[dukja]

Interesting to read many different observations on this thread since I am looking for possible DAC upgrade. For me, the difference between Stello DA100 and stock DL III is very apparent (with unbalanced connection). Such distinct discrepancy may be interpreted differently (as good or bad) depending on other gears, music, ears, and personal preference. However, such change is clearly there to my case.

@Tosehee
I would be very interested to hear your observation on Ref 1 vs. modded DL III. Thanks!!

 

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukja /img/forum/go_quote.gif Interesting to read many different observations on this thread since I am looking for possible DAC upgrade. For me, the difference between Stello DA100 and stock DL III is very apparent (with unbalanced connection). Such distinct discrepancy may be interpreted differently (as good or bad) depending on other gears, music, ears, and personal preference. However, such change is clearly there to my case. @Tosehee I would be very interested to hear your observation on Ref 1 vs. modded DL III. Thanks!!

There is audible difference between Ref1 and PS 3. Whether it's the worth the premium is another story.

I am not good with words here, so I will not try to mimic other great reviewers and/or copy their things.

The Ref1 is definitely better in resolving power. It sounds more analog like to me (whatever that means. ). However, I just don't think the upgrade is nearly $1k+ more.

I purchased Ref1 at $1550 + shipping. It came out at $1700. I paid $500 for PS 3. At $1200 more, do I hear $1200 better sound? To me, it's not, but to some, it might be.

I've done some ABX testing on unscientific manner (no where close to oatmeal) with other Ref1 (googlephone's), and I didn't hear much difference. I added Transporter as a transport, used his PS Power Conditioner, and I still didn't hear much different.

So, my hearing may not be as great as others. To me, the amps made more dramatic differences than all different types of source and transport used.

That's just my opinion and my mileage. Yours and others might vary.

 

[dukja]

Tosehee:

Thanks a lot for your input, which is valuable to me!

It is true that the final decision falls upon how much money (and desktop space

) that you are willing to pay for the change of the sound. I will have no complains at all to take a $500 instead of a $1000 gear if it works for me. That is the answer that I am trying to get. I am very happy with stock DL III (I thought you had modded one, sorry) but just wonder if Ref 1 or modded DL III or Buffalo32 or any more expensive balanced DAC will provide additional enjoyment at the cost that I'll willing to pay.

From what I read, it seemed that the ceiling of diminished return on DAC is lower than that of other gears.

 

[tosehee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukja /img/forum/go_quote.gif From what I read, it seemed that the ceiling of diminished return on DAC is lower than that of other gears.

That's the conclusion I draw, but everyone's different. If you have a chance to audition, that's the best way to come up with your own decision.

I've done it through rather expensive route (buying at new and selling at used price), but in the end, I know what I am capable of hearing when it comes to DACs, Transporter, various other digital cables and etc.

I strongly advise that you caution when reading any 'fancy' reviews/impressions that seems to make the different any more audible than what they really are. Sure, there are differences, but it's not night and day difference like some people seem to make up as. I fell for a 'glorious' and 'luxury' and 'exotic' words that seem to me like made in heaven or something.

In any rate, hope you make a good decision.

Regards

 

[IPodPJ]

tosehee,

Can I ask why you sold your Ref1 and now have a DL3?

I had a modded DL3 and sold it for the Ref1, and definitely made the right decision. I'm just curious if you like the DL3 more, of it was to gain funding for something else.

Edit: Nevermind, I just read your above post.

 

[Koei]

Does the DL3 have a voltage switch somewhere on the device (or maybe inside it). I might want to import one from the states (they go for about $700 tops, while here in Europe they go for 1200,- euros or even more...).

 

[Varma]

No, its set to 120v. If you need to change the voltage Rich Cullen at Cullen Circuits will do it or if you buy from them you can opt for 230v one.


Quote:

Originally Posted by Koei /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does the DL3 have a voltage switch somewhere on the device (or maybe inside it). I might want to import one from the states (they go for about $700 tops, while here in Europe they go for 1200,- euros or even more...).

 

[tosehee]

I wish it has a power switch..

 

[peanuthead]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tosehee /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wish it has a power switch..

I believe all newer builds have a power switch. I never turn mine off, however. It goes to "standby" whenever the CDP is turned off.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

Yeah, mine has a power switch, but it will automatically shut off if my sources are off. So, if I disconnect USB or shut off my Macbook, or shut off my CD player with coax then it will turn off.

But if I have my Airport Express optical connected, then the PS Audio stays on until I manually shut it off or unplug the optical cable; because the Airport Express stays on all the time and the constant optical signal tells the PSA to stay on.

 

[Varma]

I think Koei was asking about the voltage switch not the power switch. Whether he can change the voltage from 120v to 230v using a switch.

 

[Zai]

^
Yeah, i'm also interested on this.

 

[Koei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zai /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^ Yeah, i'm also interested on this.

Was already answered on the last page

 

[ironmine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukja /img/forum/go_quote.gif For me, the difference between Stello DA100 and stock DL III is very apparent (with unbalanced connection).

Dukja,

Do you mean to say that Stello DA100 sounds better than DL III - or vice versa?

 

[dukja]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironmine /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do you mean to say that Stello DA100 sounds better than DL III - or vice versa?

As I tried to say in my post, the difference may be interpreted as pro or con depending on other gears, music, and preference. That was the reason why I try not to label one is better than the other for other people.

For me, I like sharper focus and wider soundstage and hence may prefer DL III with my music genre and headphone. But other may find that DA100 sound smoother, less bright, having more body, etc. (When I just got DLIII, I actually preferred DA100 initially since my ears were used to its sound for a while)

I also often compare DA100+HP100 and DA100+GCHA at home. To me, both DA100 and HP100 share some similar characteristic when they are compared with DL III and GCHA.