Source for Singlepower SDS-XLR

[blubliss]

Hi,

I'm planning on stepping up to an Singlepower SDS-XLR w/some upgrades. I would really like to use my computer as my source, but am concerned that my options might be too limited. Does anyone have experience with the Emprirical Audio modded sources (DAC1 and/or Northstar). I know this thread may belong on another sub-forum, but i am not closed to considering other sources. I just would really rather use my computer.

I had a nice convo with Mikhail (Singlepower) yesterday and he assured me that the SDS-XLR would not be too much for my choice of source (Benchmark DAC with upgrades from EA). Steve Nugent thought the spoiler dac would be even better, but I hesitate on this a bit after reading the 6moons review. I also worry a bit about the Benchmark brightness. It's just that the benchmark is balanced, the only one out there that EA is modding for computer transport. Any experience here?

Just want to get some opinions before I make the big leap.

Oh, just bought an L3000 and looking for an R10, will probably use a balanced HD650 as well. I will probably balance the L3000 as well.

I am after the most engaging setup, not the most analytical.

Thanks a lot for any help.

 

[foo_me]

Given that your open to computer/non computer based sources, I'd go with a nice CD player with digital input.
Can listen to CDs when you want to and when sound quality is most important, but also listen to music files for convenience via a nice USB to SPDIF converter such as EA's offramp turbo (which is what i do)

I use an Audio Aero Capitole with digital input. Many others will have it as well...most higher end models.

 

[granodemostasa]

Hello... nothing against empirical.. but I heard both dacs at the meet and i was well satisfied with both... yet both didn't blow me away and make me think "wow, this is on par with wadia/esoteric/emm labs."

At this level, I would get a slimdevices transporter or one of empirical's USB>coaxial converters... and put it on a world class dac.. (I'm thinking EMM labs or Wadia). Your other option is to get an accuphase dp-67, which has digital inputs, or the Eximus CD10, which has a USB digital input.

 

[bozebuttons]

I am using a Slimserver SB3 feeding my emmlabs Dac6e using a external hardrive with my computer with over 9500 songs on it.
You can use a SB3 with the dac of your choice,but get a good one that will be up to the SDS-Xlr standards.

 

[pfloding]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blubliss /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, I'm planning on stepping up to an Singlepower SDS-XLR w/some upgrades. I would really like to use my computer as my source, but am concerned that my options might be too limited. Does anyone have experience with the Emprirical Audio modded sources (DAC1 and/or Northstar). I know this thread may belong on another sub-forum, but i am not closed to considering other sources. I just would really rather use my computer. I had a nice convo with Mikhail (Singlepower) yesterday and he assured me that the SDS-XLR would not be too much for my choice of source (Benchmark DAC with upgrades from EA). Steve Nugent thought the spoiler dac would be even better, but I hesitate on this a bit after reading the 6moons review. I also worry a bit about the Benchmark brightness. It's just that the benchmark is balanced, the only one out there that EA is modding for computer transport. Any experience here? Just want to get some opinions before I make the big leap. Oh, just bought an L3000 and looking for an R10, will probably use a balanced HD650 as well. I will probably balance the L3000 as well. I am after the most engaging setup, not the most analytical. Thanks a lot for any help.

I recently got a modded E-MU 0404 PCI (cheap on ebay), and it sounds fantastic. I have owned a Krell CD player, a Marantz SA-1, and a TacT 2.2x with an SB3 as source, but I prefer the E-MU.

I believe staying away from SPDIF is the way to go. SPDIF is just too flawed, and an endless source for tweaking and never getting full satisfaction.

I also got a non-modified 0404 (PCI), and it too sounds great. I'm still deciding on which sounds best -but A/B is hard since the drivers (or the PatchMix software) seems to not like more than one 0404. (Yes, software is a bummer in general with PC-solutions.)

BTW, testing out this kind of solution is dirt-cheap compared to other high-end stuff out there. So if you are not happy you can just off-load the stuff on ebay at minimal loss!

 

[tyrion]

You should take a look at the Wavelength Auio usb DACs. I haven't heard them but have been interested in the for a while. I believe jp11801 will have the Cosecant to compare to his Transporter. I've been using a Transporter for a couple of months now and I'm pretty happy.

 

[mrarroyo]

How about the Cambridge Audio 840C? It has the ability to accept optical in and process it with its internal DAC's (two wolfson dacs). Then it sends the signal out balance or unbalanced. I believe the cheaper 740C does the same except for balanced output.

 

[ldj325]

After posting, I checked your signature and see that you already have a high end computer source on order. Good luck with that and the SDS XLR.

 

[Konig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by granodemostasa /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello... nothing against empirical.. but I heard both dacs at the meet and i was well satisfied with both... yet both didn't blow me away and make me think "wow, this is on par with wadia/esoteric/emm labs." At this level, I would get a slimdevices transporter or one of empirical's USB>coaxial converters... and put it on a world class dac.. (I'm thinking EMM labs or Wadia). Your other option is to get an accuphase dp-67, which has digital inputs, or the Eximus CD10, which has a USB digital input.

what abt VRS audio systems? I have only been hearing good comments so far.

 

[PFKMan23]

Didn't anyone notice that this thread was from June? The OP has the VRS Revelation II listed as coming in his rig so I assume that's what he decided on.