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Mercman finally comes around:Audiophile Server destroys his Asus

37.130.229.149
Posted on June 16, 2016 at 06:57:02
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 "The final question that I anticipate many of you will ask is how does the Syrah compare to my Asus G501JW laptop running unmodified Windows 10 Pro / JRiver Media 21 as the source? The Asus G501 JW possesses an Intel Core i7 4720HQ 2.6 GHz processor with 16 GB RAM and a very fast PCE Express X4 SSD.

It was no contest folks; the Syrah smoked the Asus computer in terms of sound quality. The soundstage was larger, bass had superior control and impact, better background silence, and sound that was less veiled and definitely more effortless when listening to the Merlot with the Syrah."


Read more at http://www.audiostream.com/content/playback-designs-sonoma-series-syrah-server-merlot-dac-and-opbox#Pz6xQVKYyQKtrPLG.99

 

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A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:28:40
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 The $6500 Playback Designs PC with modified Windows 10 Pro beats a $1000 unmodified laptop PC running unmodified Windows 10.

Are you surprised?

"The Syrah Server runs Windows 10 Pro that has been stripped and configured so it can only be used to play audio files and utilize network access. The hardware is based on the Intel NUC [a cheap PC] using a Celeron processor with 4GB of RAM and a 2TB hard drive. The Syrah can be ordered with an SSD at additional cost."

Intel NUC with 4GB DDR3 and 128GB SSD. Assembled. $239 on Amazon

I am certain that there are several inmates here who run optimized PCs with stripped down Windows for far less than $6500 that also easily beat stock laptops.

But I can understand the attraction of an easy to use turnkey appliance such as the $6500 Playback Designs Syrah server for some folks. The NUC PC is placed in a nice enclosure and the commodity Windows OS is already tweaked for you.


 

RE: A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:32:32
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 "I am certain that there are several inmates here who run optimized PCs with stripped down Windows for far less than $6500 that also easily beat stock laptops."

Including me!

I hope to review Audiophile Optimizer when the final 2.0 version is released.

 

RE: A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:33:05
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 They you have no clue about Mercman's PC set up.

He has spent an enormous amount of money on power supplies, Synergistic Tranquility bases, power conditioning, and software, plus additional tweaks. I would not be surprised if it was close to $10,000.

Your tired old narrative does not apply here. Try again.

 

$13,000 stack should sound pretty good..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:35:49
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Syrah server over USB to his 'everyday' DAC? Also assuming he was using his ASUS with the Merlot DAC for this comparison?


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:38:18
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Thanks for the review Steve. The Playback Designs Syrah Server and Merlot DAC appear to be fine products.

 

RE: $13,000 stack should sound pretty good..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:38:50
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 The Syrah DAC would have to be specially set-up by Playback Designs to work with my MSB Analog DAC or Wavelength Crimson.

And yes, I did run the Merlot with my Asus running an unmodified Windows 10 Pro.

 

RE: A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:39:38
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Yeah, this is one setup I could easily live with :)

 

Sorry, I am getting old and easily confused..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:44:35
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 So the Syrah is the music server with a USB output, yes?

And the Merlot is a DAC and you used your ASUS computer with it and the Syrah sounded much better than your ASUS running unmodified Windows 10 Pro hooked up via USB to that same DAC?

But the Syrah music server will not output to just any old DAC even though it has a USB output so we are indeed looking at a $13,000 solution?




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Sorry, I am getting old and easily confused..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:49:05
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 "So the Syrah is the music server with a USB output, yes?"

Yes

"And the Merlot is a DAC and you used your ASUS computer with it and the Syrah sounded much better than your ASUS running unmodified Windows 10 Pro hooked up via USB to that same DAC?"

Yes

"But the Syrah music server will not output to just any old DAC even though it has a USB output so we are indeed looking at a $13,000 solution?"

The Syrah works out-of-the-box with Playback Designs DACs. Remember, the OS is Windows 10 Pro and needs to have the USB driver installed to support High Speed USB Audio. The Syrah cannot be a universal player without all drivers being installed for every DAC.

 

Can it stream TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 07:56:00
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 OK, unfair question for a $13,000 solution perhaps, but some of us HAVE to ask! =:-0




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Can it stream TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 08:00:32
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 No Ivan. Perhaps with future software upgrades for the Syrah.

 

How stripped is it ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 08:02:56
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Is the Windows OS on the Syrah Server stripped down to the point that the average user cannot install the necessary driver for his own brand of DAC w/o first consulting with Playback Designs?



 

RE: How stripped is it ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 08:11:30
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 "Is the Windows OS on the Syrah Server stripped down to the point that the average user cannot install the necessary driver for his own brand of DAC w/o first consulting with Playback Designs?"

That is correct Abe.

 

RE: A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 08:16:26
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 He has spent an enormous amount of money on power supplies, Synergistic Tranquility bases, power conditioning, and software, plus additional tweaks. I would not be surprised if it was close to $10,000.

According to the article:

"The final question that I anticipate many of you will ask is how does the Syrah compare to my Asus G501JW laptop running unmodified Windows 10 Pro / JRiver Media 21 as the source?"

Doesn't sound like Steve's laptop was tweaked, and certainly not to the tune of $10,000. It's not that easy to perform hardware tweaks on a laptop. It is running stock Windows 10 and the commonly available JRiver software, the same player software used on the Syrah Server. My educated guess is that the power supply on his laptop is the stock Asus 19VDC 6A power brick.



 

RE: A $6500 modified PC beats a $1000 laptop. You're Surprised ?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 08:25:59
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 "My educated guess is that the power supply on his laptop is the stock Asus 19VDC 6A power brick."

Yes, you are correct Abe.

 

RE: Can it stream TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:01:39
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 It's not an unfair question at all.

This all goes back to the fundamental debate of running a general purpose DIY platform, tweaked if you like, vs a turnkey branded product by a high-end audio manufacturer. There are valid pluses and minuses to each.

For the turnkey solution the big minus that I have mentioned before has always been the dependency on the manufacturer for any new features and updates as the industry moves rapidly forward.

In the case of the Playback Designs Syrah Server one cannot even attach his own USB DAC without first consulting with the manufacturer as the OS is stripped down to the point that the typical buyer of this product cannot install their own DAC driver.

You are apparently faced with a similar situation if you want your TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD. You're at the mercy of the manufacturer to implement it for you.

I'm not making this stuff up.

So one has to seriously weigh the benefits of an optimized turnkey solution like the Syrah Server and others, vs 'rolling your own' along with some DIY tweaks.

Of course the benefit of the turnkey solution is that you take it out of the box, plug it in, and it works nicely immediately upon bootup. No brainer and perfect for some buyers. The downside is you have an expensive solution that often requires support from the manufacturer if you want new features and enhancements. You're on their schedule, not your own.



 

RE: Can it stream TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:10:27
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 "You are apparently faced with a similar situation if you want your TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD. You're at the mercy of the manufacturer to implement it for you."

As I am with my current Mac Mini, as it is configured in a way such that it plays from custom configured memory partitions of some sort that must be preloaded for each type of player be it JRiver, Amarra or Bit Perfect as well as QOBUZ, TIDAL, AMARRA For TIDAL and ClassicsOnlineHD.

Not that I mind because it sounds better that way rather than just loading and running the players as per normal, not inside the partition, which I can still do.





First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

About time, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:15:26
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 For several years I have been trying to explain to him that a laptop with whatever processor and computer quality power supplies and active ultra fast cables may not give as good results as well designed boxes fed with carefully set up operating systems.

I haven't read the review in detail to see if he has gotten rid of his magic grounding bus and other 'optimisers'.

The issue has not been whether he wanted to go his own way but the inability to accept that there are other approaches (to me more measured)bar very expensive dedicated PCs such as the Total DAC system etc.

 

RE: Can it stream TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:15:34
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
It appears that you have different boot partitions, or partitions from which you run your different applications, which are also easily accomplished in a DIY setup.


 

It's just, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:17:41
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 selective reasoning on his part

 

RE: About time, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:18:56
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 "The issue has not been whether he wanted to go his own way but the inability to accept that there are other approaches (to me more measured)bar very expensive dedicated PCs such as the Total DAC system etc."

There is no issue. I don't have an inability to accept other approaches. Never have, but computers are needed to evaluate many of the components I review. I like to use stock computers that everyone has access to as opposed to a customized setup.

 

may not? nt, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:19:10
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10581
Joined: April 12, 2002
 /

 

RE: About time, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:20:39
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
"...well designed boxes fed with carefully set up operating systems"

Just out of curiosity are you running a commercial optimized system these days or your own optimized computer with your own carefully set up operating system?

The $6500 USD Playback Designs Syrah Server in the review is based on the Intel NUC with a stripped down Windows 10 Pro OS and the popular JRiver player. Kind of spendy for what is essentially an Intel NUC PC and some tweaks. But that's just my opinion.


 

RE: About time, posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:24:30
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 "I like to use stock computers that everyone has access to as opposed to a customized setup."

As a reviewer, of course you do. Otherwise any comparisons you make would be meaningless to your readers.

We understand that.

Fred?

Not so much it seems. :-(


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Not at all..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:30:09
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 Considering the number of hours one has to invest to produce such a thing.

In fact, one could make the argument that on might be better off starting from scratch rather than taking the time to optimize a production PC and production OS like Windows 10.

In fact, for the DAC that's what Playback Designs did, opting for an FPGA solution rather than an off-the-shelf DAC chip.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Not by me..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:31:58
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 I haven't 'easily set up' anything computer-wise since the Apple IIe. ;-)


First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

RE: Not at all..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:33:17
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Like I said in another post below, there are pluses and minuses to each approach. Personally, I don't have $13,000 for a NUC PC and a DAC.

 

And neither do I..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:50:28
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 but I do understand why a NUC PC in a shiny box running stripped down Windows 10 MIGHT require a bit of tweaking and development work such that it would require a relatively high asking price for such a limited sized market.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

In this case, his reasoning appears to be correct..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 09:53:51
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
.




First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Customised Computer, posted on June 16, 2016 at 11:08:24
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 When you take an OS, loads 3 lots of 'optimisation' software to get the 'right' SQ, you end up with a grey puddle. This is more so if you 'update' your OS and optimisation software constantly so that there is no reference point wrt to which is better than what. Add on top your cables, your thousands worth of other audio improvement hardware, and you end up with just one, very customised system that can only apply across a narrow range of setup conditions.

 

RE: In this case, his reasoning appears to be correct..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 11:09:49
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 to you, when you selectively quote item cost as opposed to system cost.

 

Kind of like buying a component that uses vacuum tubes..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 12:40:13
Chris Garrett
Bored Member

Posts: 16674
Location: Miami, Florida
Joined: October 9, 1999
Contributor
  Since: June 19, 2000
 but they're a proprietary tube made only by the component manufacturer and you can only buy them in lots of two, every few years.

Good luck!

Chris



 

RE: Kind of like buying a component that uses vacuum tubes..., posted on June 16, 2016 at 13:07:09
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Yup, it would be a real sacrifice to own the Sonoma Series. I'd be willing to be the poor bastard if I had the scratch :)

 

RE: Can it stream TIDAL, QOBUZ or ClassicsOnlineHD?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 13:11:10
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 "Of course the benefit of the turnkey solution is that you take it out of the box, plug it in, and it works nicely immediately upon bootup. No brainer and perfect for some buyers. The downside is you have an expensive solution that often requires support from the manufacturer if you want new features and enhancements. You're on their schedule, not your own."

You're kind of on a lot of people's schedules concerning the music software you use. The one thing you forgot Abe is that the system sounds great. Let's just see if I can do as well with my future evaluations.

 

Would you still feel the same way if they went out of business next year?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 13:18:20
Chris Garrett
Bored Member

Posts: 16674
Location: Miami, Florida
Joined: October 9, 1999
Contributor
  Since: June 19, 2000
 And didn't support the end user any longer?

If you can live with with no future support in that scenario, than go for it.

I guess I lean towards the 'future proofing' side of the fence.

Chris



 

RE: Would you still feel the same way if they went out of business next year?, posted on June 16, 2016 at 13:36:11
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 If they went broke, the system would still work unless it totally failed. But I learned the hard way with Mark Levinson products that nothing is truly guaranteed.

But as you suggested, one has to do what you are comfortable with.

 

A simple approach not requiring thousand of dollars, posted on June 17, 2016 at 00:03:22
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Quote from review:

''The Syrah Server
The dedicated server has a number of technical advantages over the use of a multi-purpose computer. By eliminating the many background process that are unnecessary for music reproduction, superior music reproduction can be obtained.

I asked Andres to comment why he felt Playback Designs needed to introduce a dedicated server to advance playback capabilities of the products in his new Sonoma Series:

"A computer is general purpose and therefore needs all the facilities, storage, bandwidth, memory, CPU speed etc. to perform and unimaginable amount of tasks that the user may ask for. If all we want to do is play audio files and load them into the system, then we can minimize the system dramatically, down to a point where there won't be a need for a cooling fan, and where the CPU is not busy servicing unnecessary tasks etc. The system becomes small, cool, quiet and less taxiing on the CPU. These are all features that have an effect ultimately on the sound quality.''

Some of us have been saying this for years, even well before cMP. You can actually strip down a $200 4 core fanless PC running from a linear supply without spending more than $500. The process is not difficult but yields vastly improved sound quality over an overloaded though powerful PC.

Equally some inmates have consistently rejected this idea and have gone for 'Ultimate Pro' types of PCs with 16G Ram loaded with multple' optimising' software and hardware.



 

Wouldn't all the other system stuff, posted on June 17, 2016 at 06:04:38
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37609
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 apply to both PCs?

I'm seeing apples vs apples in comparing the server component.

 

When/if this catches on and the market becomes competitive , posted on June 17, 2016 at 06:13:54
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 15703
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 Prices will fall.

Wait.

 

RE: Wouldn't all the other system stuff, posted on June 17, 2016 at 07:07:13
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 No, one is holistic, the other a randomised (trial and error for one system) combination.

 

You missed my point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 07:34:11
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37609
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 All the other stuff (except for the JR Software) was in both evaluation systems, *holistic* or not. :)

 

RE: You missed my point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 07:46:24
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 Got your point but JRiver is there and not the other 'optimising' software suites that are all individually aimed at 'better' sound.

I know for a fact that some of this timing stuff can actually make audio sound poorer. We don't even know why particular 'timings' have been chosen and neither do they except by ear on their systems which are not universal.




 

Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 09:09:17
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37609
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I know for a fact that some of this timing stuff can actually make audio sound poorer.

Of course it can.

That's got nothing at all to do with IJG's quoted comment about having spent $10k on other stuff on his PC system to which you agreed.



 

RE: Still missing the point -Sorry, posted on June 17, 2016 at 11:35:17
fmak
Audiophile

Posts: 13158
Location: Kent
Joined: June 1, 2002
 don't know what you are on about?

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 11:51:12
Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001
 "That's got nothing at all to do with IJG's quoted comment about having spent $10k on other stuff on his PC system to which you agreed."

And to which said reviewer clearly denied having done, even down to the last stock power adapter.


But welcome to the world of 'fmak'. The master of the obscure post and of the attempt to change the subject.







First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

 

Never mind -nt, posted on June 17, 2016 at 11:51:15
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37609
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 .

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:13:06
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 Where did Steve deny spending loads of money on his PC set up? He did say that he did not upgrade the power supply, that is all I saw.

The Synergistic Tranq Base is over 2 grand alone from what I understand. Then..how about the power conditioning?

Maybe Steve can detail his set up him self. I don't see it on AS.

 

:) -nt, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:17:34
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37609
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 .

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:29:26
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Isaak is correct. The Asus sat on a Synergistic Research Tranquility Base UEF. The Asus is plugged into a Shunyata DPC-6 v2 power conditioner.

The Syrah also sat on a Tranquility Base UEF ( not the one pictured ). It was plugged into the Shunyata DPC-6 with a Shunyata Alpha Digital AC cord. The Merlot was plugged into the Shunyata Triton v2 / Typhon with a Shunyata Sigma Digital AC cord.

The Merlot sat on a Tranquility Base.

I also tried the Syrah and Merlot directly on the wooden shelves. It did sound better on the Bases, but the sound was consistent either way and not the result of the Bases.

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:33:59
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 Thank you Steve. We want to be factually correct about Lucy's system. :)

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:35:28
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 I like evaluating components plugged into the full Shunyata stack as I am hearing the component and not the effect of the AC and component interaction. I get a purer sense of the sound of the component.

Why do I suspect that fmak won't like this?

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:37:17
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 Lucy's system will be changing soon. She has authorized the Twenty Series updates for my Ayre MX-R amps and KX-R preamp.

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:38:57
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 As long as she approves...certainly not a sea change...

Ok, the $64,000 question!!! Will the PBD gear, one or the other, or both, be staying?

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:43:48
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6581
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
 I!m afraid not. Everything went back the other day. The Ayre upgrade cleaned me out.

 

RE: Still missing the point, posted on June 17, 2016 at 12:47:14
Isaak J. Garvey
Industry Professional

Posts: 1207
Location: Hollywod, CA
Joined: January 7, 2016
 Boo Hoo! :)

Any other file player/network streamers coming your way?

 

Maybe it would be telling something ... , posted on June 19, 2016 at 01:45:11
beppe61
Audiophile

Posts: 4705
Joined: January 29, 2004
 Hi !

First of all thanks a lot for the very interesting review.
I am left with the curiosity about how would sound the super Asus with a stripped down OS.
I have the feeling that stripping down the OS is more important than stripping down the HW.
I think that the average audiophile is focusing more the HW than the SW. SW is far less accessible for the not experts.
HW is like a Meccano for audiophiles ...
I can only trivially say that without a suitable driver any peripheral is just not usable.
And moreover there is driver and driver.
Thanks a lot again.
Kind regards,
bg

 

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