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It has been a vision for years. Now, with Dan’s (PewterTA) help, it is becoming a tangible reality. At this point, the soundcard & all the required software is configured on the new home server (thanks to Dan) and I have begun transferring and organizing all my music files to Foobar FLAC. All the cabling is now in place. I will be able to access and run my entire music library from anywhere within my router’s range to my laptop. By this evening I will be playing any of my lossless files up to 24/192 thru my system at the touch of a button. The only piece missing from the puzzle is the DAC. As per Fedex Tracking, it is currently on the on the front porch, delivered this AM.
Dan & I looked at a lot of DAC’s. I wanted performance at a level comparable to his Cambridge Audio 840c. The original DacMagic was an obvious contender but its presentation while good, is still one notch below the 840c. Another was the Furutech GT40. Along with the recently updated DacMagic Plus, these both looked to be solid contenders. However, many of the features included with both fulfilled no use in my system. I would be spending money for stuff that I would never use. I also looked at the other usual suspects in the under $700 range offered by such recognizable companies like PeachTree, HRT, Music Hall & Music Fidelity. Without having the opportunity to audition I narrowed my selection by focusing on some basic requirements. I wanted a DAC only, no other bells or whistles. I did not want to be paying for things I do not need or want. And I surely did Not want up-sampling. Up-sampling is like letting someone else mess with your tone controls. You never get the actual data from the original recording. It is processed, adulterated with added data of events that did not occur. It is not ‘better’. It is different. An audible equivalent to journalistic Photoshoping. It is not the true music that was recorded. If you want something more than the truth, there are many out there who are willing to oblige you. And profit handsomely from it in the process.
Time and again, I was drawn back to the Bifrost for many reasons. It does all the things I want it to, and none that I do not. It will play my HiRez files up to 24/192. It does not up-sample. It has a built-in power supply. I like that. The last thing I need is another wall wart that would eventually be replaced by a worthy PS anyway. Then there is the pedigree. The company is run by Jason Stoddard, who was with Sumo, and Mike Moffat, who could be considered the Father of the stand-alone DAC. And then there is the fact that all of their products are designed and built in the USA. One of the other things that impressed me was the business plan and ‘no BS’ mission statement. Then add the fact that these guys have a real sense of humor. Funny that during my life I have found that those I have met who possessed a true, authentic sense of humor have always been the most intelligent people I ever met. Add the fact that during the email conversations I have had with Jason, his reply time never exceeded 20 minutes. Even on a Saturday. Now throw in that the Bifrost is upgradable. Should Jason and Matt decide to offer improvements to the circuit, it is a simple matter of swapping out the digital board. Additionally, should I decide for some reason to add USB 2.0 input to the DAC, that option is available with a modular USB board that plugs in to the unit with a few minutes tinkering for $100. The USB option can also be ordered with the unit. After I added everything up, it became a no-brainer.
The Bifrost will be waiting for me when I get home from work today. I will provide updates as the installation, burn-in and evaluation proceeds.
Dan & I looked at a lot of DAC’s. I wanted performance at a level comparable to his Cambridge Audio 840c. The original DacMagic was an obvious contender but its presentation while good, is still one notch below the 840c. Another was the Furutech GT40. Along with the recently updated DacMagic Plus, these both looked to be solid contenders. However, many of the features included with both fulfilled no use in my system. I would be spending money for stuff that I would never use. I also looked at the other usual suspects in the under $700 range offered by such recognizable companies like PeachTree, HRT, Music Hall & Music Fidelity. Without having the opportunity to audition I narrowed my selection by focusing on some basic requirements. I wanted a DAC only, no other bells or whistles. I did not want to be paying for things I do not need or want. And I surely did Not want up-sampling. Up-sampling is like letting someone else mess with your tone controls. You never get the actual data from the original recording. It is processed, adulterated with added data of events that did not occur. It is not ‘better’. It is different. An audible equivalent to journalistic Photoshoping. It is not the true music that was recorded. If you want something more than the truth, there are many out there who are willing to oblige you. And profit handsomely from it in the process.
Time and again, I was drawn back to the Bifrost for many reasons. It does all the things I want it to, and none that I do not. It will play my HiRez files up to 24/192. It does not up-sample. It has a built-in power supply. I like that. The last thing I need is another wall wart that would eventually be replaced by a worthy PS anyway. Then there is the pedigree. The company is run by Jason Stoddard, who was with Sumo, and Mike Moffat, who could be considered the Father of the stand-alone DAC. And then there is the fact that all of their products are designed and built in the USA. One of the other things that impressed me was the business plan and ‘no BS’ mission statement. Then add the fact that these guys have a real sense of humor. Funny that during my life I have found that those I have met who possessed a true, authentic sense of humor have always been the most intelligent people I ever met. Add the fact that during the email conversations I have had with Jason, his reply time never exceeded 20 minutes. Even on a Saturday. Now throw in that the Bifrost is upgradable. Should Jason and Matt decide to offer improvements to the circuit, it is a simple matter of swapping out the digital board. Additionally, should I decide for some reason to add USB 2.0 input to the DAC, that option is available with a modular USB board that plugs in to the unit with a few minutes tinkering for $100. The USB option can also be ordered with the unit. After I added everything up, it became a no-brainer.
The Bifrost will be waiting for me when I get home from work today. I will provide updates as the installation, burn-in and evaluation proceeds.
unk:
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