Audiophile's Guide to the Galaxy
The Catalog of All Known High-End CD / SACD players, DACs and Transports

Collected & Compiled by
Audio Federation
The Best and Nothing but the Best
For the Music Lover in All of Us

Our ever-evolving list, in order, of recommended
Digital to Analog Converters (DACs), and Transports		 CD PLAYERS
     
 
Burmester Audio
969 Reference CD Transport $28,000.00
Tubed No
Inputs One input for clock synchronization with external Burmester DAC
Digital outputs 2 x Toslink, AT&T, AES/EBU, 2 x RCA 75 ohms, RCA direct and RCA transformer
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Belt
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or front loading Top
Weight 58 lbs.
Other Three floating-chamber housing construction with special damping system for complete insulation from mechanical disturbances. Separate base for additional acoustic insulation.
970 SRC Reference Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) $31,000.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs AT&T (ST), Toslink, AES/EBU, 2 x RCA
Digital outputs RCA, Toslink
HCDC® support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 96kHz/24bit
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion 96kHz/24bit
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability Yes
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes
Pre-amplifier analog inputs No
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs Two (fixed and variable output)
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs Two (fixed and variable output)
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes
External power supply Yes (18 lbs.)
Weight 89 lbs.
Other Choice of five digital and two analog filter settings
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 1 Systems heard with digital components: 2 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
MBL
1621 Reference CD Transport $17,050.00
Tubed No
Inputs N/A
Digital outputs 1 x Toslink, AES/EBU (XLR), 2 x S/P-DIF (BNC & RCA 75 ohms)
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven direct drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or front loading Top
Weight 66.15 lbs.
Other  
1611D 24 bits @ 96/192kHz Reference DAC $18,607.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs AT&T (ST), Toslink, AES/EBU, 2 x RCA
Digital outputs 2 x AES/EBU, 2 x SP/DIF to Cinch, 2 x S/P-DIF to BNC, 2 x optical fibres to ST and 2 synthetic conductors to Toslink.
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 96/192kHz/24bit
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion 96/192kHz/24bit
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes
Pre-amplifier analog inputs 1 x RCA and 1 x XLR
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs One
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs One
Output impedance 100 ohms RCA, 200 ohms XLR
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Weight 64 lbs.
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 3 Systems heard with digital components: 3 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Audio Note UK
CDT Two (CDT-2) Transport $3,300.00
Tubed No
Inputs No
Digital outputs RCA
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Direct drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or Front loading Top
Weight ~10 lbs
Other  
DAC 4.1X Balanced Signature $18,000.00
Tubed Yes
Digital inputs RCA & BNC, plus XLR AES/EBU
Digital outputs 1 x LEMO
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24/96 (DAC 5 special)
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion 1xoversampling™
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability Yes
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) No
Pre-amplifier analog inputs None
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 2
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 1
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No
Weight N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 200 Systems heard with digital components: 2 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
dCS
Verdi SACD/CD Transport $10,995.00
Tubed No
Inputs IEEE 1394, SDIF 2/Wordclack BNC
Digital outputs IEEE 1394, 3 x AES/EBU, S/P-DIF RCA or  BNC, S/P-DIF Toslink (optional ST), 3 x SDIF 2/Wordclack BNC
Redbook support Yes
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Direct drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or Front loading Front
Weight 37.4 lbs
Other  
Purcell 24/192 - DSD Digital Upsampler $7,995.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs RCA Coaxial, BNC Coaxial, AES/EBU, ST Optical - Optional
Digital outputs RCA Coaxial, BNC Coaxial, 2 x AES/EBU
HCDC® support Yes
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24 / 192
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion Optional conversion of PCM to DSD
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability No
Remote control No
External power supply No
Weight 18.7 lbs.
Other Input Sample Rates: 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kS/s
Output Sample Rates: 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kS/s
5 Output Wordlength Settings
3 User selectable noise shaping settings
3 User selectable dither settings
4 User Selectable Interpolation Filters
Elgar Plus 24/192 - DSD D/A Converter $14,995.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs RCA Coaxial, BNC Coaxial, AES/EBU x 2, Toslink Optical, ST Optical
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support Yes
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24 / 192
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion No
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability Yes
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Digital volume control (and optional digital balance control)
Pre-amplifier analog inputs No
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 1
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 1
Output impedance 52 ohms (RCA), < 3 ohms (XLR)
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes, corded
External power supply No
Weight 26.4 lbs.
Other 6 User-Selectable Digital Filters
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 3 Systems heard with digital components: 5 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Kondo Audio Note
M100 DAC $40,000.00
Tubed Yes
Digital inputs N/A
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support No
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion N/A
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) No
Pre-amplifier analog inputs None
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs N/A
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs N/A
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No
Weight N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 0 Systems heard with digital components: 0 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
C.E.C.
TL0 Mk 2 CD Transport $17,000.00
Tubed No
Inputs N/A
Digital outputs AES/EBU 110 Ohm, RCA (Cinch) 75 Ohm, ST-Link optical
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Belt drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply Yes
Top or Front loading Top
Weight 36 lbs. (power supply 9 lbs.)
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 0 Systems heard with digital components: 0 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
EMMLabs
Meitner DCC 2 Transport $5,000.00
? Tubed No
Inputs N/A
Digital outputs N/A
Redbook support Yes
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Direct drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or Front loading N/A
Weight N/A
Other Not yet released
Meitner DCC 2 DAC $10,000.00
? Tubed No
Digital inputs N/A
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support N/A
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion Conversion of PCM to DSD
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes
Pre-amplifier analog inputs 2
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs N/A
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs N/A
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Weight N/A
Other Not yet released
Meitner DAC 6 $9,000.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs SDIF-3 / RAW DSD for DSD
ST Optical for DSD
AES/EBU on 4 XLR connectors (stereo pairs) for PCM 24/16 bit: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96kHz
SDIF-2 (BNC connectors) for PCM
DSD on BNC connectors and/or optical ST connectors
Digital outputs SDIF-3 / RAW DSD for DSD , ST Optical for DSD
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support Yes
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24/96
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion Conversion of PCM to DSD
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability No
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) No (designed to be paired with Switchman MK.II, Switching Control Centre)
Pre-amplifier analog inputs No
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs N/A
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 6
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes, corded
External power supply No
Weight N/A
Other Pictured: Pro audio DAC 8
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 1/2 Systems heard with digital components: 1 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Weiss Medea
Weiss Medea (DAC) ~$11,000.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs Three AES/EBU XLR, Four 75 ohm S/PDIF RCA coaxial, TOSLINK optical
Digital outputs No
HCDC® support No
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24 bits / 192 kHz
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion Sampling Frequencies: 44.1, 48.0, 88.2 or 96.0 kHz, 176.4 and 192kHz on two inputs
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes (discrete class A)
Pre-amplifier analog inputs 0
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 2
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 2
Output impedance 0.2 ohm (very low)
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No.
Weight N/A
Other Dual-layer chassis (aluminum over steel)
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 1.5 Systems heard with digital components: 2 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Zanden Audio
Model 5100 (DAC) ~$11,000.00
Tubed Yes
Digital inputs AES/EBU XLR, 75 ohm RCA coaxial, TOS optical
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support No
DVD-A support Yes
High-resolution support 24 bits / 96 kHz
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion No (upsampling for redbook only)
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes (passive)
Pre-amplifier analog inputs 1
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 1
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 1
Output impedance 3K ohm
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No.
Weight 16 lbs
Other  
Model 5000 Mk II (DAC) $9,800.00
Tubed Yes
Digital inputs AES/EBU XLR, 2 x 75 ohm RCA coaxial
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support No
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion No
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) No
Pre-amplifier analog inputs None
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 1
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 1
Output impedance 3K ohms
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No.
Weight 22 lbs.
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 0 Systems heard with digital components: 0 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Goldmund
Eidos 38 CD / DVD Turntable $14,900.00
Tubed No
Inputs N/A
Digital outputs 1 x S/P-DIF RCA 75 ohms
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support Yes, DVD Video
Direct drive or belt-driven Direct drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or Front loading Front
Weight 45 lbs.
Other  
Mimesis 20M Millennium Edition D/A Converter $34,000.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs 7: S/PDIF coaxial (RCA 75 Ohms) and AES/EBU XLR balanced, with fully separate driving circuits. Options available to replace up to 5 of the input modules by a special one providing different standard like ATT Optical, Toslink Optical, etc…)
Digital outputs 2 x S/PDIF RCA coaxial and AES/EBU XLR balanced, with separate driving circuits.
HCDC® support N/A
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support No
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion No
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability N/A
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes
Pre-amplifier analog inputs 1 x RCA and 1 x XLR
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 3
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 2
Output impedance 50 ohms
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Weight 45 lbs.
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  The Goldmund Eidos Reference Transport is no longer available.

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 0 Systems heard with digital components: 0 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Ensemble
Dichrono DAC $7,000.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs 2 x RCA, 2 x BNC, 1 x  XLR AES/EBU
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24/96
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion 8 times oversampling
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability Yes
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) Yes
Pre-amplifier analog inputs 2 x RCA
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 1 Fixed, 1 Variable
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 1 Variable
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Weight 19.8 lbs.
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 1/2 Systems heard with digital components: 1 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Levinson
31.5 Reference Digital Transport $9,495.00
Tubed No
Inputs N/A
Digital outputs AES/EBU XLR, SPDIF RCA, ST Optical, EIAJ Optical
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Direct drive
Remote control N/A
External power supply No
Top or Front loading Top
Weight 63 lbs.
Other  
30.6 Reference Digital Processor (DAC) $16,950.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs 3 x XLR-type female connectors, 2 x RCA-type female connectors, 1 x ST-type connector, 2 x EIAJ-type connectors, 2 x five-pin female DC connectors, 1 x two-pin female DC connector, 2 x RJ-45 communications ports, 1 x RJ-45 PHASTLinkTM port
Digital outputs 2 x XLR-type male connectors (digital), 1 x EIAJ-type connector (digital) , 2 x RJ-45 communications ports, 1 x RJ-45 PHASTLinkTM port
HCDC® support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24 bit
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion 16x oversampling
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability No
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) No
Pre-amplifier analog inputs None
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 1
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 2
Output impedance N/A
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No, uses 3 separate power supplies, one for each channel and one for the main chassis.
Weight 89 lbs.
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 1/2 Systems heard with digital components: 1 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Accustic Arts
Accustic Arts Drive 1 Transport $3,800.00
Tubed No
Inputs N/A
Digital outputs XLR, RCA  75 Ohm, TOSLink optical
Redbook support Yes
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
Direct drive or belt-driven Direct drive
Remote control Yes
External power supply No
Top or Front loading Top
Weight ~36 lbs.
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 200 Systems heard with digital components: 5 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Chord
Chord DAC64 $3,040.00
Tubed No
Digital inputs AES/EBU; TosLink optical and BNC electrical, S/PDIF
Digital outputs N/A
HCDC® support No
SACD support No
DVD-A support No
High-resolution support 24/192
Upsampling / oversampling / upconversion No
Signal (180 degree phase) inversion capability No
Integral pre-amplifier (i.e. variable output) No
Pre-amplifier analog inputs No
Single-ended (RCA) analog outputs 1
Balanced (XLR) analog outputs 1
Output impedance 75 ohms
Rise time N/A
Slew rate N/A
Remote control No
External power supply No
Weight 15.4 lbs.
Other RAM input buffer (2 MB and 4MB selectable)
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:  TBD

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with digital components: 100 Systems heard with digital components: 3 TBD
Recommended Cabling: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
  Honorable mention: North Star DAC 192  

 

*Glossary/Legend
Company Sound* Most company's amplifiers have a sound that is similar to each other. This is what we are referring to as the 'Company Sound'.
Speed This refers to the component's ability to respond immediately to a signal from the source. The faster the better - the notes are all produced when they are supposed to be, regardless of their frequency in addition to the beginning of the formation of each note proceeds similarly, as dictated by the input signal from the component .
Detail This refers to both the ability to produce all the notes, even the very quiet ones, as dictated by the input signal, as well how accurate the change in timbre of each note, while the note is playing, is rendered - i.e. the details inside each note.
Smoothness This refers to the ability of the component to transition from note to note. This combined with speed is often call PRaT (pacing, rhythm, and timing)
Clarity This refers to both the lack of background noise, as well as the ability of the component to stop and start each note on time - i.e. to not smear them together (often done in the pursuit of smoothness)
Agility This refers to the ability to play large number of notes simultaneously, for example orchestral scores, while keeping each note as distinct and accurate as it would be if it was all by itself.
Solidity This refers to the imaging and soundstaging abilities of the component - how well it makes instruments sound solid enough to touch and 'see'.
Air This refers to the quality of the treble rendered by the component.
Slam This refers to the quality of the bass rendered by the component.
Naturalness This refers to how 'real' the music sounds. This, combined with 'enjoyability' are often referred to as 'musicality'.
Enjoyability This refers to the very subjective interpretation by a listener of how enjoyable the component is. We try to score this one not only based on our ears, but how enthusiastic the owners of the component are about its positive qualities.
Microdynamics This refers to the ability of the component to accurately render the dynamic envelope of a single note correctly - note that this includes dynamic (loudness) changes that occur inside the note while it is being played.
Macrodynamics This refers to the ability of the component to accurately render the large scale dynamics of many notes playing at once.
Glareless This refers to the ability of the component to avoid sounding harsh, brittle, tizzy, bright and all the other negative aspects associated with most solidstate components and some speaker designs over the last 40 years.
Power This refers to the ease and authority the component has when rendering notes and music.
Drive This refers to how well the component can drive a nominally hard to drive downstream component  (i.e. compatibility).
Ergonomics This refers to the ease of use and attractiveness of the component - is it nice on the eyes, is it easy to position and fit in a rack, does it run cool enough to use in the summer in a non-air-conditioned house.

Copyright (c) Audio Federation
May 1, 2003