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In Reply to: Altmann DAC vs Shigaraki DAC? posted by gordan on March 29, 2007 at 01:46:44:
HiI cannot comment on the Shigaraki but I have the Altmann Attraction with JISCO as do two of my other audio friends and it is indeed a superb DAC and I have absolutely no regrets in purchasing it.
I previously had Audio Note transport and DAC combo and one of my friends just sold his Audio Mecca two box in preference to the Altmann
Although I have not experience with all I have listened to quite a few DACS and cdp's Levinsons, Audio Note, Micromega, Benchmark, Sony flagship models, Metronome, Audio Aero all of which are largely well regarded and the Altmann for my tastes has them beat.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Follow Ups:
I have no reason to doubt what you say. Can you tell us which Audio Note Dac and transport you owned that did not sound as good as your Altmann Dac (and CEC transport?). What does the Altmann do better for you? (You can generalize and keep it short and sweet if that helps.)Again, I believe that you are telling your honest opinion. That's why we are all here. It might help some of us if you elaborate a bit more. I am always trying to keep my mind open for new discoveries.
HiNot a problem
I previously owned an Audio Note CDT One Transport and a 1.1X Signature Dac.
I also tried an Audio Note 3.1 DAC and CEC transport.In the same sytem I tried the Altmann DAC and the CEC and both myself and my friend prefered the Altmann CEC combo. My friend has since bought the Oracle CD-2000 to go with his Altmann DAC and the Altmann is in no way out of place performance wise but price wise it is.
The Altmann reveals the significant performance difference between the Oracle CD-2000 and the CEC transport I owned and the CEC is still a well regarded transport.
Why do we prefer the Altmann ? In fairness the AN 3.1 has a lot of similarities to the Altmann but the Altmann just seems to score on less grunge backgound, rythm and pace and it's organicness if you know what I mean.
Old cliches but it just sounds right, all voices and intruments seem to be portrayed more naturally and another old cliche it sounds VERY similar to analogue without the hassle.
It's equal but no better than most other good digitals I have listend to in soundstaging, air and 3 dimentionality but it certainly is as good as I have heard for musicality and correct tonality.
Don't really know what more to say but at the price I believe it is an absolute bargain, but not a great looker it has to be said.
Regards
FF
Hmmm, I thought that Altmann DAC when used with JISCO is actually 100% insensitive to any transport issue - when you mentioned differences between CEC and Oracle transport, did you have JISCO as a part of the package or not.I dont know whether to go for Jisco or not, 250E is not some money, if it really works. Any thoughs?
HiI do indeed have the Jisco fitted as standard but despite what is said by some including Charles Altmann there is still a considerable sonic difference I can clearly hear between the transports I have tried and compared
FWIW....In my system, with JISCO active, it still passes the character of the transport (or cable), but offers a cleaner more refined version.
It won't make a silk purse out of a cow's ear.
My OPPO 971 as transport still sounds clinical and sterile with or without JISCO working. My SONY DVD player sounds better even without JISCO. Better still with it switched on.
HowdyNothing is totally jitter proof. It's all a matter of degree (and more likely personal preference.)
I can second this. I briefly had an older generation AN DAC4 and DAC4 Signature and I felt the Altmann was more fluid and the organicness was really important for me.
Thanks!
This question bugs me a bit so I would appreciate to know what is the rest of your system and what are your audio goals/preferences.When you mentioned Audio Aero, what model Altmann's DAC beat?
Hi gordanNot sure exactly why you are bugged ?
See inmate systems for my system
I note that yours system is not available to view ?
No conspiracy theory here, just trying to honestly respond to someone who happened to asked a question about a piece of equipment I own and which I chose and what I compared it against, simple really.
Audio Aero model was Capitole MK2As stated I have no reservations about recommending the Alltman for anyones shortlist irrespective of the amount of $$$$ they were going to spend.
FF
NHF, FF:)It's just my curiosity - no conspiracy behind. I've only noticed that Altmann's products are more often mentioned by these particular groups of audiophiles. It could also do something with "an orthodoxy in a search for the perfect sound" of them - horn or FR people are more keen on trying non-conformist products such as the altmann's then - say - lovers of US high-end gear.
I asked which AA because I don't think that Prima is something one should be crazy about. Capitole SE is much better product and if Attraction DAC kills it, than it is a serious statement.
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