Combat between CAS, LP and CD

momei

Yes, you are a veteran audiophile and concert goer and you know how to get a good sound out of audio systems.

momei

I see in these pages that a couple of audio companies are currently doing promotion in order to clear their stocks.
For anyone interested in changing their gear, I would suggest them listen to a system put together by Siuping who writes occasionally in this web. It is a system that is affordable to most and the sound, based on my listening, is better than or at least as good as most. I would say some systems costing twice may not sound as good in some parameters. The sound is smooth and articulate, with proper imaging and soundstage—a real surprise to me. It even made me wonder how my own front end should be improved to his standard. I would also suggest those having bought mid fi LP systems in the past year or two should take a listen and find out deficiencies in their own new toys. Buy or borrow LPs that have CDs from the same recording and make a direct comparison with the digital sound in his system.
Siuping does not sell anything; he is just a user. Those wishing to know more should urge him to write a thread here about his system.

ThomasLi@FB

What system does Siuping use？

momei

ThomasLi@FB 發表於 2016-4-18 21:41
What system does Siuping use？

Front end: fanless PC that he modified; LKS DAC that he also modified
Luxman integrated Class A amp; Mordant Short bookshelf speakers on stands
a put away KK subwoofer (two twelve inch cones with one firing down)

momei

KEF showroom in Causeway Bay is having clearance sale of demo stocks.

Also those interested in getting some basic hifi knowledge may read and join the club below

https://www.facebook.com/KEF.HK/ ... l&utm_linkname=了解更多&utm_linktitle=

momei

Courtesy and hospitality of Thomas, I had a chance this afternoon to carry out direct comparisons in his place. My purpose was to find out whether I should replace both computer and DAC or just the latter,  and to listen to another high end LP system.
I brought over my MacBook Pro and cheapie DAC to compare with his 4-piece Vivaldi and AirForce 1, 光悅頭+transformer.
All front end gear, his and mine are plugged into his Audio Research 40 anniversary pre-amp; Pass Lab mono amps driving Magico Project M speakers.
First to play 3 SACD tracks, each to A/B back and forth with my CAS tracks of the same recording. The tracks:
1. Dance of the Tumbler, Reference Recordings
2. Harmonica and Organ, 2L
3. House of the Rising Sun, Opus 3.
I won’t go into too much details. In general, the Vivaldi rendition has the soundstage extended some 2 to 3 feet behind the speakers all the way to the “back wall” which is basically glass window in arc shape. Sound is more delineated and condensed than mine. Ambience within the soundstage is cleaner. Mine has the soundstage forward, starting at the plane of the speakers. As for the first comparison track, the RR Dance…, the Vivaldi does not have the triangle and tambourine as loud and prominent as mine. But Thomas heard the Vivaldi having more trailing harmonics from these instruments. The second Organ track. The harmonica rendered by the Vivaldi is more focussed, whilst my CAS track has a larger hall sound. The third track displayed similar traits of the Vivaldi and mine as mentioned above.
So the next comparison is LP with my CAS; the track being High Life from Jazz at the Pawnshop 1. Thomas and I have different listening preferences.
Then it was education time for me. Thomas has numerous improvement gadgets that I am ignorant about. First his nulling vibration platforms. He switched each one off and on by turn. The one under the cartridge transformer, the one under the pre-amp, the one under the turntable. Each time the sound from the LP was clearer and tighter with it turned on. In addition to the platform, he also showed me the effect with or without suction being applied to the LP onto the turntable platter. Yes, knocking on different parts of the turntable and even the LP itself revealed the on/off effect as heard through the speakers.  
Also the stabiliser, its effect with it on or taken off. Another surprise, the LP demagnetiser. The same LP sounded cleaner after it was demagnetised. This gadget even benefits red wine. Very clearly, the tannin is lessened after demagnetising, and the wine tasted smoother. Two glasses for A/B tasting and eventual demagnetising both to ensure the effect was real.
Several LPs were played; some I spotted recording issues. The best one was a 1993 recording by jazz singer Hosokawa.
A rewarding visit for me indeed, with gratitude to Thomas.

ThomasLi@FB

momei 發表於 2016-4-30 22:49
Courtesy and hospitality of Thomas, I had a chance this afternoon to carry out direct comparisons in ...

Your little DAC actually sounds better than expected. There is still a lot of potential in the small box.

My suggestion is to upgrade the switching power supply to linear one or simply uses a battery pack. The harshness in the sound will certainly be removed.

It will be beneficial to support the DAC or even the laptop computer with some footers. The imaging will improve.

chuck

momei 發表於 2016-4-30 22:49
Courtesy and hospitality of Thomas, I had a chance this afternoon to carry out direct comparisons in ...

Thanks for sharing your experience with us and a good comparison between a basic CAS and a ultra high end DAC. Did the difference in the sound quality cause you to jump? How is the 'wow' factor during the auditioning? Any comments on the cost performance ratio ?

momei

ThomasLi@FB 發表於 2016-5-1 10:29
Your little DAC actually sounds better than expected. There is still a lot of potential in the sma ...

Yes Thomas. Am taking your advice and going to Ap Liu Street later today. Just came back home taking our dog to NT. You have a lovely dog!!

momei

chuck 發表於 2016-5-1 10:52
Thanks for sharing your experience with us and a good comparison between a basic CAS and a ultra h ...

Actually I did not have a wow because I have listened to the Vivaldi a couple of times previously. Thomas is very dedicated!
I forgot to mention two other demos he showed me.
The Audio Research pre-amp. He changed the stock tubes and there was a discernible improvement.
Also the cartridge transformer. The Audio Research has its own phono amp. Thomas showed me the cartridge sound directly into the AR and then through the 光悅 transformer. Quite clear the latter sounds better. I said that was the way to get audiophile money if they wanted to obtain an improved sound. Thomas explained because the transformer was made to pair with the cartridge it should sound better; whilst the AR section was to cater to different cartridges.
As regards cost/benefit, at this high end level this consideration is very secondary. You have the money and the willingness to spend and want to obtain an improvement, that's niche and indeed is the support for high end audio to survive.   

PS. Lest it be misunderstood. No wow does not mean the system of Thomas does not sound good. Just that I am accustomed to live sound and went to a concert the evening before and also a week earlier. So my assessment as always is how close a system's sound in comparison with a live one, from solo voice to orchestral.

momei

Bought a container to house 4 AA 1.5v batteries to put out 6V as required by the DAC. Tried several times interchanging with the DC switching power supply. DAC "on" lamp lights up but no sound. Apparently the ampere from the battery is inadequate. Requirement is 0.5 to 2A.

ThomasLi@FB

momei 發表於 2016-5-1 17:16
Bought a container to house 4 AA 1.5v batteries to put out 6V as required by the DAC. Tried several  ...

If you use ordinary carbon battery, the internal resistance is quite large, try alkaline batteries or rechargeable ones.

momei

Thank you Thomas. Will buy those and try again.

ThomasLi@FB

Or use a 6V rechargeable battery block like this, but you also need to buy a charger for it as well.

chuck

momei 發表於 2016-5-1 13:34
Actually I did not have a wow because I have listened to the Vivaldi a couple of times previously. ...

Quite right indeed, I think it is the changes or improvement in sound that makes the hobby fun no matter how much money we invest into the HiFi system. And that enjoyment is very difficult to quantify and value in money figure. I am sure Thomas has done a nice job in maximizing the performance of his equipment.

momei

ThomasLi@FB 發表於 2016-5-1 18:02
Or use a 6V rechargeable battery block like this, but you also need to buy a charger for it as well.

Many thanks Thomas. Visited several shops today but will go again to look for something specifically like what you suggested.

momei

chuck 發表於 2016-5-1 18:04
Quite right indeed, I think it is the changes or improvement in sound that makes the hobby fun no  ...

You will be able to read from time to time in these pages the successive improvements Thomas introduces to his system.

ma73

momei 發表於 2016-4-30 22:49
Courtesy and hospitality of Thomas, I had a chance this afternoon to carry out direct comparisons in ...

It seems to me your cas not loosing too much to the expensive CD & LP system, just different sound?

momei

ma73 發表於 2016-5-1 21:25
It seems to me your cas not loosing too much to the expensive CD & LP system, just different sound ...

As I mentioned, in terms of delineation, ambience clarity amongst instruments within the soundstage, smoothness and bass tightness, the Vivaldi is better. How much is the value and preference of these aspects depends on each individual. I personally prefer a very upfront soundstage, with instruments and voices projecting exceedingly towards the listener. By that I have the illusion of a more engaging live sound. This is odd and does not conform with the notion of good sound by most audiophile standards. How much inferior is my CAS depends on an individual's own preference, and it could vary from very much to not too much.
As for comparison with LP, it also depends. LP has its own pros and cons. I am too aware of its limitations and always spot them quickly and attentively. So if one places high value on its pros, then the CAS would not be his/her cup of tea.

momei

The Philadelphia Orchestra from US is performing Scheherazade tonight. A rare occasion to have the HK Phil performing the same piece, in the same hall next week!
Good comparison for me, sitting in the same row, three seats apart, of not only the orchestral sound, but also the solo part played by the two concert masters, especially the high notes at the bottom of the violin neck.