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Thread: My new DAC

  1. #26
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Sorry for not posting sooner. I have been very busy with work and then the trip to Axpona. My computer also died, the GPU crapped out on my laptop and can't be replaced. I am going to pick up a new one thursday. In addition, I had my BAT preamp recapped so it was out of action for several days as all 12 output caps in the 6 packs were replaced.

    So here's my review of the Marantz. It was not a good match for my system which was unfortunate because the build quality was superb. The sound was another issue. It was way too forward and in your face. Bass was too pronounced. I had to turn off my sub and even then it still sounded like the sub was on. The midrange was recessed and the lower treble was in your face. Female vocals were too forward. The sound was very uneven. I did like the 2 filters. Filter one gave a more airy sound and filter 2 was more focused and analog sounding. The only other thing I liked about the Marantz was the texture of piano, guitars and vocals. They were excellent. The decay of the piano just went on forever especially with filter 1.

    I tried the Marantz with my Van Alstine preamp first since the BAT was getting worked on. I figured things would improve with the BAT but it only made things worse as the BAT has great dynamics and powerful bass. So I returned it to Music Direct and it is going to cost me about $130.

    I have narrowed my choices for a DAC to the Cary Audio 200ts ( I can get a good deal on this new DAC which has a switch on the fly SS and Tube output stage), Auralic Vega as it sounded great at Axpona and the PS Audio Direct Stream which I would buy used.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  2. #27
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    Blackraven, I liked the DSD DAC but trust me when I say it's not a good match for you. It's pretty much opposite of everything you want, except for detail. The DSD is not overly analytical to where it's not enjoyable but I think it would be more than you would enjoy.

  3. #28
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    Sorry for not posting sooner. I have been very busy with work and then the trip to Axpona. My computer also died, the GPU crapped out on my laptop and can't be replaced. I am going to pick up a new one thursday. In addition, I had my BAT preamp recapped so it was out of action for several days as all 12 output caps in the 6 packs were replaced.

    So here's my review of the Marantz. It was not a good match for my system which was unfortunate because the build quality was superb. The sound was another issue. It was way too forward and in your face. Bass was too pronounced. I had to turn off my sub and even then it still sounded like the sub was on. The midrange was recessed and the lower treble was in your face. Female vocals were too forward. The sound was very uneven. I did like the 2 filters. Filter one gave a more airy sound and filter 2 was more focused and analog sounding. The only other thing I liked about the Marantz was the texture of piano, guitars and vocals. They were excellent. The decay of the piano just went on forever especially with filter 1.

    I tried the Marantz with my Van Alstine preamp first since the BAT was getting worked on. I figured things would improve with the BAT but it only made things worse as the BAT has great dynamics and powerful bass. So I returned it to Music Direct and it is going to cost me about $130.

    I have narrowed my choices for a DAC to the Cary Audio 200ts ( I can get a good deal on this new DAC which has a switch on the fly SS and Tube output stage), Auralic Vega as it sounded great at Axpona and the PS Audio Direct Stream which I would buy used.
    Sorry the Marantz didn't work out for you. I'll be routing for the Cary, as it is on my short list, if I ever decided to replace my Bryston. I was a little confused when you said you were returning the Marantz to Music Direct and it would cost $130. Is that shipping and handling?
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
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  4. #29
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Jack, the return shipping with insurance was $89. I will also have to reimburse Music Direct for the free shipping to me.

    Mr.P, what DSD DAC are you talking about?
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  5. #30
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    Jack, the return shipping with insurance was $89. I will also have to reimburse Music Direct for the free shipping to me.

    Mr.P, what DSD DAC are you talking about?
    Is that the way other online companies work that have 30 day in home trials?
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  6. #31
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    Sorry, PS Audio Direct Stream. I'm used to calling it the DSD (Direct Stream DAC) but DSD has a more broad meaning now, I need to keep that in mind, LOL

  7. #32
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Sorry the Marantz didnt work out for you. The Cary DAC sounded better with the SS option rather than the Tube option.

    Peabody.....I thought the DSD DAC was rather nice! It wasn't as aggressive as the Lampizator...its a tad laid back. It might be a great DAC if Raven wants all his music to do DSD as it doesnt do PCM.

    And how has DSD become to mean something else other than Direct Stream Digital?
    Last edited by frenchmon; 05-05-2015 at 03:59 PM.
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


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  8. #33
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Raven...this may be of use to you if you're wondering about a few DAC's.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...qQTNfVUE#gid=0
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  9. #34
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by frenchmon View Post
    Raven...this may be of use to you if you're wondering about a few DAC's.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...qQTNfVUE#gid=0
    Nice spreadsheet Frenchmon. I have to print it out and make sure I take it with me when I go DAC auditioning.
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  10. #35
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    I get a feel for what people like, just as on that day I predicted you'd like the Lampizator better and Dave would prefer the PS Audio, and, it worked out that way.

    The Direct Stream wasn't "laid back", it was very quick and dynamic, it just wasn't as forward or large of a sound stage as the Lampi. I liked the PS Audio as well, I think if Blackraven didn't like the 11s, the PS Audio is moving in the wrong direction to where he wants to be.

    With all that, I have yet to see any one not like the Bricasti which is one of the quickest, hardest hitting DAC's I've heard, it just happens to do it with a tremendous pace and timing, musicality..

  11. #36
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    I get a feel for what people like, just as on that day I predicted you'd like the Lampizator better and Dave would prefer the PS Audio, and, it worked out that way.

    The Direct Stream wasn't "laid back", it was very quick and dynamic, it just wasn't as forward or large of a sound stage as the Lampi. I liked the PS Audio as well, I think if Blackraven didn't like the 11s, the PS Audio is moving in the wrong direction to where he wants to be.

    With all that, I have yet to see any one not like the Bricasti which is one of the quickest, hardest hitting DAC's I've heard, it just happens to do it with a tremendous pace and timing, musicality..
    And price tag.
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  12. #37
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Mr. P, I found that the Marantz was too fast. I like a little slower pace. My BAT preamp and Pass amp are fast and hit hard. In fact, since I recapped the BAT the music is much more dynamic and detailed. It sounds like a different preamp. Bass is deeper and faster ( I had to turn down the sub a bit). The music is fuller with much more body and texture. Low level listening is better. Treble is more detailed with a bit more air. The preamp is more musical. I would say the before the recap that I was getting about 85% of the sound that I am getting now.

    My point of all this is that the Marantz was too dynamic and the sound was very uneven, so I want a DAC that is musical and detailed with some warmth to the sound. I want a huge sound stage and a midrange that has both transparency and depth like the Bricasti. Speed is not an issue with my system, especially with my Magnepans.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  13. #38
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    That's great the caps made that much improvement for the BAT.

    Come on jack, if you are going to play, you have to pay, LOL

  14. #39
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    That's great the caps made that much improvement for the BAT.

    Come on jack, if you are going to play, you have to pay, LOL
    There's pay and there is PAY. I'm on Social Security so it takes a little longer to pay to play.
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  15. #40
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    The Bricasti cost's $9,000 which is a little much considering it weighs only 9 pounds. The Marantz weighed in at about 25lbs and the Cary that I am looking at weighs 28lbs. Maybe less is more but not when it comes to the cost of parts and labor. But the Bricasti sounds awesome and magical. The Bricasti room at Axpona used $30K Tidal speakers. It was the best sounding system that I have ever heard, even better than the $130K Wilson Audio and Ayre system that I heard last year. Some systems can do things better than the Bricasti-Tidal room but the overall sound and listen-ability was captivating. I don't know of any one that did not love that room.

    Mr. P, the new caps in the BAT takes the premamp to another level. I bet that it sounds like it was supposed to when it was brand new and was considered one of the worlds best preamps by Stereophile back in 2003-2004. I truly cannot believe the sound I was missing. Even my son is amazed and can't stop listening to it. And what is amazing is that the caps are not fully broken in yet. I only have about 30 or so hours on them and it takes about 100hrs to reach their full potential.
    Mr Peabody likes this.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  16. #41
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    I get a feel for what people like, just as on that day I predicted you'd like the Lampizator better and Dave would prefer the PS Audio, and, it worked out that way.

    The Direct Stream wasn't "laid back", it was very quick and dynamic, it just wasn't as forward or large of a sound stage as the Lampi. I liked the PS Audio as well, I think if Blackraven didn't like the 11s, the PS Audio is moving in the wrong direction to where he wants to be.

    With all that, I have yet to see any one not like the Bricasti which is one of the quickest, hardest hitting DAC's I've heard, it just happens to do it with a tremendous pace and timing, musicality..
    Peabody thats what I said. It was laid back....in comparison to the Lampizator I might add. Both DAC's where dynamic...and I like them both, lampi more.

    I dont know about the PS Audio not being a match.....you never know most times how a component will work out until you put it in....but we do have our hunches.

    Bricasti is nice....but for $9k it better be. the Lampizator Level 7 and PSU is also dynamic and hard hitting, so was the PS DSD....I thought it hit just as hard and was just as dynamic give or take a few....but then again....I didn't have as long a listening session as you.
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  17. #42
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    Mr. P, I found that the Marantz was too fast. I like a little slower pace. My BAT preamp and Pass amp are fast and hit hard. In fact, since I recapped the BAT the music is much more dynamic and detailed. It sounds like a different preamp. Bass is deeper and faster ( I had to turn down the sub a bit). The music is fuller with much more body and texture. Low level listening is better. Treble is more detailed with a bit more air. The preamp is more musical. I would say the before the recap that I was getting about 85% of the sound that I am getting now.

    My point of all this is that the Marantz was too dynamic and the sound was very uneven, so I want a DAC that is musical and detailed with some warmth to the sound. I want a huge sound stage and a midrange that has both transparency and depth like the Bricasti. Speed is not an issue with my system, especially with my Magnepans.
    Raven....you ever thought about the Resonesse Labs Invicta or Mirus? I hear they are great! Also the AMR DP 777 SE is suppose to be in the class of the Lampi Big 7 . I hear they are one of the best out. Abbingdon Music Research - Products - Digital Processor-777
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  18. #43
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    Mr. P, I found that the Marantz was too fast. I like a little slower pace. My BAT preamp and Pass amp are fast and hit hard. In fact, since I recapped the BAT the music is much more dynamic and detailed. It sounds like a different preamp. Bass is deeper and faster ( I had to turn down the sub a bit). The music is fuller with much more body and texture. Low level listening is better. Treble is more detailed with a bit more air. The preamp is more musical. I would say the before the recap that I was getting about 85% of the sound that I am getting now.

    My point of all this is that the Marantz was too dynamic and the sound was very uneven, so I want a DAC that is musical and detailed with some warmth to the sound. I want a huge sound stage and a midrange that has both transparency and depth like the Bricasti. Speed is not an issue with my system, especially with my Magnepans.
    Ravin....did you go with a different brand of caps than the originals? I assume you did? What did you have before and what did you change too? I've noticed some time when one goes away from the same named brand caps, the specific sound signature of the manufacturer goes away as well...is this not the case with your BAT?
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  19. #44
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Jack....thanks for the compliment on the DAC list.

    The Lampizator Level 7 is $10k

    The Bricasti is $9k

    The Cary 600SE DAC is $8k

    All "to rich for my blood". (Patrica Barber on the "Cafe Blue" album)
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  20. #45
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Frenchmon, I used the newer version ( they have a lower failure rate than the older caps) of the Jensen Paper-Oil-Aluminum caps that were made specifically for the BAT. These caps were used in the 6 Packs (2 six packs per channel for a total of 12 caps) that made their preamps an SE version that accounts for the great dynamics and bass. BAT sells them for $75 per cap. I bought them direct from Jensen in Denmark for $20 per cap. I new they were going bad because when I changed inputs or turned off the BAT, I would get a loud electronic pop through the speakers. I spoke with Victor Khomenko the designer of the BAT VK preamps and he stated all 12 of the out put caps needed to be changed. He was right.

    The difference in sound is due to the fact that the old caps were not discharging well. So now I am getting their full voltage which is 1 Farad and 400V per cap.

    Here is a picture of the inside of the BAT. You can see the yellow-orange six packs at the rear of the unit on each side. The front has 4 separate caps of the same values which I am going to replace.


    Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE line preamplifier | Stereophile.com
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  21. #46
    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by frenchmon View Post
    Jack....thanks for the compliment on the DAC list.

    The Lampizator Level 7 is $10k

    The Bricasti is $9k

    The Cary 600SE DAC is $8k

    All "to rich for my blood". (Patrica Barber on the "Cafe Blue" album)
    That's a great tool to have when you're looking for a new DAC. If you're looking for a particular feature like DSD64, you need to look no further than that list. I wish they made them for other gear.
    2 Channel System
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 Mk II
    Pass Labs X150.5 (Amp)
    Cary SLP-03 (Preamp)
    Music Hall MMF 5.1 (TT)
    Goldring 1012GX (Cart.)
    Pro-ject SE II (Phono Box)
    Rotel RCD-1072 (CD Player)
    Bryston BDA-1 ( DAC )
    Sennheiser HD-600 (Headphones)
    Musical Fidelity Xcan V3 (Headphone Amp) _

    HT System
    Usher X-719 (Mains)
    Usher X-616 (Center)
    Usher S-520 (Surrounds)
    Rel T2 (Subwoofer)
    Anthem MCA20 (Amp)
    Yamaha RX-A830 (Receiver)
    Panasonic TH-46PZ85U (Plasma TV)
    Denon DBT-1713UD (BluRay/SACD)

  22. #47
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven View Post
    Frenchmon, I used the newer version ( they have a lower failure rate than the older caps) of the Jensen Paper-Oil-Aluminum caps that were made specifically for the BAT. These caps were used in the 6 Packs (2 six packs per channel for a total of 12 caps) that made their preamps an SE version that accounts for the great dynamics and bass. BAT sells them for $75 per cap. I bought them direct from Jensen in Denmark for $20 per cap. I new they were going bad because when I changed inputs or turned off the BAT, I would get a loud electronic pop through the speakers. I spoke with Victor Khomenko the designer of the BAT VK preamps and he stated all 12 of the out put caps needed to be changed. He was right.

    The difference in sound is due to the fact that the old caps were not discharging well. So now I am getting their full voltage which is 1 Farad and 400V per cap.

    Here is a picture of the inside of the BAT. You can see the yellow-orange six packs at the rear of the unit on each side. The front has 4 separate caps of the same values which I am going to replace.


    Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE line preamplifier | Stereophile.com
    Nice.....BAT has a hell of a mark up!
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  23. #48
    frenchmon frenchmon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jack in Wilmington View Post
    That's a great tool to have when you're looking for a new DAC. If you're looking for a particular feature like DSD64, you need to look no further than that list. I wish they made them for other gear.
    Yeah its a nice list. Some guy over at computer audiophile put that together.
    Music...let it into your soul and be moved....with Canton...Pure Music


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W10 i5 Quad core processor 8GB RAM/Jriver 20/ Fidelizer Optimizer/ iFI Micro DSD DAC-iUSB 3.0/Vincent SA - T1/Vincent SP-331 MK /MMF-7.1/2M BLACK/MS Phenomena ll+/Canton Vento 830.2

  24. #49
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Well I just pulled the trigger on the Cary Audio 200ts DAC. I will post a review next weekend after it arrives.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  25. #50
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    St. Louis, MO, USA
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    Nice, I'll be waiting for your report.

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