[kcee]

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Also does anyone know if there is an upgrade path for the original Concero owners?

 
I would email Mark and see if anythings possible.
 
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Great write up kcee.
 
Just had one question for you. Was your original Concero running the old 2.0 version or the new 2.2 when doing your comparison? Also did you notice an improvement in sound for the Original Concero after the updating to the 2.2 over the 2.0 or was it mainly and improvement for the HD?
 
Thanks.

 
In this most recent comparison both the HD and Original had the 2.2 when I compared them. The older comparison i did I believe they where both 2.0 but I am not 100% sure right now. I am pretty positive the 2.2 firmware improved both, certainly for the HD. I remember having an older version then going to 2.0 and now to 2.2 and things have been continually improving with every update to my ears.

 

[M-13]

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I would email Mark and see if anythings possible.
 
 
In this most recent comparison both the HD and Original had the 2.2 when I compared them. The older comparison i did I believe they where both 2.0 but I am not 100% sure right now. I am pretty positive the 2.2 firmware improved both, certainly for the HD. I remember having an older version then going to 2.0 and now to 2.2 and things have been continually improving with every update to my ears.

Cool, will update to 2.2 as soon as I get home. I love my Concero so much that I don't want to do anything to mess with it. Version 2.0 has been like a dream for me. If 2.2 can match it or even give subtle improvements I will be very happy.

 

[Zashoomin]

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Cool, will update to 2.2 as soon as I get home. I love my Concero so much that I don't want to do anything to mess with it. Version 2.0 has been like a dream for me. If 2.2 can match it or even give subtle improvements I will be very happy.

Just updated...Definately sounds better on the original concero as well.  

 

[project86]

Quote:

Also does anyone know if there is an upgrade path for the original Concero owners?

 
Here's what I know so far - initially Mark and company really wanted this to be a possibility. But the final design for Concero HD ended up no longer fitting the original Concero enclosure. Since the whole thing is a different design internally, and doesn't fit in the old enclosure, there's really not much else they can do as far as upgrades - no parts are reusable at this point. 
 
With a larger design, you'd maybe have a swappable output stage or USB card (Schiit style) or even a processing board where the DAC chip itself could be changed down the road. With the Concero family, everything is pretty much one one integrated board, so there's not much possible. The enclosure is probably a big chunk of the price but if that's not reusable then the upgrade path hits a dead end. It's too bad - Mark really tried to make this happen but wouldn't sacrifice the new designs and their requirements. 

 

[M-13]

Thanks for the explanation Project86. I understand. I guess the upgrade path can just be selling my original Concero and buying the HD.

 
On a side note version 2.2 is crazy awesome. I actually hear improvements across the board, but especially in the bass. It's thumping harder and tighter than ever before. It's insane that software upgrades can have this much impact.
 
I love how Mark and company keep improving the software. It gives me so much confidence in them.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

M-13 How did you know what version you were on?

 

[M-13]

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M-13 How did you know what version you were on?

Oh I keep track of my updates. I have a "Concero" folder on the desktop and I keep track of all software updates. I had 2.0 before, and now I just updated to 2.2.
 
I did see your question but didn't answer it because I have no idea how to do a quick check for which version. I would say just update to the latest version and start keeping track from there.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

Problem is I don't even know when the 2.2 was released!

 

[M-13]

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Problem is I don't even know when the 2.2 was released!

Must have been pretty recent as I updated to version 2.0 in late June? maybe early July?

 

[Clemmaster]

my lesson in being an "audiophile" is go straight for the top, my first DAC was a Audioengine D1, man that thing is junk, and built up from there wasting $$ when i desired "better" sound.

Just get a Concero HP, your set knowing your at the top.

Hum... No you're not, sadly...

 

[Mr.Sneis]

I must have gotten mine in June or July so no way of knowing what version I had.  I updated my Concero to 2.20 and it went fairly smoothly!  Just had to make sure the USB driver was installed and rebooted the computer beforehand.  Back in OSX and working just the same.

 

[Townyj]

You may have missed it because this thread is moving fast, but this was discussed a page or two ago: the selectable filtering/upsampling can only be applied to 44.1kHz and 48kHz material. Higher resolution tracks don't need it as they already have a higher native sample rate. If your media player let's you apply filtering to a track with a sample rate above 48kHz, then it's doing some type of added processing to downconvert the signal. You don't want that. Make sure there are no filters or anything else engaged. You want a native, bitperfect output. Once you achieve that, all media players should perform the same way.

Thanks dude looks like I wont be using media monkey again. It applies the filtering to everything including my 96/24bit files. Cant seem to turn it off.

 

[belisk]

So good synergy with the HD800?  The HD was described as a little more neutral/cold than the original Concero.  Anyone have the experience that this holds true with the HP?  

I was skeptical too, I asked the same question 2-3 pages back, but a few members here assured me they were good pairings, so yea i can confirm they are a excellent combo, not bright/sibilant at all, perfect if you ask me, i've had time to test the ConceroHP/HD800 alot lately with many different types of music, i've still yet to hear any sibilance even with average recordings, on another note, RL told me they use the HD800 as a benchmark when creating the Invicta/Concero, including the HP's out.

@Townyj
Use JRiver Media Center, its what most head-fiers use around here i think.

 

[FraGGleR]

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I was skeptical too, I asked the same question 2-3 pages back, but a few members here assured me they were good pairings, so yea i can confirm they are a excellent combo, not bright/sibilant at all, perfect if you ask me, i've had time to test the ConceroHP/HD800 alot lately with many different types of music, i've still yet to hear any sibilance even with average recordings, on another note, RL told me they use the HD800 as a benchmark when creating the Invicta/Concero, including the HP's out.

@Townyj
Use JRiver Media Center, its what most head-fiers use around here i think.

Thanks!  I might be moving out of the country for a bit, so I am going to reduce my audiophile setup to a single transportable device.  It is down to the Concero HP and the CEntrance HifiM8.  It is probably going to come down to absolute sound quality (HP) vs more versatility (M8).  

 

[BoxerOrBag]

ordered an HD on Tues morning, received Fri morning. Great service, great product.