies below 1 kHz (or maybe not—that is, if you have them placed close to a wall)—something you can easily handle with EQ.
You’d also want to use EQ to address the issues caused by those pesky room modes*.
There’s a choppy frequency response from 15 kHz upwards, but you might not be a youngster anymore?—so perhaps that’s a range you can’t hear anyway?
Bringing down that peak at 9 kHz by a few dB might yield an audible difference, though. It can produce good results if the on- and off-axis responses track smoothly. It’s just a matter of testing it out and listening.
Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy System 5 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com
Sidebar 3: Measurements Coupled with a very high sensitivity—calculated at 91dB/2.83V/m (B-weighted)—the impedance of the Series 5 WATT by itself (fig.1) is definitely kinder on amplifiers than the earlier versions. Its minimum value is 5.2 ohms in the lower midrange, and the phase angle is...
*
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_modes
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DSJR
Master Contributor
This may come hard to those raised on subjectivist audio forums or dealers as I was in the now distant past.
If all you want is to convert digits to an analogue signal with no alteration or degradation of the original music recording, you can do this with balanced outs and a display for a very few hundred quid/dollars/euros. The casework may be utilitarian (where the money often goes in gear costing thousands), but they'll do the job, hopefully reliably, and you can spend the surplus on meals out, a holiday or whatever...
Three grand will NOT buy you a better sound, whatever hopeful subjectivists tell you. What it almost certainly WILL give you is a lovely case and a story to tell your high-end-audio pals.
As for what chips are used, may this electronics-amateur tell you that it's HOW said chips are used, not the tech itself. I mean, Denafrips use totally outmoded tech in some of their dacs, but they've been able to squeeze the best out of this obsolete technology, despite a more honest performance near state of the art and transparenmt (to the music) sound being obtained for very little money these days...
You mentiuon Schiit - they straddle both seats here. The 'head' part of the design team able to develop products of great performance if they want to (boring and 'me too' for them it seems), but also have some fun with 'heart based' wild and often wacky alternative products that for some obscure reason, attracting a loyal fan-base. Whether they can afford to do this as the worldwide economic situation continues to slowly deteriorate I've no idea, but kudos to them for being able to do it right now
Regarding your roughly thirty-year-old Audio Watt Puppy 5.1 speakers and what might affect the sound: I don't mean to alarm you, but I simply want to point out that the ferrofluid in your tweeters may have started to dry out, which in itself could impact the sound.
Note that I say may—it isn't certain that it has actually dried out.
(Gemini AI)
Note that I say may—it isn't certain that it has actually dried out.
(Gemini AI)
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Google Translate from Korean? to English, please.
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OP
Black_Rabbit
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Can it be seen in Korean? I'm translating and posting it, butGoogle Translate from Korean? to English, please.
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Are they still going on about that "expensive DACs sound better" thing? How do they have the energy?
I say—or rather, Imagination says—it’s:
OP
Black_Rabbit
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I also don't know what the problem is. I keep translating and posting it in English, but it ends up being posted in Korean. I don't know how to set it up. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
It’s likely a setting on your computer that’s causing the problem. Maybe moderator @RickS has an idea?
In any case, here is the translation of your replies to me:
Data-backed explanations offer a great deal of credibility and are quite persuasive. I’ll consider it when setting up the system. As you mentioned, I feel like my hearing has deteriorated quite a bit lately. I do wonder if it really has to be that expensive, though.
Black_Rabbit said:
That’s a valid point.
Black_Rabbit said:
Thank you for your input; it was helpful.
Black_Rabbit said:
That’s an interesting point. There’s an old saying in Korea about "satisfying the five senses." If the sound quality is good, a visually appealing case will only make the sound seem even better.
Black_Rabbit said:
Understood. Thank you.
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Speaking of Korean. I suspect you live in Korea. If you ever decide to buy new speakers, the choice is easy:
AsciLab
For nearly 20 years, we have been at the forefront of the room acoustics field in the Republic of Korea, operating under the name CTI (Cine Tech Int.) and striving to create the finest acoustic environments.
Over the years, we have successfully optimized countless spaces and audio systems to achieve the best possible sound quality.
Now, after passionately applying our extensive experience in acoustics and room acoustic treatments, we are proud to unveil our very first speaker — the launch of our new speaker brand, AsciLab — a culmination of years of dedication and expertise.
We are developing speakers based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the Klippel NFS system for more precise design and measurement.
Many models have received great reviews (and measurement results) from Amir here at ASR. So good that Amir now also imports and sells AsciLab speakers in the US.
AsciLab
For nearly 20 years, we have been at the forefront of the room acoustics field in the Republic of Korea, operating under the name CTI (Cine Tech Int.) and striving to create the finest acoustic environments.
Over the years, we have successfully optimized countless spaces and audio systems to achieve the best possible sound quality.
Now, after passionately applying our extensive experience in acoustics and room acoustic treatments, we are proud to unveil our very first speaker — the launch of our new speaker brand, AsciLab — a culmination of years of dedication and expertise.
We are developing speakers based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the Klippel NFS system for more precise design and measurement.
Many models have received great reviews (and measurement results) from Amir here at ASR. So good that Amir now also imports and sells AsciLab speakers in the US.
Am not sure about @Black_Rabbit’s specific situation, but suggest using the Testing Area subforum to troubleshoot.
OP
Black_Rabbit
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Ha Ha Ha ! I'll Keep that in mind!Are they still going on about that "expensive DACs sound better" thing? How do they have the energy?
I say—or rather, Imagination says—it’s:
OP
Black_Rabbit
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This is a slightly different topic, but there was once a frenzy surrounding cables in Korea as well. I, too, got swept up in that atmosphere and once purchased a high-priced forged silver cable from the Australian company PSC. Ignoring the measurements, I paid a huge amount of money based solely on the two facts that it was forged silver and that air acts as an insulator. I don't regret the decision, but I still have doubts about whether cables really have a significant impact on sound. Since they are passive components, it seems like the best cable would be one that transmits signals without distortion and prevents noise interference... I do remember being fascinated when I occasionally built my own power cables and detected changes in sound on the same equipment. What is the right attitude to take regarding cables?Speaking of Korean. I suspect you live in Korea. If you ever decide to buy new speakers, the choice is easy:
AsciLab
For nearly 20 years, we have been at the forefront of the room acoustics field in the Republic of Korea, operating under the name CTI (Cine Tech Int.) and striving to create the finest acoustic environments.
Over the years, we have successfully optimized countless spaces and audio systems to achieve the best possible sound quality.
Now, after passionately applying our extensive experience in acoustics and room acoustic treatments, we are proud to unveil our very first speaker — the launch of our new speaker brand, AsciLab — a culmination of years of dedication and expertise.
We are developing speakers based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and the Klippel NFS system for more precise design and measurement.
Many models have received great reviews (and measurement results) from Amir here at ASR. So good that Amir now also imports and sells AsciLab speakers in the US.
No, you are seemingly suffering from cableitis, a common audiophile malady.
OP
Black_Rabbit
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I was...^^ You are likely not wrong. After all, in the past, AR speakers delivered such beautiful sound even when connected with simple cables.
However, since the price of silver has risen, it doesn't seem like a bad investment.^^
Silver is just silly. It doesn't change anything.
OP
Black_Rabbit
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May I ask your criteria for choosing cables?
IngMishael
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right length, meaningfully robust, OFC, right gauge. that is all that is needed. one does not need to overthink it
I modify my last comment, silver cables will definitely change your wallet. Unnecessarily. Audiophiles tend to be really crazy about stupid cables, which is very sad.
I generally just buy 12g speaker wire (copper and at least ETP, even OFC is overkill) and may add connectors for easy access/changing, covers a wide spectrum of potential use (speaker impedance, length needed). I don't need particular aesthetic, altho easy to do that on your own if you really need it, but paying for pretty cables tends to be very expensive at best. Your criteria is what, though?
I generally just buy 12g speaker wire (copper and at least ETP, even OFC is overkill) and may add connectors for easy access/changing, covers a wide spectrum of potential use (speaker impedance, length needed). I don't need particular aesthetic, altho easy to do that on your own if you really need it, but paying for pretty cables tends to be very expensive at best. Your criteria is what, though?
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