rkw
Headphoneus Supremus
Also Soekris dac1541.what piqued my interest in the cyan is that it is the only all-in-one dac/headphone amp that i am aware of employing ladder dac technology
https://www.google.com/search?q=soekris+dac1541
Also Soekris dac1541.what piqued my interest in the cyan is that it is the only all-in-one dac/headphone amp that i am aware of employing ladder dac technology
i find it hard to comprehend why any audio engineer who is designing and manufacturing audio equipment for the consumer market, would think it is a good idea to produce an integrated dac/headphone amp that only a computer nerd would feel comfortable using.
Also Soekris dac1541.
https://www.google.com/search?q=soekris+dac1541
Indeed, it was very strange reply. The product is a plug-and-play, all-in-one DAC+amp designed for convenience and value. If you don't intend to use it in that way, then you shouldn't be considering combo units.well you're certainly making it sound more complicated than i would expect it to be for my purposes.
The dac1541 doesn't come with NOS as one of its pre-loaded filters, but it is possible to install one. I would imagine that it's possible with the dac1101 as well. As for the other features, what other all-in-one DAC+amp combo units would you suggest?I have the single-ended dac1101. Great ladder DAC but lacks the Holo's NOS mode, no i2s input, and only does DSD256.
yes, more appropriate for the pc audio forum than here i would have thought, and as others have already pointed outIndeed, it was very strange reply. The product is a plug-and-play, all-in-one DAC+amp designed for convenience and value. If you don't intend to use it in that way, then you shouldn't be considering combo units.
yes, it would be the pcm cyanYou don't have to upsample (i.e. transcode) to DSD. Some do/did it for better perceived sound quality (don't have the Cyan but I used to do DSD512 with the iDSD Micro). Assuming you get a PCM Cyan, standard audio over USB, digital, or optical should work like most other DACs.
The dac1541 doesn't come with NOS as one of its pre-loaded filters, but it is possible to install one. I would imagine that it's possible with the dac1101 as well. As for the other features, what other all-in-one DAC+amp combo units would you suggest?
The PCM Cyan is not exotic at all — digital source in, headphone out. This thread has turned into a strange discussion of how to squeeze the most high-end performance out of it. It is a mid-level product designed for convenience and budget. If you are looking for a plug-and-play ladder DAC+amp, PCM Cyan is a valid candidate.hmm. i think a less exotic dac/amp option might be best for me.
Sorry for the late impression guys but I took a break from head fi for a bit.
I've had the Cyan PCM for about 2 months now and owned/ sold the 1541. I also have the RME ADI-2 DAC but I'll need more time to evaluate it. I will say the RME is probably my fav!
1541- Dry, sterile, analytic, narrow stage but had very good resolution. Regarding background noise with tube amps, the Holo Cyan beats it. I could still hear some noise/hiss depending on the volume pot. Built in amp is is average and a limiting factor of the dac, so a discreet amp is highly recommended.
vs
Holo Cyan PCM - Very musical, 3d holographic *what makes it special*, laid back *slightly warm* and dynamic. Good resolution but I have to give it to the 1541. It pairs well with tube amps *blackest background dac I've owned", so if you have some noise issues (hum or hiss) with tube amps then this DAC will eliminate it. The usb input is USB 3.0, unlike the other dacs. Built in amp is very good, better than 1541, but I kinda of prefer using a discreet amp either way because I want a bit more leeway on the volume pot.
I've had the Cyan for a week or so before getting the 1541 and within the first few mins I already knew it wasn't for me so it didnt stay for too long. I missed or got used to the 3d holographic of the Cyan and how it pairs very well with narrow headphones (Clear, Utopia, LCD2c).
Amazing dac and I'm tempted to try out the Spring Lvl 2 in the future just to compare.
The 3 DAC/amps I’ve been interested in. Especially the RME ADI-2 and Cyan. How do both compare?
And do you have HD800S & 650 for pairing as well?