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I am looking for a reasonably priced DAC to use with the files I've ripped to my computer.
I have champagne taste and a beer budget that is why I am looking at the Brick instead of Gordon's more expensive DACs
I have read great things about Gordon's designs, and the Brick in particular. Even though my system uses tube amplification for the most part, I have never had a tubed source component, except for my phono amp.
My concerns are the typical ones concerning tubes. IE:
1) Is there any roll off of the high end
2) Is transient response slowed or blurred
3) Is the bass tight, full and well controlled.
I will still be using my MSB Gold Link III for playback from Redbook CDs, and expect the Brick to be a significant improvement.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Your input is most appreciated!
BTW, what is the length restriction on the USB cable before sound degradation begins to creep in?
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Follow Ups:
Julien,
The Brick is a good example of NOS or non oversampling (lack of filter) dac. It makes use of the TDA1543 and therefore is very dynamic. While the tube does filter the top end there is not any active filtering done in the dac. Since the output impedance is low the bass is very good except if you have a very low input impedance into your preamplifier (like a trasnformer based preamplifier or anything less than 10K ohms).
USB Cables for audio are best kept under 3m.
Another option if you want 24/96 is the new Proton.
Thanks
Gordon
J. Gordon Rankin
Hey Gordon
Thanks for responding. When I read that the Proton was designed for a desktop type application I was concerned that the sound quality might be compromised as is usually the case when components are built to a lower price point.
Can you give me a brief description of the sonic differences between The Brick and Proton?
OT... You've got to love this place. Where else can you converse with the designer of the gear you are thinking of purchasing?!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Julien,
First this question is better suited over in Computer Audiophile section.
But really this is a commercial question and best suited for an email or a call in person.
Thanks
Gordon
J. Gordon Rankin
Julien,
I hope to have a Proton soon to evaluate and compare with the Brick/Cosecant.
I just got an RME Fireface 400 that I'm playing around with and the initial impressions are quite favorable. I think a little more than a brick but used would be a little less than a brick is new. I got mine used for $850.
I'm also playing around with a program called Pure Vinyl that allows me to plug my turntable directly into the mic inputs of the RME and it does the EQ in software. I know. Blasphemy but so far I like what I'm hearing, You could then sell the phono stage and pocket that.
...but thanks for the suggestion
"_I'm also playing around with a program called Pure Vinyl that allows me to plug my turntable directly into the mic inputs of the RME and it does the EQ in software. I know. Blasphemy but so far I like what I'm hearing, You could then sell the phono stage and pocket that.
"
The thought of putting all my vinyl on the hard drive makes my head spin.
I thought ripping my CDs was a pain in the arse!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
I use it real time to play the vinyl but I don't usually record it. I may consider it though as prices for drives continues to drop.I agree setting out to record them is duanting but if you just record as you play them that would be less so.
" I'm also playing around with a program called Pure Vinyl that allows me to plug my turntable directly into the mic inputs of the RME and it does the EQ in software. I know. Blasphemy but so far I like what I'm hearing, You could then sell the phono stage and pocket that."
-----------------
This is exactly what I am thinking of at the moment. Using a Lavry mic pre with its special ribbon mode (70 dB gain) to a Lavry ADC than to a Macbook through either a Konnekt as SPDIF -FIREWIRE converter or directly Toslink. I think the only concern is the right level of the input to avoid clipping. Should be good. I hope to try it sometime in the next few weeks, when I have my Nottingham turntable at thome.
If you have some samples it would be interesting to upload somewhere to let us to hear it.
Not sure what I could copy and share that wouldn't violate the law.
Here is a review I wrote on the Wavelength Brick Version 2.
As for optimum length of the USB cable, I would recommend using the shortest cable possible. 5 meters is the limit, but 1 meter would be just fine.
- http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=pcaudio&n=29831&highlight=Brick+Wavelength+Audio+Brick+mercman&r= (Open in New Window)
Thanks Steve... Your review was just about what I was expecting from a Wavelength DAC given Gordon's background with computer technologies and his reputation as designer of great sounding amplifiers.
I had no idea The Brick had been reviewed in Stereophile. I only read it for entertainment, but it does seem to mesh with your review and my expectations.
Thanks again!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Your first 2 concerns should be:
1. Do you just want a usb input, or more flexible unit
2. Do you want limit of 2496
"_Your first 2 concerns should be:
1. Do you just want a usb input, or more flexible unit
2. Do you want limit of 2496"
I do have another DAC that can accept different interfaces. This would be for my computer files only. At the present time they only include reedbook CD ripped to lossless.
I'd love to want the ability to move up to 24/96, but for right now.I'll settle for 16/44.1. Money and quality are my major concerns.
Thanks for your input and giving me a different perspective!
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
Two points
1. Financial constraints not withstanding, it may not be a good longer term stategy to restrict to rbcd on a PC. I have converted nearly all my cd wav files to 176.4k on a low power PC using Audition 3. The superior sound is well worth it. This has nothing with adding information, probably much more to do withphase distortions associated with the brick wall filters. Again 192k sounds much better than 96k. The gain is in image placement, sound staging and more delicate hf. Some 20% of my material is now genuine hirez (from source recordings).
Having said this, it is easier to have a reasonable sounding PC at rbcd.
2. It is my experience that buying something for the moment costs more in the end; better go for a component which will accommodate the best software.
But cost constraints are a major concern as well as sound quality. Gordon mentioned the Proton in his response.
I have been entertaining the idea of using Slim Devices and my current DAC because the cost is much lower. I'm just not sure I want to go there.
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
I agree that fmak presents a valid argument. But the one thing that seems to never be discussed, the most important element to this discussion, is the total design of the DAC and the ultimate sound that results. Gordon's DACs are extremely neutral and have great ease in their presentation. Is it due to Async USB, tubes, or general parts used? I think it's the sum total of the design and parts that makes his DACs special.
Edits: 02/07/09
Yes, with 65 ft of optical cable.
You can rightly say that you like it and find it best, but you cannot call a dac with a silver transformer and a triode neutral.
By all means say it is euphonic.
Stop bickering what what I say to others and I shall stop talking about tour cable.
Well fmak I think you actually could call some transformer loaded triodes neutral particularly at line level. They don't have to be euphonic... I haven't heard the brick, but a transformer loaded triode swinging a couple of volts could and should be extremely linear. I have heard very neutral tube equipment, euphony is not inherent in tubes just in their implementation.
Who's bickering? I have tried to be polite since our last encounter. Hey, if others feel I was out of line, I'll apologize. Are you the one being a bit sensitive fmak?
Now if you don't like my system, I can live with that. Why don't you post your reference system with pictures so we can see what an ideal system would be. In the process, you could donate a few pounds to AA since you frequent the site.
I am not bothered by what you have or like. I am bothered by statements that patently cannot be true.
You are bothered by personalities (Gordon) and others' perceptions. This is a hobby of opinions. Why not accept that. I can live with your choices. They really don't cause me any consternation.
We should be helping each other instead of debating the same issues. It has been over two years now.
I am only ever 'bothered' by statements that are not true, and by smear tactics which 1 or 2 inmates utilise.
I am only' bothered' in the sense that others are being mislead.
You are clearly no psychologist. Stopt playing these games.
For your information, I have a degree in psychology. But this is not the issue. These recent posts speak for themselves.
Figures!
.
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