Champagne wishes and caviar dreams, digital playback division on a budget

[JonMarsh]

This is also an experiment in a different way to put together a long complex formatted post with the content creation working offline, and imported as images.









































Key Topics Discussed:

High Value proposition digital music playback system
Sign magnitude R2R Ladder DAC for Audio
Soekris DAC1101 USB digital playback
Soekris DAC1541 Desktop DAC with headphone amplifier and line outputs
Soekris DAC2541 Desktop DAC with headphone amplifier and line outputs
Mac Mini with form factor dock using NVME SSD
Cambridge Audio ACX35 CD Player with SPDIF Digital output
Audirvana Origin software for local music library playback
Audirvana Studio software with local and streaming services music playback
Audirvana software for optimized hardware playback on PC or Mac.
Audirvana smartphone remote control program


What's your choice for an "performs out of it's class" digital system with minimal budget and maximum aural rewards?

[technodanvan]

Format looks nice Jon, very easy to read on mobile and computer browser. I wonder how many people will be purchasing the MSR7 in the next few days...

[JonMarsh]

Thanks for the feedback- the readability is an important factor, besides it is much faster to prepare in Pages than to try to do that level of formatting in the forum tool- as I can have saved styles and apply them quickly. Also, I have a simple process for printing to PDF, then separating the PDFs and exporting to the graphic format that is smallest considering what is on the page (PNG for text or page with few colors; JPEG for more complicated pages. This would have been a bear to try to create directly in the forum software, but I think it is more readable and enjoyable.

[theSven]

The problem I see with this is that the text is not going to be searchable. Yes it does present well, but none of it is searchable by the forum or by search indexes. I have to think on this one and what options there would be here. Great content though JonMarsh!

[JonMarsh]

Good point, SVen- have to see about adding a search term index to the end of the article, as a work around. I’ll do that for this post tomorrow morning.

[JonMarsh]

Format looks nice Jon, very easy to read on mobile and computer browser. I wonder how many people will be purchasing the MSR7 in the next few days...

Funny you should mention that, too!

if you haven’t heard Marcin’s “Kashmir” and “Sweet Dreams” on this setup with the AT-MSR7 headphones, you have no idea how good MP3 can sound… but that’s the performance and mix and mastering, largely.

But the playback system makes a difference too.

That was my initial audio check on this configuration, after installing Audirvana and hooking up the Mac Mini to the DAC1541. It even took me back a bit… I think the AT-MSR7 ‘phones are very possibly under appreciated. But I appreciate them.

[theSven]

I don't see the Singxer SU-1 USB available anymore, would the Singxer SU-2 DSD1024 USB Digital Interface Femtosecond Clock Interface be the next generation?






The Mutec MC-3 USB is what you also suggest or the non USB version?



As I start on this DAC 2.0 journey I need to get familiar with these options and what the art of possible is 😁

[JonMarsh]

Yes, the Singxer model you linked to is the current one. Regarding the MC3+ USB, I'm sending you a PM.

[JonMarsh]

Anyone seriously interested in "Budget Re-clocking" would do well to check out this thread- in fact, for being 10 years old, it is remarkably topical and in a sense "next gen", and fits well to the concept above, as the devices discussed are far more economical than many off the classic and newer studio devices.

https://www.htguide.com/forum/primetime-a-v/digital-audio/40274-in-quest-of-budget-reclocking

The most powerful offering from Mutec in overall functionality is the MC-3Plus with 1G clock system.

https://www.markertek.com/product/mut-mc-3plususba/mutec-mc-3plus-usb-smart-clock-aluminum-front-panel

While not inexpensive, compared to even simple offerings like the Berkley Audio Alpha USB, it is substantially less expensive and offers very high grade internal clocks as well as the ability to work with external sources such as Rubidium 10M master references (which Mutec and many others also make). These are not inexpensive either, but surprisingly (to me) the Stanford Research SRS PRS10 is still relatively reasonable compared with other offerings.

https://www.thinksrs.com/products/PRS10.htm




In my own systems I have used Mutec products and also a Brainstorm DCD8 with an external LFPRS Rubidium reference.

[Evil Twin]

Perhaps you are referring to a configuration resembling this one...

[theSven]

Perhaps you are referring to a configuration resembling this one...

That's how I envisioned it from reading the older thread and this one with the re-clocking. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts to share on using the Rubidium clock or the difference was not worth the cost?

[JonMarsh]

The notable thing PewterTA wrote about was how good it was without even going to the Rubidium oscillator...

The notable thing relevant to this thread is that last weekend the

Brainstorm DCD8 was up and running with one LPFRS setup, the second LPFRS setup is nearly ready, (SMPS on the way), and the Mutec MC-3 has been checked out initially in the system for functionality, but no listening tests (no time!) An encouraging trend I see, regarding the more reasonably priced Mutec MC-3 Plus, is how many write-ups I'm seeing on other forums for guys getting good results with it for re-clocking both with and without using a 10MHz reference oscillator with it- seems like the built in clock technology is rather good, too. The instructions and setup info with it are actually easier to decipher than for the more expensive DCD8- both have quite a bit of flexibility, and like that movie, with great power comes great responsibility.

Given the focus in this topic is how far one can improve with as minimal an investment as possible, this is well worth keeping in mind- the 1G clocking used in the Mutec is at a fairly high level. Yes, it can be improved. But the total system and room configuration should be considered, and money spent where it will achieve the most bang for the buck!

As an extreme example, imagine putting a Berkeley Audio System Reference 3 DAC in Darko's room without the room Vicoustic room treatments... and consider that a pro Audio rubidium reference may cost $5K (Mutec Master REF10) and up- (Antelope Audio 10MX- $7K). This is why eBay is popular for DIY solutions for used industrial parts.

[JonMarsh]

To update a bit more about current intentions and plans, the Audirvana setup with DAC1541 is going to be loaded onto my new favorite conveyance, a Trinity Bamboo Top Kitchen cart. One of these carts is currently in use for my iMac + Pocket Clio test setup, and I have another that will be assembled soon for the movable test system core for doing basic listening evaluations of speakers prior to finishing setup of the "main" systems.

https://www.costco.com/trinity-ecostorage®-bamboo-top-kitchen-cart.product.100379253.html





I'm planning to use the M1 Mac mini Audirvana setup already running, feeding a Berkely Alpha USB, connected to the DAC1541. The output of that will get hooked up to my Denafrips Hyperion, provided I can find it! Tracking stuff in storage has not always been my strong point!!









If I can't find it readily, my fall back will be seeing if I can shoe horn one of the Cambridge Edge W's into the bottom shelf of the cart.



I plan to use this setup for listening checks for the final stages of the Isiris fine tuning, and for the development of the Saint-Saëns Planar/SMJ-40 plus the Natalie P Ultra.

[theSven]

You could consider investing in air tags and putting them with all the high profile devices...

[JonMarsh]

A bit of follow up on this, not because completing assembly of this system has reached its position in the overall task queue, but because my wife wanted to be able to watch YouTube wildlife video's on the 55" TV in the living room, which hasn't been turned on since we moved in here... you see, her Dell laptop is pretty far from a high quality video viewing experience! But it's setup in Russian...

The only spare computer "sitting around" is the Mac Mini planned for this project, so that means I needed to get stuff connected together and configured, and sort out the computer setup, which I knew would be a bit tight, given it was a bargain buy with only a 512GB build in SSD. However, it does have a 1TB SSD built in to the docking station pictured above.

Well, I did find the Denfrips Hyperion, but by that time I'd already installed a Cambridge Audio Edge W in the "music cart", as I'm calling this. It's basically intended to be a roll around music system that can be connected to any music system for listening evaluations.

What I mostly have been focused on a few afternoons last weekend and earlier this week was getting out the cables in storage and hooking up stuff with appropriate items, such as Cardas USB and AES/EBU cables, selecting and setting up the outlets on the vintage Monster Power HTS-5100 EMI and power distribution unit, and updating the music library on the docking station with about another 100GB+ of music acquired the last few years, new stuff like the Steve Wilson remixes for Yes, Gentle Giant, new releases from Eric Johnson and other artists, and pulling in some of my favorite demo files in various resolution format. For now, still just checking stuff out with the excellent headphone drivers built in to the DAC1541.

The Alpha USB interface has excellent output clocks, so in this situation I'm not worried about setting up a Brainstorm and LPFRS rubidium oscillator for reclocking.




It was a hoot to fire up some older stuff, like Anna Popavic, or Animal Logic (Stanley Clarke, Stuart Copeland, Deborah Holland), which I'd describe as one of my favorite power pop trios, if a most unlikely combination on the surface of things (Yes, Stanley Clark, he of "Return to Forever" and many solo albums; Stuart Copeland, drummer for the Police and music arranger and composer extraordinaire, and Deborah Holland, an excellent vocalist who's biggest shortcoming is pushing herself too hard).



The group was inextricably linked to Copeland’s Police history, having originally signed to his brother and Police manager Miles Copeland’s revered I.R.S. Records. In fact, Animal Logic’s first album cover was originally conceived for a Police greatest hits album.




and you know, for the fans out there, what's wild is that they got together again after 31 years and released a couple of cuts on digital platforms in 2022!




But I digress... as is my wont at times!

[technodanvan]

It's kind of funny you post this today Jon, I was actually just looking at your previous post.

So I've been thinking about this rack for a while and wanted to acquire something for a similar setup. Last weekend I did a bunch of research online, finding things crazy similar, crazy different, and some just plain ridiculous considering the asking price. I also thought about making my own. Then I saw Harbor Freight had a super coupon available that expired Sunday and elected to go with something a little larger, probably a bit harder to roll on carpet, and just a shade or two darker.


It looks even better after you pull the labels off the front! For those unfamiliar, the US General line of toolboxes from Harbor Freight are some of the best deals in tool storage. I really really wanted another Lista, but those approach $2,000 (or more!) for something similar. This was ~$370 after coupon and tax. Sure it's not quite as tough as the Lista, but it's more than heavy enough for someone like me.

I'm considering some options regarding adding a UPS to this setup (hopefully mounted to the side somehow...maybe big magnets?), along with a permanent laptop (or maybe even two, if I can talk my wife into retiring her old Intel Macbook Pro), Motu M4, and either a little S.M.S.L amplifier or a larger Dayton amp, depending on available space. Then I've got plenty of storage for extra wires, mics, spare crossover parts, and soldering equipment in other drawers. I haven't decided whether I will make a wood top or just use the rubber. Probably will depend on the UPS/power strip option I go with.

[JonMarsh]

Yeah, that's in a bit different class of endeavor! I was shooting for light weight, a nice top, and easy access, and a good price at Costco!

No tools, just operational configurations. I've got an iMac Pro setup that also runs Pocket CLIO, and another one with my primary test setup (needs a dedicated computer since the other one died) with the MOTUS interface, power amp, Schitt Preamp;, etc.

[Evil Twin]

My minions are reporting new efforts in this area- perhaps we will finally see the completion of a usable solution...

[JonMarsh]

Well, the Audio Cart is up and running, in a slightly simplified form (no Rubidium reclocking, but with Berkeley Alpha USB and it's ultra low noise oscillators), in order to preview music for my wife Liubov's friend Liubov who is getting married soon, and seeking out music for a reception afterwards.

For now, just a pair of Reva speakers I bought years ago to investigate the planar aim mass loaded ported configuration. And though I found the Denafrips amplifier I was talking about, and should install it in the card (weighs a LOT less), for now, the Cambridge Edge W works just fine... with my old Monster Power Center doing the "honors" for EMI and power management for the system.





I did spend some time optimizing the Mac mini configuration as regards the OS footprint (disk storage) and functionality for the music server task and for some messaging tasks- and have added a lot of recent music updates to the library on the NVME SSD in the dock, (Lots of Steve Wilson Re-mixes!) and other more recent remaster efforts.

I went through and did a quick survey of artists for Liubov to listen to that might be most appropriate for her needs, and my Liubov was nodding approval at quite a few of them. Some I hadn't heard in a while, and I was a bit surprised at the unbidden emotional responses I had in some cases, partly a function of the music and what it evoked, but also in combination to seeing this part of the "dream" reaching fruition.

An awful lot of stuff going on this month...

[JonMarsh]

Well, wifey really wants the TV in the living room to be hooked up to something; me, I don't have time for it, and not planning on getting "cable"- (last time I had cable was for the '91 Iraq war, to put some perspective on this.

BUT, the Mac mini will work fine for my Apple TV+ account and for her to view Russian YouTube video's, so I've spent all day moving racks, swapping cables, getting a different power distribution controller hooked up, laying down matte on the glass shelves of the equipment shelf I took out of the IT room, cleaning glass, getting out my Denafrips Hyperion balanced amplifier to use in the signal path, etc, etc, etc.

Not finished by a long shot, but much father along than at 9 this morning!

Just for fun, some glamour shots of the Hyperion...







This was bought several years ago when Vinshine was the world wide distributor for Denafrips.

Fully balanced amp. I mean, if you ain't gots balanced drive, this amp isn't for you!




Needless to say, this deferred the measurements on the Stuffed SMJ-40 test cabs originally scheduled for today.

[Steve Manning]

Shinny .....

[JonMarsh]

You better believe it! All hooked up and ready to go!

But, after trying three places in this area, I could not find a polarized TV power cord to buy. So I ordered a couple from Amazon, which I should have done to begin with.

The MacOS software is updated, so is Audirvana, and I checked out the audio play through using AT headphones with the Soekris...

You know, one could have a simple goal such as wanting to get a set of speakers in room to sound nearly as good and transparent on Animal Logic II (Stuart Copland, Stanley Clarke, and Deborah Holland). Yeah, I love these folks because it's like a power trio with the Police, Return to Forever, and a very capable singer and instrumentalist.

But when you hear the opening bass lines on the first cut, and the harmonic integrity with these headphones, it brings home how hard it can be for speakers in typical home environments to have that level of response linearity and timing integrity.