Jonathan Valin says the Soulution 760 DAC is the best he's ever heard. Your Thoughts?

[Phillyb]

Seems everything is the best these days must be done to keep phile chasing the holy grail. The magazines are not like the old days of TAS or Stereophile, they now are a major tool for manufactures, and it is becoming so boring to see the same equipment manufacturers reviewed over and over and over, same raves kills the older unit, and on and on. Fact is real good is good, after that it is a change in sound, but you could achieve the same effect by switching out a power cord, yes, things do improve over time, but unit to the next model? Glad I am at the end of chasing and just enjoying music and system.

 

[Lee]

Seems everything is the best these days must be done to keep phile chasing the holy grail. The magazines are not like the old days of TAS or Stereophile, they now are a major tool for manufactures, and it is becoming so boring to see the same equipment manufacturers reviewed over and over and over, same raves kills the older unit, and on and on. Fact is real good is good, after that it is a change in sound, but you could achieve the same effect by switching out a power cord, yes, things do improve over time, but unit to the next model? Glad I am at the end of chasing and just enjoying music and system.

There are numerous examples of the latest model having material changes that elevate the sound. I think our writers do a great job of explaining the sound improvements. We do our best to call it as we hear it.

 

[marty]

Seems everything is the best these days must be done to keep phile chasing the holy grail. The magazines are not like the old days of TAS or Stereophile, they now are a major tool for manufactures, and it is becoming so boring to see the same equipment manufacturers reviewed over and over and over, same raves kills the older unit, and on and on. Fact is real good is good, after that it is a change in sound, but you could achieve the same effect by switching out a power cord, yes, things do improve over time, but unit to the next model? Glad I am at the end of chasing and just enjoying music and system.

+1

 

[Joe Whip]

I agree phillyb. I long ago dropped AS and really should not have renewed Stereophile. I guess I am a creature of habit.

 

[Al M.]

I agree phillyb. I long ago dropped AS and really should not have renewed Stereophile. I guess I am a creature of habit.

I think I ended my Stereophile subscription in 2004. Never subscribed to TAS.

From time to time it's fun to read a review, but I do so very sporadically. I used to be more interested, but now that I am basically all set with my system, no point in reading anymore. Also, nothing beats hearing stuff for yourself and come to your own conclusions, which often can be very different from what you read in the magazines.

 

[Joe Whip]

Just look at the cover of the new Stereophile , Sonic Sorcery the Magico A5. Reads like ad copy.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

I've heard a full Solution system, preamp, monoblocks, DACs etc., driving Audio Analysis ribbons. Great stuff, very open and detailed, lots of shimmers and sizzles that kind of stuff... was also pretty fast. However, I wouldn't call it the best ever, simply because no such thing exists!

We all perceive the "best" in many different forms. From our personal live references / experiences to our very own systems that we've put together over decades. We can certainly imagine it to be the best, and it satisfies our inner passions. However, to call it or label it the best is pretty pointless. There's always something around the corner that will surpass whatever was in front of it. It's the nature of the business.

Whiles I simply do not believe in the "latest being the greatest," as many others have clearly mentioned, I'm just relaxing and enjoying every bit of what my system offers in its simplest form of recorded music.

I sincerely think JV was trying to say that Solution paid him the best $$$ in a fat envelope!
As with the case with most reviewers in today's world. Like some of you have already pointed out, these reviewers and mags are way too commercialised. It's like going through the first page on Google reviews... absolute load of bollocks!

Don't worry about what reviewers say, trust your own ears, afterall they are the one and final judge, no one else's.

Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

 

[Lee]

I've heard a full Solution system, preamp, monoblocks, DACs etc., driving Audio Analysis ribbons. Great stuff, very open and detailed, lots of shimmers and sizzles that kind of stuff... was also pretty fast. However, I wouldn't call it the best ever, simply because no such thing exists!

We all perceive the "best" in many different forms. From our personal live references / experiences to our very own systems that we've put together over decades. We can certainly imagine it to be the best, and it satisfies our inner passions. However, to call it or label it the best is pretty pointless. There's always something around the corner that will surpass whatever was in front of it. It's the nature of the business.

Whiles I simply do not believe in the "latest being the greatest," as many others have clearly mentioned, I'm just relaxing and enjoying every bit of what my system offers in its simplest form of recorded music.

I sincerely think JV was trying to say that Solution paid him the best $$$ in a fat envelope!
As with the case with most reviewers in today's world. Like some of you have already pointed out, these reviewers and mags are way too commercialised. It's like going through the first page on Google reviews... absolute load of bollocks!

Don't worry about what reviewers say, trust your own ears, afterall they are the one and final judge, no one else's.

Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

You are right that it is always best to use your own ears. Everyone has preferences in sound.

Use reviewers to get an understanding of what a piece of gear sounds like in their system. Read them and find a few reviewers that have experiences that match yours and then simply use their opinions to narrow the vast choices down to a list to audition. Then decide what gear floats your boat.

Robert Harley does not tolerate any unethical behavior like receiving payments from a manufacturer. We let go a reviewer who had done some for a brand that we felt was too commercial.

Since my tenure at the company, I have investigated two incidents that we had been told had happened and were unethical. Despite the rumor, in both cases, they did not happen. There is a ton of bad information on the audio fora. Please keep that in mind.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Fair point Lee.
Perhaps I was too harsh in my statement...

Although I stopped subscribing decades ago, I have noticed over those years things have changed compared to previous issues...
I guess in order to survive it does have to be this way otherwise the business can't stay afloat.

I also do know a lot goes into these mags and printed material than what meets the eye. So it's hard work all round. Having lived in the UK, US, Sth East Asia and now Aus, sometimes from what I read and hold in my hand, I can clearly see those changes.

Having many trusted mates in the Sth East Asian region, there's a whole line of varied gear that the average person hasn't even heard of nor listened to, and these don't get covered in printed media whatsoever, simply because...
Some of those unique systems are extraordinary and I was told that they don't get covered due to business development/ commitment factors...
Hence, they cater only to their local markets/specific countries.

So the big guns get the front and back covers...
Like I said, at the end of the day it's all about survival.

On a plus side, I still do enjoy reading some reviews, especially from Drew Kalbach (very down to earth chap) reviews the simple stuff. The good thing is whenever I purchase an item from one of my trusted Aus dealers or simply drop in for a visit, they hand me both Stereophile & Tas latest editions as a gift! So the collection is now piling up since 2004.

Thanks for your info Lee, no harm intended, and I do respect RH and his team at TAS.
Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

 

[RSFN]

Hi everyone, I have been following WBF for some time but this is my first post.
I thought it would be usefull to share my experience. I was able to test the Soulution 760 at home and since I had the msb reference dac/preamp module I was intrigued by his review.
All I can say is in the context of my system the 760 was much better overall ( better dynamics, better resolution, similar tonality…fuller sound overall). The difference was bigger with lower volumes and I dont use a dedicated preamp, so maybe the output stage explains some part, but even at higher volumes the soulution was better.

PS- I never loved their amps, I listen to a lot of Rock/bad recordings and always preferred my dartzeel 108 to Soulution/Goldmund/CH, that 108 only lost to the newest Doshis evolution monos.

 

[Lee]

Hi everyone, I have been following WBF for some time but this is my first post.
I thought it would be usefull to share my experience. I was able to test the Soulution 760 at home and since I had the msb reference dac/preamp module I was intrigued by his review.
All I can say is in the context of my system the 760 was much better overall ( better dynamics, better resolution, similar tonality…fuller sound overall). The difference was bigger with lower volumes and I dont use a dedicated preamp, so maybe the output stage explains some part, but even at higher volumes the soulution was better.

PS- I never loved their amps, I listen to a lot of Rock/bad recordings and always preferred my dartzeel 108 to Soulution/Goldmund/CH, that 108 only lost to the newest Doshis evolution monos.

The Doshi amplifiers are excellent. That's what I use on the Alexia 2s.

 

[RSFN]

The Doshi amplifiers are excellent. That's what I use on the Alexia 2s.

I have been listening to a lot of amps for the past two years, some on my system (kondo,soulution) and some at stores/friends(ch,goldmund,mbl,arc,constellation,zanden…) and I was about to give up searching and keep my old darts but the new doshis just was better than my 108 on every kind of music that I ve heard. Same magic, better bass/control, even more transparent…just incredible!

 

[christoph]

Hi everyone, I have been following WBF for some time but this is my first post.
I thought it would be usefull to share my experience. I was able to test the Soulution 760 at home and since I had the msb reference dac/preamp module I was intrigued by his review.
All I can say is in the context of my system the 760 was much better overall ( better dynamics, better resolution, similar tonality…fuller sound overall). The difference was bigger with lower volumes and I dont use a dedicated preamp, so maybe the output stage explains some part, but even at higher volumes the soulution was better.

PS- I never loved their amps, I listen to a lot of Rock/bad recordings and always preferred my dartzeel 108 to Soulution/Goldmund/CH, that 108 only lost to the newest Doshis evolution monos.

Sorry for being OT here but judging from your profile picture I LOVE your room with a view

Could you maybe show a pic with the view AND the Soulution DAC to get back on topic

 

[RSFN]

Sorry for being OT here but judging from your profile pucture I LOVE your room with a view

Could you maybe show a pic with the view AND the Soulution DAC to get back on topic

It wont show, i am sorry…its hidden

 

[RSFN]

Sorry for being OT here but judging from your profile pucture I LOVE your room with a view

Could you maybe show a pic with the view AND the Soulution DAC to get back on topic

By the way, your room/view its just amazing!!! Mind boggling!!!

 

[knghifi]

It wont show, i am sorry…its hidden

View attachment 79245

This looks like a 560?

 

[RSFN]

This looks like a 560?

Yes, i have tried the 760 against the msb and decided to purchase the 560 without hearing it. I ended up very happy with the 560 against the msb reference. By the way, i have also listened the 760 against the 560 with a pair of 511 driving rockport atrias 2s. The 760 is sweeter/better but the difference is reeeealy small…you can only tell side by side.

Best

 

[RSFN]

This looks like a 560?

 

[knghifi]

Yes, i have tried the 760 against the msb and decided to purchase the 560 without hearing it. I ended up very happy with the 560 against the msb reference. By the way, i have also listened the 760 against the 560 with a pair of 511 driving rockport atrias 2s. The 760 is sweeter/better but the difference is reeeealy small…you can only tell side by side.

Best

I have 560 after demo many many DACs. First DAC I prefer direct to amp than through preamps. Leedh processing is a real deal!

What music server are you using? Just picked up a Melco HA-N1Z/2EX-H50 music server using Ethernet digital input. ~30 hours on the Melco and steadily improving.

 

[RSFN]

I have 560 after demo many many DACs. First DAC I prefer direct to amp than through preamps. Leedh processing is a real deal!

What music server are you using? Just picked up a Melco HA-N1Z/2EX-H50 music server using Ethernet digital input. ~30 hours on the Melco and steadily improving.

Nice!
I use a innuos zenith mk2, I used to have an aurender s10 before.
Next year I will probably upgrade my server…I will take note on the Melco, tks !