K3cT
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2007
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Quote:
I had some extra Blackgate NX's I ordered for whenever I get around to doing a diyMod that I used in C20 and C26. I've omitted the bypass caps for now as I've read some people suggest that the BGs don't need them (some even said their BGs sounded worse when bypassed). I can't really offer any impressions, though, as I haven't had a chance to do any critical listening. I'm just finishing off an amp to pair with the γ2 and still have to get my hands a nice set of full size cans.
Yeah, that's what I've heard too about the Blackgates. I'm rather curious about them as they are expensive and hard to acquire. Right now I'm using Elna Silmic II in C20, C26 bypassed with MKP2. I'm happy with the sound but I guess it doesn't hurt to try new experiments.
Let me ask you something though. How do you find the y2 sound with the NX? Is it more to the slightly warmish side or more to the bright side?
Quote:
I have a couple of questions regarding the technical capability and sound signature of the various chips used in the y2 compared to my current DAC, a Musiland MD-10. I am not asking for a "which is better" comparison or anything like that, as I know that AMB's projects are all top notch and easily compete with off-the-shelf products that cost several times as much. I am more interested in what is to be gained or lost if I were to sell the MD-10 and build a y2. For what it's worth, I primarily use optical out from my computer to the Musiland, and then use RCAs to connect to a Millett Hybrid MOSFET Max feeding Grado SR225s. According to another thread I found here, the chips used in the MD-10 are:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Op-amp: Analog Devices OP275
From what I have gathered, the Wolfson DAC and Burr-Brown upsampling chips used in the y2 are pretty much the best thing going as far as DACs are concerned. I haven't seen much about the Cirrus. So, does anyone have any thoughts?
I haven't heard the MD-10 so I only can offer anecdotes on the y2 part. I guess the clear tell-tale signs of a better DAC is instruments become clearly differentiated from one another instead of coming to you as mushed together. On top of that, you should be able to hear more details. If I compare vocals between the y1 and y2, it is clear the the vocal is more nuanced and detailed in the y2. It's the same case with guitar picks.
I'm not sure about the MD-10 but isn't it able to do asynchrnous via USB? The y2 certainly doesn't have this capability so this will be your loss. How much this translates to a loss in SQ is of course, another question.