[freeflier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SK138 I never thought to compare the sound from MF DAC with the real piano before.

I should clarify that I don't actually sit down to listen specifically to the piano. I just notice when it's not right. This is a by product of the fact that I'm always listening to the complex interplay between instruments (particularly in Jazz) and my attention gets drawn naturally to each voice (instrument) as it speaks.

 

[music_man]

i happen to not like any musical fidelity stuff. just thought i'd mention that.
i also hate that monarchy upsampler.
i am probably as picky as freefilter though. most people would not even notice these sonic differences.

the cs may not be the absolute best there is but it is a solid reference quality product. then factor in it's price and many people could just stop right there.

music_man

 

[SK138]

You guys really peaked my interest in CS. I will be getting a refurb shortly


Quote:

Originally Posted by music_man i happen to not like any musical fidelity stuff. just thought i'd mention that. i also hate that monarchy upsampler. i am probably as picky as freefilter though. most people would not even notice these sonic differences. the cs may not be the absolute best there is but it is a solid reference quality product. then factor in it's price and many people could just stop right there. music_man

 

[freeflier]

Sk,
I mentioned this before but I thought you might want to know that I picked up the CS at Great Northern Light and Sound for $406 (shipped). For that price it's hard to go wrong. That's a significant discount from the competition. Guitar Centre's best price a little over $490 with taxes and shipping (the taxes are a little bonus they drop on you just before you sign on the dotted line).

 

[SK138]

Thanks for that tip. I love this forum for making my wallet bleed

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeflier Sk, I mentioned this before but I thought you might want to know that I picked up the CS at Great Northern Light and Sound for $406 (shipped). For that price it's hard to go wrong. That's a significant discount from the competition. Guitar Centre's best price a little over $490 with taxes and shipping (the taxes are a little bonus they drop on you just before you sign on the dotted line).

 

[Ferbose]

Just in case people following thread have not noticed,
I did a second wrtie-up of Central Station here:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=204186

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

Ferbose and Music Man,

Can either of you tell me what kint of output stage the DAC has? Is it opamp or discrete? I am asking in regards to the ability to upgrade. If it is opamps, what kind and do you think modding one with a Zapfilter outpu stage would make any benefits?

 

[Ferbose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodentmacbeastie Ferbose and Music Man, Can either of you tell me what kint of output stage the DAC has? Is it opamp or discrete? I am asking in regards to the ability to upgrade. If it is opamps, what kind and do you think modding one with a Zapfilter outpu stage would make any benefits?

Output stage = Motorola MC33079D

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferbose Output stage = Motorola MC33079D

Good, so if I get the upgrade bug I can try a Zapfilter discrete out or a tubed output.

 

[music_man]

that might put the cs squarely into the "elite" category. that is, if it works as intended with the cs. i don't know how it would turn out. i have run it through the mf tube buffer. most "audiophiles" would probably prefer that sound. i am trained more to expect what the cs provides in stock form. that it is why it is so dear to me. i did replace some caps and resistors in my own unit with better quality ones of the same spec. that did not change it's basic signature. i didn't want it changed either.


music_man

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by music_man that might put the cs squarely into the "elite" category. that is, if it works as intended with the cs. i don't know how it would turn out. i have run it through the mf tube buffer. most "audiophiles" would probably prefer that sound. i am trained more to expect what the cs provides in stock form. that it is why it is so dear to me. i did replace some caps and resistors in my own unit with better quality ones of the same spec. that did not change it's basic signature. i didn't want it changed either. music_man

I will probably be very happy with the DAC output anyway, but I find discrete no opamp designd add another level of transparency and dynamics. I am saving my money for a Modwright Sony 9100ES Platinum at $4000 and IF and that is a big if I get it I will likely only use the CS DAC for a Squeezebox and maybe my Oppo DVD for DVD-audio.

Another question I have... I know the CS auto senses whether or not the signal coming in is balanced or SE, but if it is SE does the CS put out a balanced signal?

 

[Ferbose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodentmacbeastie Another question I have... I know the CS auto senses whether or not the signal coming in is balanced or SE, but if it is SE does the CS put out a balanced signal?

I think CS can automatically sense belanced vs SE, but it won't take SE in and output balanced.

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferbose I think CS can automatically sense belanced vs SE, but it won't take SE in and output balanced.

Does the internal DAC send out a balanced signal?

 

[Naga]

it should, i could devise a way of figuring this out..

 

[velogreg]

I am in the early stages of building a vinyl system and was wondering if the RCA inputs on my Presonus CS can be utilized to process the turntable signal to my tube amplifier. Since I intend to use either a mid priced mm or mc cartridge on the turntable, the PreSonus Central station whould work really well and save me purchasing another piece of equipment. Agree?