Azazel

Yes, and simpler, as (sometimes) simpler=better. But as said, some DAC chips show less distortion when outputting I, so with those better=more complex.

It does make (sense) but with a bit of a cut... You can have a "balanced output" DAC chip, that is with -L, +L, -R and +R signals at its output, and a single ended output stage. Example: Benchmark DAC, chip AD1853 with differential (balanced) outs, goes into single L and R signals. Afterwards, a couple of opamps create the inverted signal from this "hot" single ended signals for the XLR outputs. Is what we call "not true or real balanced" DAC (source component, not the DAC chip itself). So if you have a Benchmark DAC, the "purest" way to hear it is using its RCA outs. This relates to the hardware used for the output stage, does not matter if it is balanced or not. An opamp has lots of microscopic components inside, while a discrete out just has the components you can see on the pcb. It is agreed that the complexity of the opamps, and their "multipurpose" design, is worse than a well done and more simple discrete purpose circuit. Example: most DACs use opamps on part or all of their output stages, while units as the Pass Labs D1 uses a discrete and very simple stage with just two mosfet and some resistors on the signal path. Our catlover friend (Neko) will probably agree that DACs as its own design are discrete-passive: it uses transformers to convert the output from the DAC chip to a line signal. Regarding I/V: some DAC chips are able to output a voltage signal as well, but they measure (much) better if configured to output intensity. Example: Sabre chips on Buffalo DACs.

So you suggest to take it? Mmmm... This one is a bit hard for me to justify as I already have a Pass D1 unit (so my diet of PCM63's and balanced is complete)... Time for therapy maybe

If my memory is ok they are fine (inside EU). But this is over $650 with shipping... must be not so hard to find a 1600 inside US lower than that.

They really published this? Good god...

I saw you told something about that before, but I do not fully understand... Who sent you the drive and, specially, who sent you the new firmware? If you used the rs232 port to load it (i do not see another way, if you are replacing the drive...) what about the software to do it? (maybe you can PM me with these OT details)

This is exactly what happened to me with my Meridian G08: the more DACs I try, the more I like the G08'sound... So I ended finding and buying a replacement drive (it uses an out of production DVD-ROM) and decided to keep it. But there are still DACs flowing in and out home

+1. There is no 'ultratech' inside this, but there are obviously many tweaks-corrections: does it sound good? That is the important here, IMO. You can buy today many converters coming from far east with really nice done boards and component selection and fabrication, great to have on display... but they sound like crap, or not to the high standard one may think after seeing them...

The four big caps makes one think there is a real balanced source, but... just two 1704 with its obvious IV resistor makes me think this is not a "true" balanced source. After I discovered the popular Benchmarck DAC1 is'nt either, no surprises for me...

The way the BB 1704 DACs are mounted is, to say the least, curious. When seeing them on daughter boards on thinks of a 'pop' replacament were there have been pcm63, but not here. Also, how the I out goes to the first opamp (many good 627 in sight btw) with a Caddock resistor for I to V is... curious too? A bit too (bad) DIY to my taste. Now I am curious to see what's inside the metal box (input receiver and digital filter).

An useful (?) link: Defunct Audio Manufacturers - D - audiotools.com. The company does not seem stopped. But who knows... maybe Icarium is right

Yeps yes I am . Showing similar interests hehe When I joined HF long ago I was so naif as to use my own name (and there were not much members so the nick was free...).

Hello. My name is Josep, and me too My last (better say 'more recent') buy has been a Pass Labs D1 unit, 90s too but a bit later, and -fortunately- its father/s are still alive (Wayne Colburn and Nelson Pass). Good. Waiting for those stripped nudity pics

Robert Harley (TAS) is really very excited about the Berkeley, but I am not sure if this is of any real significance...

Yups... What happened exactly and how was your system setup? Thanks

Audiotrak Prodigy Cube: around $90, no drivers needed for 24/96 on XP/Vista/MacOS.

Jeff, Yes, we can dream about a new input board (seems so easy to change!) and I too have temptations to change my filter (NPC) for a PMD100 HDCD chip (they can be found for around $30) in my case (PCM63K DACs). Probably yes, the DF1704 is the weak link in your D1... It is strange Pass refused to sell you a (used, coming from any upgraded unit) original board... unless they were re-using them for the new chips (do not think so). I will ask as soo as I can around the DIY forums were Nelson/Wayne usually write... what a pity lately they have so much work avoiding copies of many of their products. I need some time (and bravery) too to, one day, change the elcaps for Elna Silmic IIs (Wayne favourites as on its own unit)... Josep

Wow... Quadrangulum your are the man! I cannot identify the DAC chip, an Analog Devices 18?? I must say however that after the excitement to see the Ayre unit naked, I am not so hot to see Berkeley's. I knew there were opamps (they look single units, maybe opa627?) but seeing no overkill dual differential DACs, local regulators, and the like... is a bit of a letdown. Obviously their strenght lies inside the bg AS Shark processor, ie software, and obviously for all the opinions seen it is a BIG strenght! Btw it is a good new to see the voltage selector (110/220VAC) for us outside US

... me neither... ... ME TOO At last a discrete, really balanced, output stage. If only she had SPDIF input... it's just me who likes she had more than one input to play with?

Congrats for your D1... and do not sell it I was after an absolute deal on a mint ML 30.6 (the guy had its separate PS stolen, so the main unit was mint but one had to make a complete PSU for it, easy if you are into DIY) but was out of home and missed it by so small margin (finished under $2k btw)... This days you see 'plenty' (say some) of EMM, dCS, etc gear on sale, and opinions vary on those high-end DACs, but there is always a common opinion: everyone is pointing to the Berkeley, even some other makers as I said in my previous post. Holy grail? The volume works in digital domain btw, see their literature on the website were, IIRC, there was a description. But the HDCD light will be 'on' anyway in this unit

FYI, after asking to the people of Pass Labs for possibilities to upgrade my D1 DAC to accept 24/96 (my unit is a earlier one, only latest production D1s were 24/96) they told me for 'Redbook' use (CD) it is optimal as is (cs8412 receiver, npc filter and pcm63k dacs), and if I really do need higher resolution they pointed me... yes, to the Berkeley Audio Alpha! Another big point for this unit IMO.

+1 for synchronous (integer multiplier of the original 44'1 kHz sr) vs asynchronous upsampling. But this may well be something 'mental' (I feel is the 'right' way so must sound better), as I heard nice sounds either way... and, off course, sometimes nicer sounds with no upsampling at all As for the reviews (HA), if usually one needs to take all of them with a grain of salt, when these are of 'modded' gear you need the full bottle: the reviewer is fartest away from the real price/value of the gear than usual. Maybe you need a DAC3 loan and then decide?

HA, I do not know what else/other DACs you have tasted and liked less than the PS, but the (around) $500-worth PS plus (around) $700 on mods adds to a bit over $1k. That said, I am not a big believer in mods others than the DIY: for one individual, a change of caps or whatever has a really small cost, and is fun to do. If you have to pay someone to do it, plus the extra for its 'knowledge' (if there is any!), the interest fades out IMO. See, I have my Benchmark open now so I can try different coupling caps, and compare them to the original ones (they parallel electro+film+ceramic smd's), is funny and if something shows as a real ear-opener will stay; but mostly is fun. Anyway I was also leaning the Cullen way, from your two options, even before reading Augsburger interesting comments (!!).

Thanks Penger. This internals are exactly what I saw on my unit, hence my findings about it... Shame on me I have not shot it and put here the pics, yes. I concurr it is an excelent SACD player, be it stereo or multichannel (via the HATS-compatible 5400ES receiver I loaned too), and it seems an okay CD to me, at least when its smoothness is fine with you music tastes. But no better than my (beloved) G08, no way. Regards Josep

Wow, and there is one important detail here: it is the black one (they were only doing it white/grey until very recently and at an extra charge). I was trying to get this thing out of my head and you put it again...