New Audio-gd R-7, R-7HE R-8, R-27, R-27HE, R-28 Flagship Resistor Ladder DACs and DAC/amps

[sajunky]

If the difference between the R7 and R8 MK2's is features, are these features as in components that improve SQ without the need for additional hardware or features like the external clock that require additional hardware to see SQ gains?

I meant R-7MK2 vs. R-8MK2. Bringing up R-7 (2021) would complicate comparison, sorry for a mistake. Will edit this post.

 

[Ninja Theory]

I meant R-7MK2 vs. R-8MK2. Bringing up R-7 (2021) would complicate comparison, sorry for a mistake. Will edit this post.

My question was referring to R7 MK2 and R8 MK2 (in hindsight I should have written R7 as R7 MK2). Edit: I leaning towards the R8 MK2 after Fred's reply. So now I just need to figure out if the R8 MK2 will be a worthwhile upgrade on the NOS11 DAC section (NOS7).

 

[FredA]

Thx for this. Do you think the R8 MK2 would be a marked DAC upgrade from the NOS11 DAC section (PCM1704UK) ?

Depends. The sound will be similar to that of the r28, only better. Imaging will be better, the level of detail. Possibly bass too. But the sound will be less euphonic. It depends on your tastes and on what you value. But overall, yes, i think the r8 mkii is better because superior in most areas. And it has much better usb and i2s inputs than the nos11.

 

[Ninja Theory]

Depends. The sound will be similar to that of the r28, only better. Imaging will be better, the level of detail. Possibly bass too. But the sound will be less euphonic. It depends on your tastes and on what you value. But overall, yes, i think the r8 mkii is better because superior in most areas. And it has much better usb and i2s inputs than the nos11.

Thx. Good to hear the I2S upgrade. I currently connect from the DI-20 to the NOS11 with I2S.

 

[FredA]

Thx. Good to hear the I2S upgrade. I currently connect from the DI-20 to the NOS11 with I2S.

With a r8mkii or r7mkii, you will likely not need the di20 anymore.

 

[FredA]

With a r8mkii or r7mkii, you will likely not need the di20 anymore.

Another upgrade path for you would be to install an hdmi i2s input on your nos 11 if not present already and use an external clock on the di20, feeding and hdmi i2s signal to the nos 11.

 

[FredA]

Which brings me to sharing a rather effective improvement i made to my setup. By using well shielded cords on all components of my digital chain (featuring metal plugs), i improved the imaging depth and the level of details. AC cords are prone to catching RFI and EMI(from other cords next by). I think it is now as analog as my fm tuner.

 

[Ninja Theory]

Another upgrade path for you would be to install an hdmi i2s input on your nos 11 if not present already and use an external clock on the di20, feeding and hdmi i2s signal to the nos 11.

Ok thx. I'll look into this also. I have no experience with external clocks. Would the SQ upgrade be subtle or could it be quite significant?

My NOS11 has an HDMI I2S input, this is what I use (fed by the DI-20).

 

[FredA]

Ok thx. I'll look into this also. I have no experience with external clocks. Would the SQ upgrade be subtle or could it be quite significant?

My NOS11 has an HDMI I2S input, this is what I use (fed by the DI-20).

Yes according to my friend who has a master-7. But the di20 itself compared to using the internal usb is a bigger improvement. Two main improvements from the clock: imaging and bass going deeper. Try borrowing one if you can.

 

[Ninja Theory]

Which brings me to sharing a rather effective improvement i made to my setup. By using well shielded cords on all components of my digital chain (featuring metal plugs), i improved the imaging depth and the level of details. AC cords are prone to catching RFI and EMI(from other cords next by). I think it is now as analog as my fm tuner.

My current power setup is fairly basic but is still an improvement over dirty power straight to my audio gear. I have an inline inverter for my audio setup. It runs into a PowerTek EVO3 Polaris power conditioner. Then I have IsoTek EVO3 Initium cables running from the power conditioner to my audio gear. I might look at upgrading this once I settle on this bit I'm thinking over now (the bit you guys have been helping me with in the last few posts).

 

[Ninja Theory]

Yes according to my friend who has a master-7. But the di20 itself compared to using the internal usb is a bigger improvement. Two main improvements from the clock: imaging and bass going deeper. Try borrowing one if you can.

Could you point me in the direction where to research/buy external clocks? (key considerations, brands, models etc.) - anything will help. I have no experience with external clocks.

Edit: Actually not important for now I see external clocks are expensive, well by my budget anyway.

 

[FredA]

Could you point me in the direction where to research/buy external clocks? (key considerations, brands, models etc.) - anything will help. I have no experience with external clocks.

Edit: Actually not important for now I see external clocks are expensive, well by my budget anyway.

A Morion MV89 on ebay is a good choice. Will cost about 400usd or less including a nice lps.

This queen*s_land seller is recommended.

All in all, the r8 mkii will probaby sound better still.

 

[Ninja Theory]

A Morion MV89 on ebay is a good choice. Will cost about 400usd or less including a nice lps.

This queen*s_land seller is recommended.

All in all, the r8 mkii will probaby sound better still.

Thx will take a look. Thoughts on the Gustard C16? It has a discrete linear power supply. Pricing is not bad at around $650.

 

[PLGA]

Thx will take a look. Thoughts on the Gustard C16? It has a discrete linear power supply. Pricing is not bad at around $650.

I bought a Morion clock with better specs than the C16 and a Teradak LPS for about half the price.

 

[FredA]

I bought a Morion clock with better specs than the C16 and a Teradak LPS for about half the price.

Yeah, the Morion is a better value than the c16.