[project86]

  You just picked the three best measuring dac's to do a measurement comparison. I've seen measurements of the CEC and BMC equipment and they are not the best in the world like your examples but they are at least excellent. Over a certain threshold measurements have less importance than build quality, long term reliability (my CEC HD53N volume control was wonky and the warranty short), long term support, looks, perceived value and resale price.

 
 
I just snagged a few recent examples that were vaguely in the same class as the DirectStream. Not trying to bash PS Audio, just using it as a case study in how marketing and expectations can differ from real-world results. 
 
I agree that measurements don't tell the whole story - however, when Ted Smith of PS Audio goes on and on about jitter (page 1 of that review, about half way down) and the measurements show issues with that very thing.... I'm trying to tie this in to your earlier comment about the Schiit stack versus the UltraDAC. The Schiit is highly anticipated but we don't really have any idea what it will deliver. And frankly, we don't know with the UltraDAC either. So let's keep an open mind until they arrive. 

 

[eugenius]

I was just using that YGG/RAG stack as an example so let's not have a discussion about Schiit here. If you like, AudioGD M7/M9 is another one, or my own Headroom BUDA/UDAC/DPS and on and on. There are many good separates around 2500€ total. In fact that price range is the sweet spot for high end separates.

 

[project86]

Agreed, lots of good stuff in that range, and soon to be more. Sorry for the derail, back to BMC stuff!

 

[guido]

I have been playing around with MH-1s recabled in balanced mode on my Puredac....simply outstanding!
 
I have also recabled 2 sets with Apple remote cables very successfully...
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

[a1uc]

I just placed an order last night for a The TotalDac USB cable/filter - Im going to use a Squeezebox Touch I have here to feed the Pure Dac

 

[project86]

Guido - nice!!! And those nOrh speakers look good as well. Do I see matching nOrh monoblocks?

 

[guido]

yep...good old Norh LeAmps....great monoblocks at the price

 

[guido]

Puredac doing the Adam Artist 5s and Sub8 justice
 
 

 

 

[guido]

When using the Puredac straight from the Mac without using Audirvana [or similar software that takes over the USB output], what Audio MIDI setting should I use?
 
I see that they are all selectable from 44 kHz to 384kHz on the Xmos USB 2 audio out....and the Puredac reports accordingly.

 

[KmanChu]

  When using the Puredac straight from the Mac without using Audirvana [or similar software that takes over the USB output], what Audio MIDI setting should I use?
 
I see that they are all selectable from 44 kHz to 384kHz on the Xmos USB 2 audio out....and the Puredac reports accordingly.

Most of your music is 44.1, so there should be less Core Audio chop-suey with that rate.

 

[a1uc]

Has anyone here heard the Yulong DA8 DSD DAC ? I am wondering how it compares with the Pure DAC

 

[project86]

I've spent lots of time with both. DA8 is an excellent DAC - slightly warm and smooth on top. Now that I think about it, it's not a huge departure from the PureDAC in a lot of ways. The PureDAC sounds a little more balanced and neutral while still maintaining that "analog" feel, while the Yulong does seem slightly colored. Just a tad. 
 
The chief difference would be using them as an all in one device. DA8 has a pretty nice integrated headphone amp on board - it does a good job and is better than a lot of entry level headphone amps. The BMC, however, has a balanced headphone output that is truly special, competitive with more expensive stand alone amps. 
 
If using as a DAC only, it isn't a massive difference. As an all in one, the difference is pretty significant. 

 

[ninjapirate9901]

Just got this bad boy in. Initial impressions, it's bloody massive
 

 

[a1uc]

  Just got this bad boy in. Initial impressions, it's bloody massive
 
What made you go with the Pure Dac over a Vega ? 
 
I have a Pure Dac and Auralic Aries , was thinking of buying a Vega
 

 

[ninjapirate9901]

Honestly? Price.
 
I got my PureDAC used from a fellow Head-Fier for about 1/3rd the list cost of the Vega.