Leonardo
just curious to know if you have tried the jmoney pads on your denons?

Thank you for the extensive and methodical review, Leonardo_BVB!

Has anyone compared the USB input on the StageDAC to its coaxial/optical inputs? The reason I ask is that I read commentary that the USB input for the DacMagic wasn't as well implemented as its Coax input, and I'd like to know if this is the case for the StageDAC as well.

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Unless I'm missing something it doesn't seem to have any filter switching options implemented which, imo, is one of the biggest advantages of the Wolfson chip. Meier's STAGEDAC has one of the most ambitious uses of the filter switching that I've seen, shy of the PS Audio Perfectwave, even without taking the crossfeed into consideration.

Sadly, I'm still waiting for my STAGEDAC to arrive. Shipped via DHL.de, according to Jan it arrived on US shores one day after he sent it out, but has sat "somewhere" for 14 days with no notice from anyone. I've never had anything hung up in customs this long. Jan is going to try to get a bead on it on Monday.

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wow and i thought UK customs were bad.
14 days is out of order
thanks for answering my query.
i was'nt considering buying the chinese dac, just noticed they were using same chips. but 4 instead of 2.
i am currently bidding for a cyrus dac-x, on ebay. if it falls through, i will probably go for the Meier.
cheers

Oldson you got it all mixed up,they don't use the same chips. StageDAC has WM8741 and this product WM8740. WM8740 is used in products like Pico and DacMagic. I ordered and paid for StageDAc, now I am waiting for its arrival, should be here by Friday latest I hope. At first I can use it only with USB, because I don't have any transport at the moment.

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that will teach me to read more carefully

i would imagine the chips are similar, though!?!?

USB 3.0 will be released? Will that be helpful to improve sq?

no. as this is designed on usb 1.1 architecture. its not about the speed of transmission of data so much as ability for the interface.

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Could you compare your StageDAC to your PicoDAC since seems you have both and im thinking to buy other one of those.

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I would like to hear this comparison also, as the Pico is my current benchmark

[size=xx-small]Happy Camper[/size]

My STAGEDAC finally arrived, 25 days after ordering(!). The outer box was covered in green Customs/Border Patrol tape, so they are probably the culprit for the delay. Thankfully, Jan double-boxes, and the DAC arrived in perfect shape. If anyone else encounters shipping delays, stay strong, and your patience will be rewarded.

First impressions are...well, "impressive". I won't attempt to match Leonardo's excellent & comprehensive posts, especially at this early stage. But I will say that there is very good extension & detail on both ends, while still maintaining a natural smoothness. Never fatiguing. This, using the filter switch in the upper position, & the oversampling switch down (3:1). Everything else set to flat. Haven't played too much with other positions yet.

After using a 1743-based CD player over the past few weeks, I will say that while NOS DAC chips have a certain sound that can be attractive, there is no need to pine for days long past. As always it's all in the implementation, but today's new chips (ala Wolfson) are quite capable in the right hands. I'm not missing my Modwright so much any more.

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X2. I've had my unit since Friday and it is one nifty piece of gear. Build quality is very good and the parcel was well pampered. Compared to my V-DAC it is more refined and smooth, it also has better PRAT than V-DAC. I've only used it with USB so far and since I don't have any transport or USB to SPDIF converter, I wonder whether there might be some significant difference between those 2 inputs? I can't buy decent transport right away, because I've bought a new amp and StageDAC during last month and half. My wallet needs little rest and repair now, considering the little fact that holiday season is here pretty soon.

2 more reviews to look forward to then?

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Please?
I would love to hear more people giving their opinion about its sound quality and sound signature, and comparisons with other gear.

I am also considering upgrading my headroom ultra micro dac. I am wondering how the wolfson dac compared to the cirrus inside of the ultra micro.