Audio-gd Reference 7 Loaner Program (USA)

[Currawong]

I've posted an updated map of where the Reference 7 is going (and has gone). 
 
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114645359976316771934.00048d9adc773fb5dce63&mpnum=3&vps=1&sll=33.590355,130.401716&sspn=0.21192,0.335426
 
I'm looking forward to digger945's impressions.

 

[RedBull]

Nice and creative Curra.
 
Wish the loan can be extended to Asia as well 

 

[GreenLeo]

X2

 

[Happy Camper]

Audio GD floating product through the membership is putting their money where their mouth is. Having a cross section of users gives a broader view for a wider audience. Setting the optimum performance, while impressive, isn't always possible. To know that in less than optimum performance, the Ref. 7still accounts itself well is a testament to its ability.
 
David
 

 

[Happy Camper]

Any opinions Scott?
 
Who has it now?

 

[Currawong]

morphsci should have it, and digger945 should be giving us his impressions.
 
Also, unfortunately, Asr has bailed, but conveniently computerparts just PMed me and will take his place in Colorado.

 

[digger945]

It's in the hands of morphsi now.
 
Like I said before, I used the Halide Bridge for transport. I wanted to give the Marantz CD player a spin, but time didn't allow. One more week would have been better for more comparisons.
 
The Ref 7 was left turned on the entire time it was with me.
 
I used the Ref 7 only in balanced mode(amp and headphones[Denon 2k & 404LE via SRD-6] also) for the entire time, and my EAD is unbalanced only, so I dunno exactly what the technical differences are there.
 
I listened to the Ref 7 exclusively until the last day, when I switched the EAD and Gamma 2 back in for a moment(each) to do some comparisons on just one song. Unfortunately I have not listened to anything that is beyond this price point, so not much help there. Although it seemed to edge out my EAD on the last bit of resolution, it was a close call on all other areas. The EAD's PCM63 seemed to produce a more 3D soundstage, as well as a bit lower, more defined bass reproduction, but other than that they are pretty close. I think my EAD sounds more organic, more real. The Ref 7 more clinical, cold, and not as musical. More time with each could turn things around, or make them closer. I also noticed that initially, I felt as though the Ref 7 had particularly good bass and midrange slam, to me. Also, I seemed to like this dac better when listening to 192k Grooveshark files as opposed to FLAC on Foobar.
 
Many thanks to Kingwa for loaning his Ref 7, and to Currawong for initiating the loaner program.
  

 

[Currawong]

Thanks for those thoughts. Computerparts is a big PCM63 fan as well so it will be interesting to have his thoughts next year.

 

[K3cT]

Quote:

It's in the hands of morphsi now.
 
Like I said before, I used the Halide Bridge for transport. I wanted to give the Marantz CD player a spin, but time didn't allow. One more week would have been better for more comparisons.
 
The Ref 7 was left turned on the entire time it was with me.
 
I used the Ref 7 only in balanced mode(amp and headphones[Denon 2k & 404LE via SRD-6] also) for the entire time, and my EAD is unbalanced only, so I dunno exactly what the technical differences are there.
 
I listened to the Ref 7 exclusively until the last day, when I switched the EAD and Gamma 2 back in for a moment(each) to do some comparisons on just one song. Unfortunately I have not listened to anything that is beyond this price point, so not much help there. Although it seemed to edge out my EAD on the last bit of resolution, it was a close call on all other areas. The EAD's PCM63 seemed to produce a more 3D soundstage, as well as a bit lower, more defined bass reproduction, but other than that they are pretty close. I think my EAD sounds more organic, more real. The Ref 7 more clinical, cold, and not as musical. More time with each could turn things around, or make them closer. I also noticed that initially, I felt as though the Ref 7 had particularly good bass and midrange slam, to me. Also, I seemed to like this dac better when listening to 192k Grooveshark files as opposed to FLAC on Foobar.
 
Many thanks to Kingwa for loaning his Ref 7, and to Currawong for initiating the loaner program.
  

 

Thank you for your impressions. Can you comment a little more on the comparison with the γ2 since this is what I use at the moment and hence, an established point of reference would be highly useful? 
 
It's interesting to note from the various impressions here that the Reference 7 has a tendency to sound a little bit cold. 

 

[Happy Camper]

It sounds pretty good through a tube amp.

 

[flecko]

I think some reports are a little poor. There is not enough information how exactly the setup was, nor what was tried to change the sound. Like this, it is no great help for other people. Of course, if you have a dac and you just plug in another, it would not sound that great, if the differences are small, because your system is matched to what you have. Comparing appels to oranges like using different digital sources (m-audiophile to brigde) or different cable types (rca, xlr) is just the wrong way. Please reviewers, tell us exactly what your system is and what music you used. What have you done to integrate the ref7? Just give us more impressions not just three lines.

 

[Newk Yuler]

I'm a proud and satisfied A-GD owner and I watch the A-GD threads here with some regularity.  Please forgive me if it's already been said but I think it's an important idea that should be mentioned if it hasn't:
 
This roaming Ref 7 could to be brought to the attention of reviewers with the possibility of passing through places like 6moons, Chris Connaker at Computer Audiophile, and perhaps even TAS and Stereophile.  I realize it may not fit the requirements for the loaner program but it would be a shame to exclude opportunities for higher level exposure, comparison, and scrutiny when this Ref 7 is already a floater for comparing and subjective review.  It could take Audio-GD to a new level of attention and respect.  I'd expect most of us here would find their thoughts very interesting.  Currawong?
 
Does this Ref 7 have a v5 DSP-1?

 

[DaveBSC]

Quote:

I'm a proud and satisfied A-GD owner and I watch the A-GD threads here with some regularity.  Please forgive me if it's already been said but I think it's an important idea that should be mentioned if it hasn't:
 
This roaming Ref 7 could to be brought to the attention of reviewers with the possibility of passing through places like 6moons, Chris Connaker at Computer Audiophile, and perhaps even TAS and Stereophile.  I realize it may not fit the requirements for the loaner program but it would be a shame to exclude opportunities for higher level exposure, comparison, and scrutiny when this Ref 7 is already a floater for comparing and subjective review.  It could take Audio-GD to a new level of attention and respect.  I'd expect most of us here would find their thoughts very interesting.  Currawong?
 
Does this Ref 7 have a v5 DSP-1?

I'd definitely be curious about what Chris at CA thinks. TAS and Stereophile on the other hand take a long time to get anything published.

 

[SoupRKnowva]

Quote:

Does this Ref 7 have a v5 DSP-1?

 it does indeed, i was there when we installed it at the cincy meet back in november

 

[elwappo99]

I have been really enjoying reading this thread as well, but I definitely wish  there were more details of what equipment was being used, and more detailed reviews. I'd really like to see how people fair using different cables. I've got custom made ACSS cables, and definitely feel they help the sound significantly.