I've been looking into replacing the GamuT player I've used for a decade in the main system for a while. I've been most impressed with the EMM Labs models and found a couple of the CDSAse models recently on Agon. I finally decided to pull the trigger only to find that both of them were no longer available. Hmmm. What next?

Upon further reflection, I've decided to simplify my two music systems and leverage the wonderful advantages of computer based audio. I'm convinced that disk based music is clearly on the decline for many reasons. Some time ago, I ripped all my CDs to FLAC and have them stored on my Dell i870 server. The garage system has been using a Squeezebox Touch that had been optimized using an aftermarket linear supply feeding a Manley DAC using a true tube output stage. The Manley was acquired long ago before I had a full function preamp/linestage and I used it to drive the amp directly. Previously, I used a Bellari Phono pre for vinyl duty and switched interconnects to change sources. Now I have a NAD preamp which allows me to run both sources through it and minimize the hassle.

To help finance the upgrade upstairs, I decided to pull the Manley and use the internal DAC on the Touch and send it through the C-160 preamp. While the Touch DAC doesn't have the last bit of sonic refinement of the Manley, it is good enough and a lot more convenient to simply change sources.

I had also purchased a backup Touch on the cheap ($270) a while back and am now pressing it into service upstairs. The master plan is to use it as the player in the main system with another Welbourne Labs linear power supply and a new DAC. This weekend, I set it up in the "worst case" scenario (internal DAC, wall wart power supply and WiFi connectivity) and compared it to the GamuT. Which took only five minutes since the infrastructure was already there. Simplifying again, I am running the sources through the ARC preamp and not directly to the power amp via passive attenuators as I have previously done. I was able to match levels between the two players and synced a CD to its FLAC version and was able to compare the difference real time by changing the input. Not expectedly, it suffered from somewhat lower resolution and did not fare as well at the extremes - not too differently than when I compared the GamuT to the incredible Burmester 969/970 combo at Sea Cliff a decade earlier. What I found amazing was how close in quality it did sound!

I completed ordering an Audio Research DAC7, another Welborne labs power supply and will run CAT6 cable from the server to the player (impractical with my garage system). If the new combo only matches the capability of the previous disk based system, I will be quite happy. The convenience of using my iPhone to control either player (or synchronize both) along with running it through the preamp will be well worth the effort.

I'll update this once all the pieces are in place. Now, to package and sell the Manley DAC and GamuT player.