For those members who were not able to come to the session, we won't be able to virtually compare the straight through vs inserting a A/D/A loop, at least you'll have snippets of the music to enjoy. The main purpose of posting these clips here is for members to re-visit what they heard in view of the results and comments made. I'm posting the original 24bit/96kHz recording made, as well as a 16bit/44.1kHz cut re-sampled with SoX, dither on, linear phase (all default settings used).
Here goes!
In total, 11 cuts were played, 18 listeners responded by returning a questionnaire but since not all answered all questions, we received 171 responses, or an average of 15.5 responses per cut.
Cut 1: Casino Royale - Side 1 Track 2: The Look of Love (Dusty Springfield)
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/downloads/Cut1_44.wav
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/downloads/Cut1_96.wav
The first track picked is an old “audiophile chestnut” and has been recommended by HP as a reference recording. The 45rpm single-sided Clarity vinyl pressing was used.
Did I hear a difference? 10 responded with a Yes / 0 responded with a No
Actual: A was straight-thru, B was A/D/A Loop – Results: 6 correct/8 wrong
What difference did I hear?
A: wider sound stage, smoother, more crisp, clearer words, more defined, more presence.
B: soundstage shrank, sounds muted, smoother transition and edge of notes, preferred (3x).
The surprise result here was that 3 listeners mentioned in the comments that they preferred the A/D/A loop. No mentions of any one preferring the straight-thru.
Cut 2: Hans Theessink: Call Me – Side 1 Track 1: Late Last Night
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/downloads/Cut2_44.wav
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/downloads/Cut2_96.wav
Male vocals, guitar, a track with great bounce and rhythm (This album was selected for me by Jerry Pomeroy - ex-President of PNWAS. The cut was familiar to many members because I have played the digital version before from the Burmester Demo CD)
Did I hear a difference? 7 Yes / 4 No
Actual: A was A/D/A Loop, B was straight-thru – Result: 9 correct/ 2 wrong
What difference did I hear?
A: wider soundstage, preferred (2x)
B: fuller, more balanced, more harsh.
Again, two listeners preferred the A/D/A loop.
Cut 3: Joe Cocker: Sheffield Steel – Side 2 Track 1: Ruby Lee
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/downloads/Cut3_44.wav
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/downloads/Cut3_96.wav
One of my favourite albums, a very dynamic blues/rock numbered radio station promo first pressing
Did I hear a difference? 7 Yes / 1 No
Actual: A was A/D/A Loop, B was straight-thru – Result: 10 correct/ 7 wrong
What difference did I hear?
A: more defined, far more brittle and bright, voice too sharp
B: slightly wider soundstage, more engaging, fuller, better bass, voice more pleasant, less harsh, preferred (2x)
Two listeners mentioned preferring the straight-thru.