[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: redwine audio mods
I opted for the Bolder mod, and was lucky to compare their mods against a stock SB3 (I have 2, one for the family room). I did the digital only mod, and spent way too much for Bolder's power supply upgrades. The digital mod is minimal, it adds a Nextgen digital output and a few other doodads. I heard a difference. The power supply upgrades were pretty impressive in their difference with the stock unit. You can read the various impressions at my blog http://musicserver.blogspot.com I think if you have a separate DAC, the difference in the mods takes the SB3 from a really good player to one that can outperform a high end CD playback system. That was my experience, and I am happy to have spent the almost $650 in mods. Whether the transporter would provide the same sonic experience will be the topic of another post, since my buddy is going to pop for the transporter and we can compare it against the bolder mods and the stock unit. Of course, he has a system worth over $50k, so to him, the differences are important. My system is about half that much, but the difference was audible and enjoyable. The SB is a great unit, made even better by the modders. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=26337 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 rave in Stereophile March eNewsletter
mauidan Wrote: I've never heard a $6K CDP in my system either. Once again, I was only interested in what experience you'd had with the best transport/DAC combos out there, to arrived at your guess. Nothing more. I did own a $6kish system to compare to: a Pioneer Elite PDS-95 transport (retail $3k) using an MC2 cable ($300) with several upgrades/tweaks ($300) feeding a MF Tri-Vista DAC ($2400), both using Foundation Research LC-1 power conditioner AC cables ($800 ea) or Cardas Golden Reference AC cables ($450 ea). You can read my experiences and see my system at http://musicserver.blogspot.com. I also have 2 SB3's, one stock, the other modifed (digital only Bolder Mods, Bolder Deluxe PS). I thought the stock SB3 was good but no match for the combo transport/DAC. Frankly, it wasn't until I paired the modded SB3 using the Bolder ps, feeding the Tri-Vista, and only then using the expensive AC cables/conditioners, that the SB3 bested the transport/DAC. And while this combo is great, there certainly are better (and much more expensive) transport/DAC combos out there that would probably tip the scales the other way. But for most audiophiles, these setups would be beyond their price limits. Since I was not willing to invest more than $6k into a stand alone CDP or combo transport/DAC, and since the modded SB3 with tweaks and goodies sounded better than what I had, for less, than the choice was simple, even without resort to the convenience and features of a computer based system. All told, I poured (not including my existing DAC and cables) $2400 into replacing the transport with a dedicated music server. This included the computer: MAC mini, 2 external HDD's, LCD Screen wireless mouse/keyboard ($1500 total); SB3 ($250), and bolder mods/ps ($650). The best part: the computer music server can be repurposed when eventually another unit comes along that sounds better than the current setup, plus I gain convenience and ability to repurpose on my IPOD. YMMV. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=22301 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: DACs for SB3
You can find them in mint condition (they are only about 1-2 years old) for $1200 on Audiogon, about half what they sold for. Built like a tank, with 4 trivistors in the output stage and switchable upsampling (96/192), the tubes have 100,000 life on them (meaning unlikely you will ever change them). It does all you ask for. Musical in a way tubes can be, but with pace, dynamics, slam. i LOVE mine and despite listening to many new DAC's recently, have never heard something I liked more, even with more expensive DACS. THe Benchmark DAC, a good DAC by comparison, sounds a tad more revealing, but less musically engaging. The Tri-Vista differs from the new MF X-10 and similar DACS in the following ways: The new DACS have a cheaper power supply (you have to pay more for the upgraded PSU), and they separate the tube stage into an external optional box which can use the same upgraded PSU as the DAC. I don't like this approach, since you have to buy an extra set of RCA cables to use the tube buffer. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23762 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
I share your concern about portability of the Bolder/RWA upgrades, that is one major reason I chose to do the digital only upgrade to the SB3 (cheap at $150), use my own separate DAC (an MF Tri-vista 21), and spend the SB upgrade money on the Bolder PS, which should be portable to the new SB4, if and when one comes out (it is portable to the SB2 and 3). As far as the tube buffer goes, see my post above about the Tri-Vista. Great, great DAC with the tubes in the output stage and with a killer regulated interal PS, without the hassle/expense/loss of signal and expense that may occur by having to add an extra set of RCA's. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Tube Pre-Amp or MF X-10 Tube Buffer?
If you have not upgraded your SB with the digital upgrades and power supply (Bolder or Red Wine Audio), I would spend my money there first. Bolder was my choice. The digital upgrade ($150) was an easy and cheap way to remove some of the digital glare from the stock unit. The power supply really moved things into a whole different universe. Being a bit skeptical of how a power supply upgrade could have such an effect, I had mine done in stages, ultimately going from a basic upgrade (no longer offered) to a deluxe upgrade. Cost was near what a tube buffer was. Incredible performance; I have 2 SB3's, one left stock, so I could A/B them. My experience (and more info on upgrades) can be read at http://musicserver.blogspot.com I have a MF Tri-Vista DAC, which is essentially using an X-10 type output stage, but with a better regulated PS. Love it, but it didn't do anything huge until I had the upgrades done. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=23741 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Why not more Squeeezbox reviews in hi-fi magazines?
John, there has been lots of discussion of the low jitter on the SB3, I would be curious how it measures overall. Also, you really should try (perhaps in a follow up) to report on the effect of power supply upgrades on measured response, as well as your sonic impressions. I am sure the guys as BolderCables and Red Wine Audio would spare a PS for a test. Finally, wouldn't it be cool if you could get your hands on the new Intel-based Mac Mini and install windows XP using BootCamp. That would allow you to sonically compare and report, using the same gear, on any difference in sound and measured performance of the SB3 playing (i) iTunes encoded WAV and Apple Losseless files, and (ii) EAC-encoded WAV and FLAC files. I am sure you will ignore the trolls on this discussion board who have nothing productive to add. Stereophile is a fine publication that I have enjoyed for more than 18 years, and it pleases me to see coverage by S'Phile of a device like the SB3, which will undoubtedly be a precursor of the emergence of computer audio as a major component in high end audio. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19598 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: OT- Check out THIS guys DIY Media Server!
tomsi42 Wrote: It does indeed. Now, if we had a squeezebox on a PCI card. Then we could make a high-end audiophile HTPC or music server... Sean, offer SB as an OEM card and attached display, allowing high end vendors to hook up their own computer innards, PS, drives, and screen interfaces. Personally, the look of this guy's attempt is great, but this is a computer subject to RFI and noise from a decidely consumer power supply. I would love to see something more regulated, isolated, and audiophile parts. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=22406 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 rave in Stereophile March eNewsletter
PhilNYC Wrote: FWIW, the Acoustic Zen MC2 is a 110ohm cable that was designed to be used with an AES/EBU interface, not a 75ohm SPDIF interface; so right there your going to be introducing some reflection and jitter problems. I had heard that from the dealer (I had the option at the time of using BNC connectors vs. RCA). Tried a few 75 Ohm cables, including ones from Bolder which I still have. The MC2 was by far better than all of them. Which would you recommend listening to that would improve upon the MC2? -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=22301 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 rave in Stereophile March eNewsletter
PhilNYC Wrote: I have a pretty high-end system and a pretty well-treated acoustic listening environmentTo my ears, there is no question that the reference gear outperforms the SB2. I agree with John Atkinson that for casual listening, my SB2 as a transport sounds more than good enough...but for dedicated listening, I find my reference gear to be preferrable by a significant margin. Is it 95%? I think that is up to the individual listener... Hmmm. I had what was considered a very good transport (Pioneer Elite PDS-95), using a good digital cable (Acoustic Zen MC2) into a Class A DAC (MF Tri-Vista). The SB3 stock was not 95%, rather more like 60%, rising to 85% when feeding the Tri-Vista. The Bolder digital only modified SB3 into the Tri-Vista was more like 110%, probably higher with Bolder's latest platinum PS. My own experience was happily selling the transport and getting the benefit of the ease of use of the SB3 without sacrificing any of the high end sound. My buddy has an even better system (VAC PA90D into VAC reference preamp powering Joseph Audio Pearls) and I will be bringing the system to his house for extended listening session. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=22301 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB3 + MF X-DAC v3?
For PS and X3 DAC, I'd rather buy a used trivista DAC. You get the added benefit of the tubes, whereas you have to get three units (X3+PSU+Tube Buffer stage) to equal the Trivista. Plus, with the TriVista you only have to use one expensive power cord, not three. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=21311 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Any one know anything about the little isolator blocks you put under the feet of cdp?
My personal experience is that certain isolators have worked incredibly well with turntables, and noticeably improved tube amps/preamps and some CD players. Of the various ones I have tried (those that absorb and release, those that insulate), my favorite products are the Final Labs Daruma, which use a steel or ceramic ball b/t two cups. Haven't tried but heard good things about using a heavy base supported by racquet balls or tennis balls cut in half. I get why these devices would work in a turntable, where vibrations transmitted to the pickup device would be thereafter amplified downstream. I also get why they work in tube devices: tubes are microphonic and could amplify noise/vibration. Could the same be true with non-tube DC players? Why not? After all, these devices have amplification stages which are not immune to the effects of vibration. Scientific studies have demonstrated that vibrations can be amplified and interfere with and obscure the original amplified signal. Check out the following articles: http://www.rtd.com/images/movie/IDAN_VIB.PDF I have my SB3 sitting on an old pair of Audioquest sorbothane feet, but can't say I notice any differences. My computer is not sitting on any feet, but does sit on an older target rack with spiked feet. Again, I don't notice anything, but never have tried. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=20838 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Anyone here got a $50 power cord?
Mark Lanctot Wrote: I love this statement: Bob Lee on AVSForum.com is a design engineer for QSC, and he has long stated that any piece of audio equipment whose performance can be noticeably changed by swapping out the power cord is incompetently designed. He's also said that if the engineer can't get the power supply right, there isn't a chance they got the far more complicated audio sections right. ___ Well, the power supply on both my Musical Fidelity and VAC Avatar are among the most well designed, most regulated I've seen in over 20 years of experience with hifi gear, and yet all of the exotic AC cables I've tried made a significant, audible difference. The audio sections are beyond reproach, with some of the best measured performance (for those who follow measurements instead of their ears) and sound available at their price levels. I don't think the aim of exotic power cords is to correct deficiencies in the the power supply; rather, the aim is to correct errors and anomolies in the AC circuits of the house. I also don't think that an exotic power cord will have significant effect on lesser-designed gear or typical AV home theater gear, no more than a cold intake air filter would have a significant effect on a Buick LeSabre. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19818 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Until or unless they decide to certify these mods, or release their own high end audiophile versions (unlikely), the risk is on us. Why should Sean and his team spend their time determining what the problem is when it could be tied to a defective part on a mod? That is why companies like Dinan (BMW) and Benz (AMG) and John Cooper Works (MINI) spend so much $$ getting their products certified for warranty coverage (and partly why they cost so damn much too). Modder beware. hey, the thing is only $250. I'll buy a new one. That said, I have ZERO qualms recommending Wayne at Boldercable, who has modified two devices for me and built two power supplies and few interconnects, digital cables, and a Bybee purifier. His work is great (I opened it up to see up close), he uses the best parts, he knows the gear, and has modded countless SB2's and SB3's. Plus, he backs up his work. Sean, glad to see your company supports the audiophile community and hosts forums and the time spent developing software that allows high resolution playback. [See my blog on building an Audiophile SB3 based computer server: http://musicserver.blogspot.com -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Modifying the Squeezebox 3
Of course, if the problem is traced to the SB3, not the modders work, an interesting dilemna, as Slim Devices may choose to void the warranty, even if the defect is not caused by the mod. Sean? -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19822 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: A photo of your Squeezebox setup (please)
A poll associated with this post was created, to vote and see the results, please visit http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 Question: Should there be a new forum for photos? - yes - no - maybe I've since had Boldercables modify it, along with their Deluxe power supply. Sounds phenomenal. Gear is Tri-Vista 21 DAC feeding VAC Avatar SE. Foundation Research LC1 and LC2 power cable boxes are visible in the corners, and silver looking cable coming out the back of the SB3 is a Acoustic Zen MC2 silver digital cable. Ohh yeah, that great 40 lb hunk of stainless steel and copper supporting the Tri-Vista and the SB3 is a rare Pioneer Elite PD-S95 Stable Patter transport, one of the best I've heard. I've barely turned it on since getting the modified SB3 back. I'll post a comparison once the Bolder power supply burns in. +---+ |Filename: System[1].jpg| |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=668| +---+ -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19817 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Speaker recommendations aprox. $1, 000
Nat, you didn't mention the type of music or volume level you listen to, or if they need to do double duty in home theater. Nonetheless, regarding your current speakers, the SM Infinity's, are probably bass heavy and have a sizzling top end. (In my college days, I sold Infinity and many other brands, including very expensive high end gear). The NAD gear is good and gives a pleasing sound, so it really depends on what you are looking for. I'd recommend two sites to explore. First: http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/reviews/review.pl (choose the speaker section) and http://audiogon.com/ choose the speaker section. $1k is a pretty good budget for used speakers, and you can find lots of excellent choices on audiogon. I would have little worries about buying used speakers, either at a dealer or on audiogon; I've purchased many with no problems. I looked for full range speakers on audiogon and found several brands in your price range that you would be happy with (Revel, Totem, BW, Paradigm, Spendor). I've got more than $20k invested in my system, and you can go pretty hog wild. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19832 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Anyone here got a $50 power cord?
Actually 2. They are really a cross between a filter and an AC cable. See http://www.musicfirstdistribution.com/lc1_2.htm for details. I heard a major difference b/t it and my $50 DIY cable. i also have 2 Cardas Golden reference cables. Heard differences there too, major (like someone hit a bass boost button). If you can't hear it, don't buy it. If you can hear it, spend your money as you see fit. I think people who spend $400k on a performance car, or $300 on a bottle of wine, are a bit off too, but are they idiots or fools? I think not... -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19818 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: question to everyone...
I just got the Bolder Cable digital mods, coupled with their direct PS. PS is burning in right now. SB3 by itself did not outmuscle with my stable platter Pioneer Elite PD-S95 transport feeding a TriVista 21 DAC. Running the SB3 into the Tri-Vista was a big upgrade, and recent upgraded digital mods made another positive difference. The new Bolder PS sounds loads better. I will do an A/B comparison this week b/t the transport and the various stock and modded SB3's (I have a unmodded SB3 to compare) to if the SB3 system comes out on top. Trouble is, regardless of how good the transport sounds by itself (and I suspect the upgrades and mods to the SB3 will close or eliminate the gap), I cannot fathom using a CDP or transport, given the convenience of the SB3 and how good it sounds. And good it really sounds! -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19649 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB1 digital out compared to SB2 and SB3
in the January 1993 volume of Stereophile. The author, recording engineer and now absolute sound editor Robert Harley, first explored the scientific measurements of Ed Meitner, who first discovered a means of measuring jitter. Meitner presented his findings to the 91st AES convention, in a paper called Time Distortions within Digital Audio Equipment due to Integrated Circuit Logic induced Modulation. Harley references the following scientific journal article: Is the AES EBU/S/PDIF Digital Audio interface Flawed? by Chris Dunn and Malcolm Hawksford. Dunn and Hawskford calculate that for 16bit converters, a measurement of less than 100 picoseconds of jitter is not likely audible, whereas a 20 bit conversion accuracy on the order of 8 picoseconds in order not to induce audible (and measurable) differences. This also assumes that the jitter is random; in many cases, it appears consistently at the same frequency as the audio signal. Also, in 1993, these engineers did not have access to 24 bit converters, whose jitter measurements would need to be well below 8ps given the mathmatical formula developed. Pat, I appreciate your healthy skepticism of the hi end, but as others have noted here, jitter has a discernible and measurable impact on audio frequencies, which is also easily heard. Less clear is at what point the lowest measured jitter becomes relevant when all such devices display incredibly low measured jitter. In the case of the SB3, its 55 ps of jitter is audible using a 24 bit conversion, and comparing against typical transports which measure in excesss of 100ps. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=18116 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: How to get a deep soundstage
using it with a Tri-Vista DAC, VAC Avatar SE, and Merlin TSM-MM's. Soundstage is not a problem, though just a tad less than my transport. I am expecting a Bolder modified SB3 in the next day or so, it will be interesting to see if that made any difference. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=18878 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB-3 and external DAC
While Vinnie (RWA) and Wayne (Bolder) make strong claims that the modified SB3's analog output sounds better than many expensive DAC's and transports, I think it is not fair to make this comparison. A separate high end DAC should sound significantly better than a modded SB3's analog out. I wouldn't mind hearing a modified SB3's analog outs, but chose to skip this because a) I already have a nice expensive DAC, and b) even including the mods, I would not seriously expect that the SB3 would have an adequately designed analog output stage, with proper isolation, power supplies, etc. Only if you removed the guts of the SB3 from the case, put it inside a better case with proper grounding, power supplies, and room for output caps, and perhaps had the option of a good tube output stage, would the comparison be realistic. But hey, if someone wants to bring their fully modded SB3 to my Seattle area house to A/B. I will listen. Instead, I'll be comparing the digital output of a modded SB3 to the digital output of an unmodded SB3, both sending S/PDIF to my musical fidelity DAC. For fun, I will do an A/B against my Pioneer Elite PD-S95 cd transport to see how well the $250 SB3 stacks up against the $3k Pioneer. Of course, if I added the cost of the computer (MAC Mini) and periperals, it would probably cost the same. -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=17948 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: SB-3 and external DAC
I use a Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 DAC, and have a/b'd an unmodified SB3 against the DAC and a Pioneer Elite PD-S95 transport. I actually bought 2 SB3's; one to modify and one to place downstairs so the wife can listen. I think the sound of the stock SB3 into my system is good, but not as exceptional as the separate transport and DAC combo, which yields much more resolution, depth, and air. Swapping the transport with the SB3 shows that the Pioneer still has an edge, but the difference is closer, and a stock SB3 into the external DAC is really nice. I presume the difference is probably less to do with the DAC and more to do with the tube analog section of my Tri-Vista (plus its awesome regulated power supply). I am awaiting the Bolder Cable digital mod and power supply, and will A/B the two SB3's. My experience with Bolder mods previously (using an Art DIO)is that the power supply does make a big difference. See my music server blog at http://musicserver.blogspot.com for details of my current setup (Merlin TSM/REL Strata III, fed by a VAC Avatar SE, cabled by Acoustic Zen, and AC'd by Foundation Research). -- davehg davehg's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2269 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=17948 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
