REVIEW: Resolution Audio Cantata Music Center DAC/CD Player - Page 2

I am glad to see that Jeff Kalt and Resolution Audio are still around and still innovating. For years I ran 2 Quantum DAC's from the Cesium transport.  With the demise of Ultra Analog and the superb 20-bit chipsets, they successfully shifted gears with the one-box Opus.  Really smart guys -- always really terrific gear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwilson 

I bought the lowest model of the current series, without the optical drive. Then I purchased more memory from newegg and maxed it out at 8GB. I have no keyboard, mouse or monitor hooked up to the Mac mini. Controlling music is via the free Remote app that Apple makes for remote controlling iTunes playback. If I need to manage something on the Mac mini beyond what the app can do, I use VNC to connect to it.
 

 

That is exactly what I do, except of course without the Catana.

Remote app is awesome.

A fine review! Owning "mid-level" DACs myself - e.g. Eastern Electric MiniMax - I am curious what difference a really "high-end" DAC might make. Your review has given me a nicely succinct answer.

mwilson, can I just say that I've really enjoyed both of your reviews, on the Cantata and the Liquid Fire. Indeed, your write up of the Liquid Fire helped me pull the trigger on buying it (my first big purchase). I'm planning to audition (and probably buy) the Resolution Audio Cantata once I've got enough funds since your description makes of what it is fits exactly what I've been looking for. Found a retailer in Australia who sells it for $5000.

Can I just say that I really appreciate your style of writing as well. Intelligent with touches of humour. Oozes with erudition. Call me silly, but for me it gives your opinion more weight. So thank you. Just saying this in case you don't think anyone appreciates the effort you went to writing up these comprehensive reviews.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwilson 

^ thanks for the kind words, though I want to be held harmless with regard to the hole in your wallet caused by my irresponsible writing. Caution on auditioning the Cantata - it's addictive, and hard to not order one.

I'll say.  Damn you in advance. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwilson 

^ thanks for the kind words, though I want to be held harmless with regard to the hole in your wallet caused by my irresponsible writing. Caution on auditioning the Cantata - it's addictive, and hard to not order one.

The way I see it, I was going to buy something high end anyway and your review gave me the confidence that the LF is what I was looking for and at a relatively good value. Same impression I have of the Cantata, that it punches well above it's price point. Of course, I've yet to hear the Cantata but all the research I've done has lead me to believe that when I hear it, I'll hear the sound quality of units in the $10-15K at a $5k price point. If my ears agree, then my wallet will thank you for letting me achieve that level of SQ at that cost.

Caution noted. Maybe by the end of the year I'll audition one. I never buy anything unless I can buy it in cash with several $k stlil left over so it'll be a while yet.

Mine just shipped out.  I'm doing that stupid thing I always do, where I repeatedly check the tracking information every fifteen minutes.  It's a neurosis.  

More to come once it's in my possession.  It's an exciting time.

Now THAT is some packaging!

Looks stupid gorgeous too. Congrats!

Quote:

Originally Posted by obzilla 

Now THAT is some packaging!

 

Looks stupid gorgeous too. Congrats!

Thank you sir!  I'll need some time to better evaluate the sound.  The only thing that really comes to mind right this second is that it sounds very analog.  None of that sharp digital edge.

i know where he lives. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by NitePhlight 

i know where he lives. 

Oh god, ur in my headfi threatening my gearz.