Musical Fidelity V-Dac

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Anyone used one of these, have any opinions of it? The question is halt moot as I've already ordered one and will be receiving it today, but curious if there are any other owners out there, have not seen it discussed much.

I read good reviews online, but those were mostly from retarded Amazon shoppers who can barely write an intelligible sentence sometimes.

One thing I will say, its ugly as well. It'll likely be the ugliest piece of gear I've ever owned. I have to wonder if that's on purpose, if you want something from them that looks decent you'll need to spend more money.

I guess that's it, I'll share my thoughts when I've had some time with it, but wanted to see if anyone else has any comments.

[Erik Tracy]

Anyone used one of these, have any opinions of it? The question is halt moot as I've already ordered one and will be receiving it today, but curious if there are any other owners out there, have not seen it discussed much.

I read good reviews online, but those were mostly from retarded Amazon shoppers who can barely write an intelligible sentence sometimes.

One thing I will say, its ugly as well. It'll likely be the ugliest piece of gear I've ever owned. I have to wonder if that's on purpose, if you want something from them that looks decent you'll need to spend more money.

I guess that's it, I'll share my thoughts when I've had some time with it, but wanted to see if anyone else has any comments.

I'd be interested in your review.

It is kinda fugly looking - maybe it should be outta sight outta mind?

Get some zip ties and secure down in the back of the rack. :smile:

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Oh it's not 'kinda' fugly, like I said it'll be the ugliest piece of gear I've ever owned. It's not even the enclosure, it's the hidious writing and makings on the case, they could have just left it all black and it would have been just fine, maybe a project in the making if I like it enough.

[falconcry72]

Everything in Musical Fidelity's V-series looks like that; it keeps things cheap.:wink:

I have not used the V-DAC, but I am currently using a M1-DAC, which should be sonically very similar to the V-DAC. The M1 has a few upgraded parts and features like a balanced digital input, balanced outputs, a better power supply and some indicator lights on the front. I think it sounds great! I'm going back and forth between it and a Bennchmark DAC-1 right now, and I don't think either sounds better. The M1 is a little smoother, and I would expect the same from the V-DAC.

I am also using a V-Link, which is an asynchronous USB to SPDIF converter. It is a great little piece, and it would be a good match for your V-DAC if you want an asynchronous PC-based solution.

I think you'll be happy with your purchase; great bang for the buck.:cool:

[Erik Tracy]

Oh it's not 'kinda' fugly, like I said it'll be the ugliest piece of gear I've ever owned. It's not even the enclosure, it's the hidious writing and makings on the case, they could have just left it all black and it would have been just fine, maybe a project in the making if I like it enough.

Were you wearing 'beer goggles' then when you let her into the house? :biggrin:

[falconcry72]

...it's the hidious writing and markings on the case, they could have just left it all black and it would have been just fine....

yea, no sh!t! All the V-series stuff has that writing. Most of the writing of on my vlink is fine, in a normal font, and then you get the huge V-LINK text that makes it look like it came from Party City USA. wtf.:confused:

[Big Dawg]

There are lots of very positive reviews online, not just on Amazon. I've never owned one myself, but I've never read of anyone who found it to perform below its price point.

Here's Stereophile's review: http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/musical_fidelity_v-dac_da_processor/index.html

Please let us know what you think after you've had it for a while.

[punk-roc]

I nearly got one myself a while back.. but need amplification too.. I've never heard a negative review of it.. its obviously not supposed to be competing with the more expensive USB DACs, but should work for a PC or secondary rig just fine

Jason

[unc2701]

IIRC, it's got pretty much the same guts as the X-Dac, but without the nice chassis. Not bad at all for the price- but you're going to want some cable ties.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I've read something about the performance or upsampling being diferent on the USB port than the other digital inputs, but don't really know what that means

[Big Dawg]

I've read something about the performance or upsampling being diferent on the USB port than the other digital inputs, but don't really know what that means

I hadn't heard that about the VDAC, although I have about the DACMagic.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I think there's something about the DAC not doing the Hi Rez formats over USB or something to that effect, can't find it now. Information on this thing is hard to find...

[PSOVLSK]

I run one between my PS3 and pre- in the game room. I'm happy with it, but I would think you'd see better results using it in a computer system rather than in the setup I'm using.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Now I'm looking at the V-Link, which is something about asynchronous USB, wonder if putting that in the chain would improve performance or if whatever technology that's in that is already incorporated into the V-Dac.

Look at me, I'm already trying to figure out how to increase performance before I get the damn thing.

[falconcry72]

I think there's something about the DAC not doing the Hi Rez formats over USB or something to that effect, can't find it now. Information on this thing is hard to find...

The USB input probably only supports up to 24bit 96khz, which is true of most USB DACs, whereas as the SPDIF inputs will support up to 24/192.

Also, the fact that it's not asynchronous may give the USB input an inherently lower level of performance than the SPDIF inputs.

Whether your ear can hear the difference or not is another story...:wink:

I did read one review on the M1; however, where the reviewer noted a performance increase when usinng the V-Link to the M1 instead of going directly to the M1's USB input.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Actually what I'm reading says I only get regular 16bit/44 performance when using the USB port...but again none of this is discussed in the manual so I don't know.

[falconcry72]

Now I'm looking at the V-Link, which is something about asynchronous USB, wonder if putting that in the chain would improve performance or if whatever technology that's in that is already incorporated into the V-Dac....

Neither the V-DAC or M1 incorporate asynchronous USB, so the V-LINK is an upgrade to both of them.

I may be selling my v-link soon. It works great, but I have my eye on a more expensive USB to SPDIF converter from Audio GD. :smile:

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

If you decide to part with it let me know, if I haven't already bought one by then I'll probably take it off your hands.

[falconcry72]

Actually what I'm reading says I only get regular 16bit/44 performance when using the USB port...but again none of this is discussed in the manual so I don't know.

Well you won't have to worry about it if you get a V-LINK. The V-Link lets up to 24/96 files pass through natively so your DAC can do whatever it wants with them.

[falconcry72]

If you decide to part with it let me know, if I haven't already bought one by then I'll probably take it off your hands.

Will do. I should make a decision within the next week or two.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

So are 'asynchronous USB' and the ability to handle higher resolution files like 24/96 the same thing, or are they different the the V-Link just happens to have both?

[falconcry72]

So are 'asynchronous USB' and the ability to handle higher resolution files like 24/96 the same thing, or are they different the the V-Link just happens to have both?

Different and vlink has both.

Asynchronous has to do with not letting the computer control the outputting data rate via its own clock, and thus eliminating, or at least significantly reducing, jitter.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Got the V-Dac today, sounds good out of the box, should be better after a day or two of burn in.

I'm running AudioNirvana on the Mac, and I can see it downsampling the hi rez files to the 16/48 rate when outputting to the DAC. I want my hi rez files, so I believe the v-link will definitely be in order.

[falconcry72]

...I'm running AudioNirvana on the Mac, and I can see it downsampling the hi rez files to the 16/48 rate when outputting to the DAC. ...

How do you see it down sampling? I would think that if you were outputting a resloution that the DAC couldn't handle it just wouldn't lock on and no sound would come out, but it wouldn't force your Mac to change its sampling rate.

[falconcry72]

Just found this in the measurements section of the Stereophile review:

"The USB input feeds the ubiquitous Burr-Brown PCM2706 receiver chip, which is limited to 16-bit data and sample rates of up to 48kHz. The USB receiver operates in "adaptive" mode, where control of the data flow is subcontracted to the PC; it feeds the recovered audio data to a Burr-Brown SRC4392 sample-rate-converter chip, which also handles data up to 24-bit resolution and sample rates up to 96kHz from the TosLink and coaxial S/PDIF ports. Using this chip to upsample incoming data to 192kHz reduces the effect of datastream jitter."

http://www.stereophile.com/content/musical-fidelity-v-dac-da-processor-measurements

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I'm using Audio Nirvana on OSX, and I believe the info at the bottom is telling me what's actually happening.

I was confused at first because I was expecting no sound when I played a 24/96 file, but there's definitely sound.

I'm attaching two screenshots, one playing a redbook CD and one playing a hi rez file. On the audio player, you can see at the bottom of the application window where the hi rez file says something like 16/48 downsampling converter.

I don't know if the downsampling is being done by the software or the DAC. So, I have no idea what's happening with my music...

[falconcry72]

That Gaucho SACD or HDtracks is great! Love that album, and it's a great mix to boot.

Maybe Audio Nirvana is helping you out by down sampling? I have no idea.

I use a PC and foobar 2000. When I play hi res files to a DAC that can't take'em no sound comes out.

[dhart86]

The v-dac was my 1st dac. Great for the $$$$$$$. sounds better after 50-100hrs break in. If you want a PC rig w/ hi rez playback, get the v-link from falconcry. The regular usb on v-dac to computer connection doesn't sound very good. I liked the v-dac but am now loving my w4s dac2,

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I have it on both sacd and hi rez from hdtracks and I agree it's great.

I can tell you for sure something is downsampling, because I know what the hi rez version sounds like and this isn't.

I guess my question is what's downsampling, the DAC or the software? I assume it's the software, but don't know for sure. What's weird is that Songbird, another application entirely, had the same result.

[falconcry72]

..my question is what's downsampling, the DAC or the software? ...

Good question. I'm not sure, but I would imagine that the DAC wouldn't have the ability to.

[unc2701]

Good question. I'm not sure, but I would imagine that the DAC wouldn't have the ability to.

I agree- it's the software. With the USB connection, the software basically sees a soundcard that can only handle 16/48 and kicks in the down-sampler.

[izafar]

A good link about using USB DACs:
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/wiki/index.php/Computer_Audio_Playback_-_Setup_Guide

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

Well we're coming up on 48 hours of burn in. I listened to it immediately upon hooking it up, and again now, a couple days later.

Wow, what a difference a couple days makes!

It was good right out of the box, but exhibited exactly what I expected with no burn-in - harsh on the high end. It may have been a little loose on the bottom end, but I couldn't tell you because the highs were overbearing. I wasn't shocked though, know that's how it often goes especially with DACs. SO I put the playlist on repeat and decided not to touch it again for a couple days.

I came back about an hour ago and decided to put the headphones on and was pleasantly surprised. The highs are ironed out and the overall tone is typical Musical Fidelity, just on the warm side of neutral. I'm not gonna go into a big story with a bunch of audio superlatives, let's just say is sounds good.

I'm running a pair of Beyer Dynamic DT880 on it. They're a great set of cans but are just a tad forward for my liking. Like I said, the V-DAC is typical MF, so it helps tame that brightness just a bit. The Woo Audio 3 tube headphone amp that I've got on order should go the rest of the way in getting them right where I want them.

I am going to get the V-Link to pair with this DAC to get me support for Hi Rez audio. I wish it had asynchronous USB support and support for 24/96 on the USB port built in, but for the price I guess I can't complain.

I did hook this up to my Squeezebox Touch via optical and played through some of my 24/96 files and it sounds phenomenal. I may end up ordering another one for the living room but want to get my computer rig fully built out first. The fact that it sounds so good playing the hi rez files gives me confidence in ordering the V-Link, because it should sound just as good on the computer rig with that in the chain.

In fairness, I did not compare directly to other DACs in this price range, but it's hard to imagine anything better out there for the price. I've read about the HRT Music Streamer and am going to order one of those for the laptop rig. It gets good reviews online and looks good on paper from what I can tell, so we'll see. I started with the V-DAC because it also has the extra inputs that I need.

[praedet]

I have a V-Link, so the following was learned with that piece of equipment...

Find a way to get the V-Link it's own non-usb power. It makes an AMAZING difference. I am using a USB cord that runs a separate line to a dedicated 5 volt battery source and the difference between the music before and after the change is quite breathtaking...

[dorokusai]

The V-Dac is better than the HRT Streamer.

[falconcry72]

I have a V-Link, so the following was learned with that piece of equipment...

Find a way to get the V-Link it's own non-usb power. It makes an AMAZING difference. I am using a USB cord that runs a separate line to a dedicated 5 volt battery source and the difference between the music before and after the change is quite breathtaking...

What's the name of the cord you're using? Sounds cool.

I'm guessing that the difference is due to galvanic isolation. Did you hear a difference with both the coaxial and toslink outputs? I ask because the nature of the optical out keeps your other equipment galvanically isolated from the computer, so I would assume that using an external power supply would only affect the sound of the coaxial out, but you never know. Theory and practice don't always align.:wink:

edit:

I found a review of the vlink that said that someone from Musical Fidelity recommended using the toslink out for the above reason.

[falconcry72]

...I am going to get the V-Link to pair with this DAC to get me support for Hi Rez audio. I wish it had asynchronous USB support and support for 24/96 on the USB port built in, but for the price I guess I can't complain....

I'm glad you're liking the vdac. I have heard that it sounds very similar to the m1, which I think does a great job!

You should hear a big difference with the addition of the vlink. It's an awesome little piece. I like having the converter and DAC separate so you can upgrade either separately. It also allows you to use any non-usb DAC that you want.

I'll let you know this week if I'll be getting rid of my vlink. If I do, you've got dibs.:smile:

[praedet]

What's the name of the cord you're using? Sounds cool.

I'm guessing that the difference is due to galvanic isolation. Did you hear a difference with both the coaxial and toslink outputs? I ask because the nature of the optical out keeps your other equipment galvanically isolated from the computer, so I would assume that using an external power supply would only affect the sound of the coaxial out, but you never know. Theory and practice don't always align.:wink:

edit:

I found a review of the vlink that said that someone from Musical Fidelity recommended using the toslink out for the above reason.I actually got the noise from both the coax out and the toslink for what it is worth...

The cord is a new one that Dave from PI Audio Group will be bringing out soon. He has a circle over at Audio Circle...

[Tbone289]

The V-Dac is better than the HRT Streamer.

Could you expand on this please? In what ways (beside the obvious inputs) is it better?

Thanks

[dorokusai]

Could you expand on this please? In what ways (beside the obvious inputs) is it better?

Thanks

It sounds better, easy. The HRT can sound artificial and compressed even on hi-res cuts.

[Tbone289]

It sounds better, easy. The HRT can sound artificial and compressed even on hi-res cuts.

Thanks for explaining. I thought you might be comparing in terms of spec, since you simply stated that it was better.

[dcmartinpc]

Great information!

I have been looking at a HRT MS II, but I might go this route for my small system in my bedroom.

Don

[Tbone289]

Great information!

I have been looking at a HRT MS II, but I might go this route for my small system in my bedroom.

Don

My opinion differs from dorokusai regarding the HRT MS II. I don't think it sounds compressed or artificial at all. I've also seen several other direct comparisons online between the two that are favorable toward both, and none that seem to point to obvious issues with either. I have not directly compared the HRT MS II and V-DAC side-by-side, however.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I've got a friend who has the HRT Music Streamer II and he agreed to bring it over last night, albeit reluctantly knowing what may happen.

We were both in agreement that the V-Dac is significantly better than the MSII, even without the V-Link in the chain. Since I don't have the V-Link yet I can't really compare on hi rez material via the USB.

Mark is pretty spot on with his thoughts on the sound, although I imagine other equipment would sound different. I had seen the sound characterized "too digital" and now understand those comments. it didn't sound real at all to me. Keep in mind though that as I mentioned before my headphones are already a little forward, it may sound completely different on a more laid back system.

[EndersShadow]

I've got a friend who has the HRT Music Streamer II and he agreed to bring it over last night, albeit reluctantly knowing what may happen.

We were both in agreement that the V-Dac is significantly better than the MSII, even without the V-Link in the chain. Since I don't have the V-Link yet I can't really compare on hi rez material via the USB.

Mark is pretty spot on with his thoughts on the sound, although I imagine other equipment would sound different. I had seen the sound characterized "too digital" and now understand those comments. it didn't sound real at all to me. Keep in mind though that as I mentioned before my headphones are already a little forward, it may sound completely different on a more laid back system.

Did you guys by any chance have speakers hooked up for the demo as well?

Curious as the HRT was on my "short" list of possible DAC's along with the Musiland Monitor 02, Audnst HUD-MX1 and Yulong U100. All would be between my computer and HK3490 (and later on pre-amp)

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

We had them hooked up to my Swan active monitors, but did most of the listening on my headphone rig. The Swan are good speakers, but don't have nearly the resolution that my headphone rig has. With those cans you can hear every nuance and detail in the sound, some of that gets lost on anything but the best speakers out there.

Like I said, this DAC is typical Musical Fidelity sound, just a bit warm of neutral, so take that into account.

I did listen to the V-Dac on my main system out of my Squeezebox and it sounded excellent, but did not use the HRT on that system as it's USB only.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I got the V-Link in today. My initial impression is about what it was with the V-Dac, it definitely needs some time to burn in. I'll post my thoughts after it settles into the rig.

After some more time with the V-Dac and assuming that once the V-Link has the same sound signature when it settles in I can say this is probably the last DAC setup I'll ever need. It may not be the last one I buy, but I just can't imagine it getting much better than this at a price I'll be able to afford. I'd need to greatly improve my headphone and amp setup before a better DAC would help, and that's at least a couple grand and not on my to-do list anytime soon.

[falconcry72]

Glad you're enjoying the v-link; it's a great little piece of gear.

BTW, are you running your media player in one of the bit-perfect, hardware direct modes? ie: ASIO or kernal streaming?

I know that a MAC OS does less damage to the signal than Windows does, but I think it would still be beneficial.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I also wanted to post a note that I thought would be relevant here for anyone on a Mac using iTunes. If you're on a Mac product using iTunes exclusively to handle your music playback then you're missing out on sound quality. If you're using iTunes for playback then I recommend you purchase a program called BitPerfect from the app store, it's easily the best $5 you'll ever spend.

Apparently iTunes doesn't change the bitrate when you select tracks with different bitrates for playback, or when you create a playlist of tracks with multiple bitrates. I didn't believe this at first, but tested and it is indeed true. So if you have a regular CD track and then a Hi Rez 24/96 track iTunes will play the CD track at its native 14/44 resolution and then downsample the hi rez track to that same resolution. Or if you play the hi rez track first and then the CD track it will use it's crappy engine to upconvert the CD track. Either way its not good.

The only way around this is to close iTunes, open up the Audio Midi tool and change the bitrate then open iTunes back up, its a huge PITA...until now.

There are and have been programs like Amara and Pure Music that tie into your music library and will play it back at the correct bitrate, automatically changing the bitrate to match the track and will even upsample if you want. The problem with these, especially Amara, is that they're very expensive.

There are other programs like AudioNirvana that will change the bitrate accordingly and sound great, but don't have any library interface to speak of and aren't as convenient. I've been using AudioNirvana for the last week and it does sound great.

Then there's BitPerfect. It's still not quite as featured as something as Amara or Pure Music, but if at the end of the day all you're after is the best sound fidelity possible I think it's just as good, and it's hundreds of dollars cheaper.

BitPerfect runs in the background and integrates with your iTunes library. So you use your library and start up songs or playlists just like you would normally, except that BitPerfect intercepts the signal and handles the actual audio playback, but handles things like automatic sample rate switching for you. The sample rate switching alone is worth the $5 several times over, but there are other features like upsampling and 'hog mode' (where it doesn't allow other system sounds to use the audio device it's using). It also has a couple other things that I haven't played with yet like 'integer mode'.

Anyway, that's my input, can't go wrong for $5.

[EndersShadow]

So is the Vlink better than the VDac?

[falconcry72]

So is the Vlink better than the VDac?

The V-Link is just a USB to SPDIF converter; there is no DAC in it.

The V-Link is used for computer rigs in conjunction with the V-DAC to increase performance since the V-DAC does not have an asynchronous USB input.


edit: the V-Link could also be used with any other external DAC since it has normal coaxial and optical outputs, so if you already have a good non-USB DAC, and you want to try a computer as your source, you can just pick up the inexpensive V-Link and continue using your existing DAC.

[EndersShadow]

edit: the V-Link could also be used with any other external DAC since it has normal coaxial and optical outputs, so if you already have a good non-USB DAC, and you want to try a computer as your source, you can just pick up the inexpensive V-Link and continue using your existing DAC.

Thats kinda what I was looking for, since the VDac is 300ish and the Vlink another 100....

But since my HK does optical or coaxial (which is what I am feeding it now) I could be good to go.

Still not sure this one is for me though....

[falconcry72]

Still not sure this one is for me though....

The vLink runs 169 shipped from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Fidelity-V-LINK-SPDIF-Converter/dp/B004PH03GU


Another option is the Musiland Monitor 02. It runs 125 shipped (from China):

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Digital-Sound-Card-Musiland-Monitor-02-US-ASIO-/260616887126?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cadfa1b56


A third option is the Audio GD Digital Interface. The "B" version retails for 140, but with the optional external power supply (75) and upgraded clock (23) and shipping from China (40ish) and paypal fees, it comes in at about 290, but you could get the standard version shipped for more like 180.

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/USBface/Digital1EN.htm


I currently use a V-Link. My dad uses a Musiland Monitor 02. I have an Audio GD Digital Interface on the way. I'll do a write up of all three when I can A/B/C'em in a week or two.

I was so impressed with the Audio GD NFB-7 DAC that I bought off zingo that I had to try their USB-SPDIF converter. I went with the optional external power supply and upgraded clock cuz I'm trying to get my computer to be as good of a source as possible.:cool:

I'm not sure if it will sound better or worse than the V-Link...but I will find out one way or the other! Super solid build quality, sound quality, and customer service from Audio GD. Their email replies have been in broken English, but the slowest reply I've had so far was 4 hours; that's the best response time from any company I can remember dealing with.

There's a thread on a DAC comparison I was in the middle of that I will update soon now that I have the NFB-7.

[EndersShadow]

Another option is the Musiland Monitor 02. It runs 125 shipped (from China):

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Digital-Sound-Card-Musiland-Monitor-02-US-ASIO-/260616887126?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cadfa1b56

Yeah the Musiland is on my short list as well. Will be looking forward to your write up.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

One thing to note about the V-Link is that it does NOT require special drivers. This may be the same with the others as well, but I just plugged the MF in and it worked without loading anything.

[sucks2beme]

I saw mention of the Audio-gd stuff. I noticed that Pacific valve dropped almost the entire line. I don't know that I would ever order one straight from China.
I'm using a Headamp Pico. It's a pretty good usb only dac that's line
powered. I've been thinking about an Arcam, but really would like the Rega
DAC if I could swing the extra coin.

[falconcry72]

I saw mention of the Audio-gd stuff. I noticed that Pacific valve dropped almost the entire line. I don't know that I would ever order one straight from China....

I ordered mine straight from Audio GD in China. King-wa, the owner, has a great reputation for customer service and honoring warranties etc. He frequents a few audio forums like head-fi. This is my first time dealing with the company, and I haven't actually received the piece yet, but so far the customer service has been great!

[heiney9]

Yeah the Musiland is on my short list as well. Will be looking forward to your write up.

The Musiland is an excellent product and a great interphase for converting USB and it's asynchronous. The software to run the Musiland provided by the company is excellent as well. I have been very impressed with it. It's also a dac if you choose.

H9

[EndersShadow]

The Musiland is an excellent product and a great interphase for converting USB and it's asynchronous. The software to run the Musiland provided by the company is excellent as well. I have been very impressed with it. It's also a dac if you choose.

H9

Yup, you use it though to run into your AMC8 via digital if I remember correctly :smile:

[falconcry72]

The Musiland is an excellent product and a great interphase for converting USB and it's asynchronous. The software to run the Musiland provided by the company is excellent as well. I have been very impressed with it. It's also a dac if you choose.

H9

One thing to note about the Musiland is that there is a known problem with its compatibility with PC's running Windows 7 64 bit with an AMD processor.

[Tbone289]

I've got a friend who has the HRT Music Streamer II and he agreed to bring it over last night, albeit reluctantly knowing what may happen.

We were both in agreement that the V-Dac is significantly better than the MSII, even without the V-Link in the chain. Since I don't have the V-Link yet I can't really compare on hi rez material via the USB.

Mark is pretty spot on with his thoughts on the sound, although I imagine other equipment would sound different. I had seen the sound characterized "too digital" and now understand those comments. it didn't sound real at all to me. Keep in mind though that as I mentioned before my headphones are already a little forward, it may sound completely different on a more laid back system.

Well, I guess I need to try the V-DAC then!

Do either of you think adding a tube buffer to the HRT would smooth out the tone so it's a bit more "analog" sounding? This is something I've been considering.

[falconcry72]

Do either of you think adding a tube buffer to the HRT would smooth out the tone so it's a bit more "analog" sounding? This is something I've been considering.

I don't do buffers, but some people do and love the results.

I like to keep unnecessary links out of the chain. I feel the same about eq's. I feel like both types of equipment are equivalent to makeup, trying to cover up flaws in your system. I'd rather eliminate the flaw than cover it up, ie: get a new preamp, speakers, usb converter or whatever it is that is the cause of the problem.

Just my 2 sense. The argument can be made that if you love the sound of a particular pair of speakers, but they need help with an eq, then so be it because no other speaker will sound like that, and while it's a perfectly valid point, I would personally spend my time looking for a new pair of speakers that I liked more and didn't need and eq rather than fudgin' around trying to make the flawed speakers sound better.

[Tbone289]

I like the sound of the system, and I don't use tone controls otherwise to correct the sound. I don't feel that there's a "problem", per se, I'm just wondering if I can get a more "analog" sound from the buffer than the output straight from the HRT. Also, I would like to try tube harmonics without a large cash outlay, and the buffer seems to be a good first step.

[falconcry72]

I did intertwine this up to my Squeezebox Ghost via optical and played finished many of my 24/96 files and it sounds phenomenal. I may end up organization added one for the living domicile but require to get my machine rig full built out introductory. The fact that it sounds so upright playacting the hi rez files gives me certainty in arrangement the V-Link, because it should pronounce fair as unspoilt on the machine rig with that in the series.

excuse me?:confused::rolleyes:

[Michael8it]

Um..... exactly.......

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I've reported that post for SPAM, and bad grammar :biggrin:

[Tbone289]

Well, I guess I need to try the V-DAC then!

Do either of you think adding a tube buffer to the HRT would smooth out the tone so it's a bit more "analog" sounding? This is something I've been considering.

As a follow up... I am using a Yaqin CD-1 between my HRT and receiver now and, IMO, the answer to my question above is undoubtedly "yes"! It does definitely add image depth and realism to the HRT's output.