Van Alstine Ultra DAC & transports...

[pearsall001]

I just had to put Frank Van Alstines Ultra DAC to the test. Frank says that any inexpensive DVD/CD player on up to an expensive dedicated transport can be used with his Ultra Dac without noticing any difference. I was using a Consonance CD120 CDP in my system before I upgraded to the Ultra DAC. The CD120 is an excellent sounding player, but the Ultra DAC has taken my system to yet another level. So, for the test, I had a HK DVD/22 DVD/CDP that wasn't being used. I hooked it up & ran it as the transport. I switched back & forth between the CD120 & the HK on & off for over 3 weeks of listening. Well, frank was absolutely right. I couldn't here any audible difference between the two players being used as transports. In Franks literature he states that the design of his Ultra DAC uses circuitry that eliminates jitter which is the big culprit as far as transports are concerned. I certainly can't argue with Frank. The man just builds awesome gear. If any one is interested the CD120 will be for sale shortly. I need to find it a good home.

[amulford]

What are you going to do for a transport, Phil?

[steveinaz]

Now give a SonicWave glass-toslink a spin. I'll never go back to an "electrical" connection.

[pearsall001]

What are you going to do for a transport, Phil?

Hi Anthony,

After much listening (over a 3 wk period) I've come to the conclusion that the HK DVD22 player ($150 new about 3 yrs ago) sounds the same as the Consonance CD120 being used as the transport for the Ultra DAC. Frank states that any player will perform just fine as a transport with his Ultra DAC. I must say he is absolutely correct. Hence, I'll keep the HK as the transport & will sell the CD120. The CD120 is just too good of a player & whomever buys it will be very impressed. The Ultra DAC simply took my systenm to another level even over the superb sounding CD120.

[zombie boy 2000]

Speaking of jitter, have you experimented with any anti-jitter devices such as Monarchy's DIP or those put out by Audio Alchemy or Theta?

[pearsall001]

Speaking of jitter, have you experimented with any anti-jitter devices such as Monarchy's DIP or those put out by Audio Alchemy or Theta?

Yeah, I did try the Monarchy DIP unit with the HK & the CD120 both taking turns feeding the Ultra DAC. I didn't hear one bit of difference with either player used as transport & hooked up to the DIP unit. Frank states that jitter is handled by his circuitry design inside the DAC. The man knows his stuff!!

[Lsi9]

Congrats!
looks like a fantastic unit, (sound aside) I would prefer a DAC that looks like a stereo component over a small box that looks like an internet router or cb radio. I bet it sounds fantastic