F-1 Review Update:
Last night another 4 hour listening session - now at the 70hr burnin mark. Just keeps getting better and better - now running 24/7 for three day without a single unlock, or freeze. Same for the X-1 running my office system - more on that one later.
Well it was Classic Rock night at rb2013's - Supertramp, Genesis, Led Zep, Jethro Tull (freaking 'Benefit' was unbelievable last night), etc...
Each time my system has taken a leap forward - I love going back to stuff I have been listening to for a few decades. Take Zep - first on cassette in my first car - a 'custom' Blaupunkt radio, then a Nakamichi 600, later on vinyl (when the tapes wore out!) with at least 20 different analog rigs, then on to CD, better vinyl (virgin 180/200 gram), Hi Res, and now WAV files.
Each time my system improved it made listening to this great stuff 'fresh' again - new details emerging - a more direct experience to the music. Well last night was a trip! I'm shocked how stuff recorded on old Apex 16 track recorders captured so much information - that only now is being revealed. A deep black background (from a lower noise floor) allows these very low level details to emerge - ambient reflections that the ear/mind use to recreate the illusion of a different performance venue. But more interesting still - these deep ambient clues allow the ear/mind to project a true holographic presentation. Like real 3D point sources - radiating out in the sound field - the subtle back and side reflections revealed. Very good audio presents as stagger flattish 2D cutouts layered in the sound field - excellent audio blooms into 3D. And as the digital source gets better this 'point source' effect becomes greater - effortless. Really, Really great analog has done this much better then digital - but I truly think digital has finally surpassed it. At least for me.
Years ago I had this amazing $30k analog system - VPI Super Scout Master signature (tonearm wired with Nordost Valhalla), Dynavector XV1S and Benz Ebony LP carts, Nordost Val IC's, Bent Audio step up transformers, Conrad Johnson Tubed phono pre (NOS Siemens CCa's), CJ Art2, etc.... In fact, I digitalized all my LPs (most virgin 200gm and 180gm pressings) at super high res 32 bit/176K sampling using a pro audio ADC. I got with in 90-95% of the actually LP spinning. Each album cleaned, de-maged, de-static, VTA aligned, VPI outer ring clamped and inner clamped, etc...I then sold all that equipment but kept the albums (I do have a less expensive analog rig now - Ortofon2M Black - outstanding cart!). Used the money to invest in digital - getting the APL NWO DAC, etc...
That was 10 yrs ago!
And the benefits of this little F-1 in playing those Hi Res files is extraordinary.
Anyway on to the X-1 - it has been playing faithfully in my office system, in fact listening right now to some wonderful Bach - Starker 'Six Suites for Solo Cello' - one of those Hi Res LP files. Just awesome - the Bach and the X-1! What space and tone! Right now at the 90 hr mark. Once past 200 hrs will compare against the F-1 in my main listening room. But already I can tell is better then the Breeze here. Just greater ambience and detail. The Singxer X-1 for $59 with NDK SD clocks for audio and USB, 4 layer board, low noise LDO! How can you beat that?
Ordered the Curious 200mm USB cable link for use between either the Regen or the Recovery (also on it's way) and the DDC (with or without a iPurifer2 in between).
So I will get to try the F-1, X-1, Q-1S and the new Pro4a all with both of these neat devices - so far the Regen/iPurifer2 is sounding very good with the F-1.
Cheers!
Bob
