What did you do to your stereo rig today?

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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Very nice, Mike. Looking forward to your thoughts on it after you've spent some more time with it.

    What digital sources will you be feeding it?

    Drew, at present all I really have an OPPO 203 feeding it via Dig RCA Coax. The DAC has a USB Input that offers the best resolution, so I'll be looking for a Streamer with USB Output one day. No current laptops to hookup, although I can play some files via the OPPO.


    Thorton wrote: »
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    In an attempt to up my Digital Game, I rolled in a Lampizator Amber 3 DAC this morning. Right outta the box, this thing is going to far exceed my expectations.

    ore4nyremvzj.jpg

    Very nice pick-up. What did you have before that?

    Former DAC was a PS Audio NuWave DSD, a good little DAC but I wanted something with some tubes in it ;)

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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,594
    edited November 2019
    I substituted an iPurifier 3 for an older iPurifier 1, plugged into the USB input of my iFi nano idsd DAC and oh what an incredible difference. Everything is so much clearer and more musical, but the most obvious was the clarity of vocals and the smoothness and extended decay of instruments. Didn't get rid of my packet noise (small peaks at 8kHz and 16kHz), and I'm beginning to wonder if they are being generated in the DAC itself. I'm pretty pleased especially since iFi sent me this, along with an iSilencer for free, in response to a support ticket I opened with them. Here's what the packet noise looks like, and it is definitely worse when the browser has lots of tabs open and my Lenovo Y900 desktop is busy doing lots of things (see attachment). I haven't done a test yet with the iPurifier 3, but I can still hear it. If it's better though then maybe it isn't all coming from within the DAC. We'll see.
    George / NJ

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,594
    edited November 2019
    Packet noise probably isn't any better with the iPurifier 3, although I believe the other noise is a bit lower, compared to the iPurifier 1. The sound quality is so much better I'm still pretty happy with this change! See attachments.
    George / NJ

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,117
    edited November 2019
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    In an attempt to up my Digital Game, I rolled in a Lampizator Amber 3 DAC this morning. Right outta the box, this thing is going to far exceed my expectations.


    You upped your digital game all right! Nice score . . . and ditto what Skip said
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    In an attempt to up my Digital Game, I rolled in a Lampizator Amber 3 DAC this morning. Right outta the box, this thing is going to far exceed my expectations.

    ore4nyremvzj.jpg

    Where's the WOW button?!?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,084
    @mhardy6647 check out Skylan stands. You can mass load the vertical square part with whatever you want.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    halo wrote: »
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    In an attempt to up my Digital Game, I rolled in a Lampizator Amber 3 DAC this morning. Right outta the box, this thing is going to far exceed my expectations.

    ore4nyremvzj.jpg

    Where's the WOW button?!?

    It's the O in Lampizator :D

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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    Mike - your setup is so clean
    I love it.

    Can you show us the whole front view - I love the acoustic treatments and how you have decorated. Kudos!
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    joecoulson wrote: »
    Mike - your setup is so clean
    I love it.

    Can you show us the whole front view - I love the acoustic treatments and how you have decorated. Kudos!

    Thank you, I spend a lot of time there. The pic is pretty much from the Sweet Spot.

    08qbqqffqdp8.jpg


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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,084
    Great looking room. Man I can't wait to live by myself again. Or at least with cleaner room mates.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,380
    Today, I unhooked the dump find hifi I've been listenin' to lately & brought the big-boy person hifi back on line.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited November 2019
    Well, after 11 months of listening I had to finally admit defeat and order a new Benchmark DAC2 DX. The PS Audio SGC, while relatively satisfying, just wasn't pushing "all" of my buttons. I guess after 14yrs of owning the same brand dac, it secretly stuck to me. Funny thing is, even though this will be my 4th Benchmark dac, I'm pretty damn excited. And yes, it will be serving as my preamp as well.

    12opcn45u01m.jpg
    3wn0df8alwlx.jpg

    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,084
    What was missing from the PSAudio for you?
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • Gerres26
    Gerres26 Posts: 870
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    joecoulson wrote: »
    Mike - your setup is so clean
    I love it.

    Can you show us the whole front view - I love the acoustic treatments and how you have decorated. Kudos!

    Thank you, I spend a lot of time there. The pic is pretty much from the Sweet Spot.

    08qbqqffqdp8.jpg


    This really is one of my favorite setups on this site. Mike, I hope you don’t get mad when I finish my basement and post pics of my new listening room and it just happens to look just like yours lol.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited November 2019


    No worries, what is it they say? "Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery" :)

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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    I agree. Mike the decorations are as bad azz as the equipment. Fantastic job.
    I would come hang out there if we were pals.
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    joecoulson wrote: »
    I agree. Mike the decorations are as bad azz as the equipment. Fantastic job.
    I would come hang out there if we were pals.

    If your travels ever take you through mid Missouri, give me a shout. The Beer is always Cold and the Music is usually a tad bit too loud.

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  • Lostsoul123
    Lostsoul123 Posts: 28
    Turned mine on after being gone for a couple weeks. Noticing some initial startup noise. I REALLY need to get my amps in for a refresh...
    All tube designed Hello Kitty boom box
    Invisible aluminum wireless Phazer speaker wire
    Free Spirit Teleport Preamp (Literally brings the artists into your living room)
    1.44 JW Flux Capacitor Mono Amps
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    Nightfall wrote: »
    What was missing from the PSAudio for you?

    I'd like to know as well. Seems like a few people got the PSA Stellar Gain Cell preamp, loved it, raved about it, went quiet, then sold them.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Well, after 11 months of listening I had to finally admit defeat and order a new Benchmark DAC2 DX. The PS Audio SGC, while relatively satisfying, just wasn't pushing "all" of my buttons. I guess after 14yrs of owning the same brand dac, it secretly stuck to me. Funny thing is, even though this will be my 4th Benchmark dac, I'm pretty damn excited. And yes, it will be serving as my preamp as well.

    Are you still using the Bluesound Node 2i as a digital streamer?
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    Yes, using the Node 2i. I really liked the SGC's functionality and it has great slam and fullness; but I think it comes at the expense of sounding a little out of focus, and not as articulate and detailed as the BM.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • simm
    simm Posts: 576
    halo wrote: »
    Nightfall wrote: »
    What was missing from the PSAudio for you?

    I'd like to know as well. Seems like a few people got the PSA Stellar Gain Cell preamp, loved it, raved about it, went quiet, then sold them.

    I’m curious as well. I got caught up on all the postings about the PS Audio amp/pre and starting researching them and then it seemed like most were moving on to something else.
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,573
    Well, I bought my SGC DAC from @Clipdat, and am extremely pleased. Blows away the Parasound P5 I was using. Soundstage is amazingly wide and deep, where as the P5 was very 2 dimensional. Best improvement to my system in quite some time. The elusive speakers disappearing that many talk about, is now a reality with my setup.
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  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 840
    5byzrftbptkd.jpg

    Assembled a new pair of Daytonaudio SSMB24 stands for the LSi9s. After listening to the stereo now for a while I've realized this is a more appropriate height for these speakers relative to my listening position.

    Old stands were 31" high.
    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited November 2019
    simm wrote: »
    halo wrote: »
    Nightfall wrote: »
    What was missing from the PSAudio for you?

    I'd like to know as well. Seems like a few people got the PSA Stellar Gain Cell preamp, loved it, raved about it, went quiet, then sold them.

    I’m curious as well. I got caught up on all the postings about the PS Audio amp/pre and starting researching them and then it seemed like most were moving on to something else.

    It's like anything audio, personal tastes play a part. The SGC has a lot going for it, and I certainly understand its appeal---very visceral and exciting presentation, and I love the volume display and general functionality---but there were subtle elements missing from what I was used to in the Benchmark DAC. As I stated earlier, I've been running Benchmarks for over a decade, and that should have told me something.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    I just pulled the Graham Chartwell's out,and put the Hornshoppe Great Horned Heils back in the system.
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    The SGC DAC creams the Parasound DAC’s.
    The preamp stage however I would imagine is closer matched to the p5’s.
    I’m running the p6 with that new volume control. It’s presentation is less forward than the SGC but serves well for synergy in my setup. The detail is still there, just more relaxed.
    Personal preference.
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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    And FYI, I only ever used the SGC as a DAC for an A/B test, I used the CXN's when I had it and now the Auralic.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    I considered the Parasound P6 VERY HARD, especially with it's upgraded DAC; but decided to go with the "devil I knew" (Benchmark) so I wouldn't have to try to unload a 2nd preamp at a loss.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
    So my statement above about the SGC beating the Parasound DACs was based on feedback I thought I had heard from trusted ears. Apparently I am misrepresenting that account because of the lack of evidence. My apologies.
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