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Post by MartinT on Dec 3, 2023 9:44:50 GMT
No, modern digital volume controls work by holding all the data in 32-bit words and then calculating the volume reduction. Until you reach very low volumes, below anything anyone would want to use, there is sufficient resolution to fully preserve the data through the D/A process. Therefore, it's lossless volume adjustment entirely in the digital domain.
The proof is in the listening, fantastic transparency which is much better than passing it through a traditional preamp.
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Post by Slinger on Dec 3, 2023 15:29:28 GMT
I still don't think a DAC should automatically come with a volume control though, unless, perhaps, there is some sort of "defeat" option to completely disable it.
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 3, 2023 15:31:35 GMT
Most DACs that have a volume control have a setting that allows it to act as a pure DAC.
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Post by MartinT on Dec 3, 2023 16:07:19 GMT
They can all defeat but also setting the volume to 100% has the same effect.
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 19, 2023 11:25:39 GMT
Topping D90 III just released.
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 25, 2023 22:55:41 GMT
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Post by MartinT on Dec 25, 2023 23:53:16 GMT
MQA - so you know that a lot of the cost has been wasted in chipset and licensing.
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Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 26, 2023 13:33:28 GMT
Looks quite interesting with lots of new tech....Chip wise and Clock wise, l agree reference MQA, a bit of a waste. The first thing l think is modding 🤣 The problem l guess now for this market, is trying to gain new customers when we are happy with our DACs. |
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Post by julesd68 on Dec 26, 2023 17:53:16 GMT
The problem l guess now for this market, is trying to gain new customers when we are happy with our DACs. Speak for yourself - some of us are in a pernicious state of being DAC-less.  #DAClesssux |
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New DACs
Dec 26, 2023 18:50:55 GMT
via mobile
Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 26, 2023 18:50:55 GMT
The problem l guess now for this market, is trying to gain new customers when we are happy with our DACs. Speak for yourself - some of us are in a pernicious state of being DAC-less. #DAClesssux Your wish we come soon Jules.... My slight frustration with the Chinese DAC is getting to hear them before you purchase. These days we seem to be reliant on YT influencers or Forum members like Tony,who has a listen when they land in his lap. l guess you could purchase a bunch of DACs via Amazon, and retain the one you like, certainly if you look into the ASR types graphs ,that SMSL looks great,and the R26 ASR graphs throw a spanner on the works, as it shouldn't sound as good as it does,if you believe in every ASR measurement it can be confusing. |
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Post by MartinT on Dec 26, 2023 18:58:27 GMT
These days we seem to be reliant on YT influencers or Forum members like Tony,who has a listen when they land in his lap. I did a lot of studying of circuit details and design ethos before I chose the Gustard, also looking at their older models and reading some independent reviews. My previous experience with the LKS also told me what I wanted, and listening to lots of kit helped me to know what I didn't want. YT influencers? You must be joking. |
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Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 26, 2023 20:03:00 GMT
I don't subscribe to all the YT opinions... Sadly Martin statically we are in the minority. Lot's of people feed off YT, even if its fact or not,you only have to see the influence of ASR.
The trouble is ,if a YT says positive things about the X26 or R26 does that make it wrong.... It's a minefield..for sure.
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Post by MartinT on Dec 26, 2023 20:17:16 GMT
Agreed, but I do get fed up with their 'flavour of the month' style of reviewing. I really try to avoid other people's opinions these days as they rarely tally with my own thoughts. You can't beat trial-and-error in your own system, even if it's more expensive.
Careful studying keeps the cost of failures down!
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Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 26, 2023 20:35:36 GMT
Agreed, but I do get fed up with their 'flavour of the month' style of reviewing. I really try to avoid other people's opinions these days as they rarely tally with my own thoughts. You can't beat trial-and-error in your own system, even if it's more expensive. Careful studying keeps the cost of failures down! So true, these days it's like the old days of What Hifi reviews....everything get 5 stars ...If you advertise with them 🤣 |
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Post by assisi on Dec 26, 2023 22:23:00 GMT
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New DACs
Dec 26, 2023 23:20:57 GMT
via mobile
Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 26, 2023 23:20:57 GMT
Thanks for posting a nice review. Shame about the price |
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Post by assisi on Dec 27, 2023 0:57:32 GMT
Thanks for posting a nice review. Shame about the price My experience is that a serious outcome is to significant extent dependent upon quality components. With everything in life with quality, there tends to be a commensurate impact upon price. The correlation is not and absolute but almost. The HELIOS is quality hence the price. The rest of my system is relatively high price. My speakers for example are Coltrane 3s If you ever have the opportunity to experience the HELIOS you will not be disappointed.
John
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Post by John on Dec 27, 2023 8:39:25 GMT
New DAC from Gustard
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New DACs
Dec 27, 2023 9:03:16 GMT
via mobile
Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 27, 2023 9:03:16 GMT
My experience is that a serious outcome is to significant extent dependent upon quality components. With everything in life with quality, there tends to be a commensurate impact upon price. The correlation is not and absolute but almost. The HELIOS is quality hence the price. The rest of my system is relatively high price. My speakers for example are Coltrane 3s If you ever have the opportunity to experience the HELIOS you will not be disappointed.
John
I bet it sounds excellent,but financially way beyond my reach at a UK price of 20k. Still l can dream of that Lottery win 🤣 |
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New DACs
Dec 27, 2023 9:29:04 GMT
via mobile
John likes this
Post by stellabagpuss on Dec 27, 2023 9:29:04 GMT
Excellent John... I probably would have purchased this a few years back, and ironony is, l use my R26 in the same way via LAN. lt's almost designed for a dinosaur like myself who plays his own files,and doesn't stream, but having DNLA is certainly a ace up it's sleeve, as it gives you more options. Thanks again John |
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