Little dot MKVII or Audio-gd C2C ? - Page 2

This is exactly where I am as well.  I am trying to decide which direction to go.  Does balanced sound that much better?  I mean, is it a startling change?  I have wanted to go balanced for a while, and have the LD DAC_1 already.  However, the Audio gd offerings are tempting.  I know enough to know that the amp design, parts used, and the synergy of the system account for a great deal. 

I am quite happy with the LD DAC_1, as it spanked the heck out of my Keces 151 DAC.  I don't have the kind of experience that many of you have, which is the reason for the questions.

I can pick up a used C2C, with upgraded volume pot for just over $300.  But, then should I get the new C2 instead?  If I did go that route, I would probably sell my LD DAC_1, and buy the Audio gd DAC, and stay single ended.  I just don't know how much difference there will be. 

I imagine that I will be happy with either.  I have just bought a used pair of Markl-modded Denon D2ks, and listen to just about everything except heavy metal.  Most of my listening material consists of classical to celtic, including rock, r & b, acoustic, from Beatles to Beethoven. 

As far as my critical ear, I probably would be happy with either set up.  I just don't know which way to go...decisions, decisions...any help is appreciated.

Thanks to all of you for your input,

Matt

Quote:

Originally Posted by hedmaster 

I am trying to decide which direction to go.  Does balanced sound that much better?  I mean, is it a startling change?

Yes, balanced is startlingly different. IMO, it's also significantly better than SE. If you take an excellent SE setup and add a large dose of steroids, you have balanced. Everything sounds more alive, intense, dynamic, real.

However, for studio-type work, balanced may be too intense. SE may be the better choice here.

Thanks!  That is exactly what I was looking for.  It is also great news for me, as I am just in it for the sound.  I think I am definitely going to go the balanced route with the MKVII+ then.  I will update after I receive it.

Take care,

Matt

Well, I placed my order today, woohoo!  They are such a great business, no, people to work with.  I had asked David if I could make a partial payment to secure my position in line for the MKVII+, and he quickly & happily said, "Yes"!  I really thought that was unusual, as far as businesses go.  It is yet another example of how great David and the entire Little Dot crew are to do business with.

I already have the LD DAC_1, and that arrived quickly, and was better than I expected for the price.  It beat out my Keces MK131 DAC with greater clarity throughout, improved details, and also taught me what PRAT is! 

Very nice indeed.

I thank you all for contributing to this forum, as it helped me to make a good decision-or should I say a "potentially" good decision, depending on the sound I hear when I finally pair the LD DAC w/ the MKVII+!

I can hardly wait.

I get my new/ used Markl-Modded Denon D2ks today.  I was looking at Lawton Audio's website, and they said that the 2K & the 5K are the same except for the cable, and the cups!  I plan on eventually putting their wood cups on my Denon, so I will actually have a fully Markl-Modded D5K!!  Wow, that is exciting.

Does anyone have a comment about that?  I am just curious.

Thanks all, & especially feifan,

Matt

Quote:

Originally Posted by hedmaster 

Well, I placed my order today, woohoo!  They are such a great business, no, people to work with.  I had asked David if I could make a partial payment to secure my position in line for the MKVII+, and he quickly & happily said, "Yes"!  I really thought that was unusual, as far as businesses go.  It is yet another example of how great David and the entire Little Dot crew are to do business with.

 

I already have the LD DAC_1, and that arrived quickly, and was better than I expected for the price.  It beat out my Keces MK131 DAC with greater clarity throughout, improved details, and also taught me what PRAT is! 

 

Very nice indeed.

 

I thank you all for contributing to this forum, as it helped me to make a good decision-or should I say a "potentially" good decision, depending on the sound I hear when I finally pair the LD DAC w/ the MKVII+!

 

I can hardly wait.

 

I get my new/ used Markl-Modded Denon D2ks today.  I was looking at Lawton Audio's website, and they said that the 2K & the 5K are the same except for the cable, and the cups!  I plan on eventually putting their wood cups on my Denon, so I will actually have a fully Markl-Modded D5K!!  Wow, that is exciting.

 

Does anyone have a comment about that?  I am just curious.

 

Thanks all, & especially feifan,

Matt

The DAC 1 andThe MK-Vll are a fantastic combination,one of the best buys I have ever made.

You will not be disapointed with them,in balanced mode the music takes on a life of its own.

And yes they are great to do business with,and fully back there product.
 

I also just got an email from Dave, on the status of my order that I placed a week ago today.  He said that I was #57 in the que.  I was informed that on average, they send out 4-5 orders per day.  So, that means about 14 business days, assuming that 4 is closer to the average. 

Anticipation always makes the final prize that much sweeter!  I don't mind waiting.  They are busy for a reason, and I am thrilled for them.  They have built a solid reputation for themselves here on headfi.  They have earned the business. 

With that said, I am quite excited and anxious to get my amp, and hook it up to my DAC_1, and listen on my new-soon-to-be balanced (Markl modded) D2ks.  I can only listen to them now on my Yamaha RX-V665 headphone out.  I anticipate it being quite a startling difference.  I will definitely post my first impressions, and do a review of the combo with the D2ks.

I appreciate your help feifan, and ford2.

Sincerely,

Matt

Looking forward to your impressions Matt!!

Received the amp yesterday!  Very nice shape, & everything works as it should.  I have to wait until Monday to recable my Denon D2ks for balanced.  I have only used it single ended, and it sounds good.

I will update on Monday, after some initial balanced impressions.

Matt

Going with the MKVII(+?) is a wise move and the only sensible choice hedmaster (at least from a pragmatic viewpoint) IMO. I had hoped to hear the LD balanced system (DAC_1 and MKVII) at the last (GTA region) mini meet I attended but the owner of it brought his DV337 instead (nice amp).

I look forward to your impressions as well.

Peete.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hedmaster 

Received the amp yesterday!  Very nice shape, & everything works as it should.  I have to wait until Monday to recable my Denon D2ks for balanced.  I have only used it single ended, and it sounds good.

 

I will update on Monday, after some initial balanced impressions.

 

Matt

You will be in for a big surprise when you go from its SE to balanced,it really is a great amp.

I enjoyed mine during the time I had it. I would still have it now if it wasn't for the itch I had to go back to tubes. Even single ended it's a good amp. The single ended output was just as good as C-2C. The C-2C was a little warmer and laidback, and maybe a tad more refined. But the single ended outputs of the MKVII+ was more transparent, dynamic, and more detailed. The balanced outputs was even better. Just more of everything. Really impressed with what they achieved for 400.00.

I'm enjoying mine SE while I await delivery of the DAC-1. I heard the set-up Peete referred to at the person's home and it impressed me enough to settle on it as something I will keep for some time.