Until an independent, professionally-run A/B test is conducted, I agree. That’s the only way this issue starts to resolve. “Is there an audible difference” is not a difficult test to run will a sound methodology. Controlled experiments looking for an effect is the bread and butter of...

There are some Japanese outfits that sell into both the commercial and audiophile market for interconnects used in studios, concerts, and for audiophile systems, too. It’s an issue where progress is pretty straightforward given the amount of heat it generates on the boards. And the expense.

The impression I get from much of ASR is a group of people that were terribly bullied in childhood and are out for revenge. It’s just kind of sad. Kind of antithetical to the idea of a “fun hobby.” That said, there is room for testing in the audiophile world, but much of the current methods...

I agree. The Harmon curve is just a survey of a preferred sound signiture. Further, Harmon now finds the curve systematically varies by age. But my point is that the existence of an effect within a population is not subjective. If it can’t be heard, that’s that. If it can, I’m fully onboard...

I’m NOT discussing differences between or among effects. I’m discussing whether the effects exist at all. Cables is again a great example. Thread after thread on cables discussed the perceived differences from changing cables. A well designed A/B would determine where such differences exist...

It pretty much is simple. Get a high end system and double blind the test. There’s a bunch of folks that say SS amps have been solved, too. If they can’t be detected that’s the end of it for me. They sure as hell aren’t advertised that way. And if they were no one would by them. Double blind...

I don’t want to fall of the thread topic police, so I’ll make my response short. But when manufactures or enthusiasts claim there is a discernible sonic effect, it seems that a well designed test on a large enough sample will provide confidence whether that effect exists. For example, there...

An update on the WL USB upgrade to a galvanically isolated board using a TI chip. I started with an older WL running the old firmware in a Mac>WL>Holo Bliss>Susvara chain. I was getting some glare and the bass could use improvement - a bit weak and muddled, a pretty quick fall off the shelf...

I guess if you have both integrated amps around it would make sense pairing the preamp of one with the amp of the other. I would think if you wanted to go this route you’d have more selection using dedicated preamps. That said, it’s a nice problem to have. And I’m interested in your...

Do you just update to the latest beta version?

Does anyone using an Apple source w/Apple Music use the Lostless Switcher with the WL? How do you like it? It’s supposed to automatically switch the sample rate and bit rate to match the song so you don’t have to do it manually through the midi screen. This might be the wrong forum…

The USB module w/galvanic isolation arrived yesterday. The board includes a TI usb isolation chip not on the existing board. Installation on a Mac chain was relatively easy but there are a couple of pitfalls. Remove dac lid w/2.5 mm Allen wrench. Pull off the old usb board by either side. It’s a...

Having bricked a WL during the firmware upgrade, your discretion is the better part of valor. I found the service to be great once you make contact.

at least to my ears, the original burnin made a huge difference. Since I turn on the dac and amp together, it’s hard to be certain what’s going on but my perception is an improvement in SQ. In land of dreams, you could a/b a warmed up rig against one that isn’t. Audio memory is tricky beast.

My experience with the very initial burnin was pretty dramatic. My chain is MAC - Wavelight - Bliss - Susvara. The Bliss was pretty much unlistenable out of the box. After a 24 burnin the SQ really improved - the harshness gone and the detail emerging. I found both the Bliss and the dac benefit...

True. It’s unclear what is driving the issue. Susvaras are little elevated in the low treble relative to Harmon. I purchased the Sus from a Head-Fier who was sensitive to those frequencies. He just sold the cans and moved on. So that’s one explanation although not many folks have this problem...

I have a hint of low treble glare w/Susvara with certain recordings. I was hoping the new usb would help tamp this down as well as glean some of the benefits you described. Nicolae suggested I try this before heading to a DDC or other solution. Makes sense. A low cost option with additional...

I think the two software versions were needed when they switched dac boards. But my understanding is the sonic improvements are due to the software upgrades to clock management.

Exactly. The website description translated: “Upgrade mode for Wavelight DAC. After installation, the USB input of the dac will become galvanically isolated.”

On another note, I’m waiting on the new WL USB board. FedEx informed me it’s in Paris on route to the DMV. I’ll keep you posted. I know another Head-Fier also waiting for delivery. If anyone has A/B’d the old and new boards, I’d be interested in your impressions.

The board was a replacement but was visually different. That’s the extent of my knowledge. I don’t have a pic.

The player. I tried to set the defaults to a bit perfect mode.

Both. And no luck. Can’t recall the order.

A big shout-out to Rockna and Verdant Audio for superior customer service. I recently purchased an older, multi-owner WL and, unfortunately, it bricked when installing the firmware update. I contacted Scott at Verdant and he spoke w/Nicolae about repairing the dac. After sending a video of the...

Any updates? Thx in advance.