Totaldac Reference D1

[flyer]

interesting! how did you connect these products?
can you tell a bit more on the sonic benefits? what price are we talking about?

 

[caliaripaolo]

you have to use a signal spare connector. You have to use a dedicated Ground Cable.
For Totaldac you have to use output spare, because of input are disconnected when not used (Totaldac is a serious project).
Concerning sonic benefits: you have more palpable bass, D1's harmonics are magnified, music is a little more fluid.
Price vary from 200 through 3.000 Euro.
Look here http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?11995-Entreq-Tellus-grounding/page118

 

[bmichels]

I have 2 questions about the TotalDAC SERVER:

- Is the Music management Software convenient to use & easy to manage and create playlists.

and more important

- Is it possible to stream HiFi quality from QOBUZ or TIDAL with the TotalDAC SERVER (without the use of an exyernal PC/MAC of course). If YES, then is the QOBUZ or TIDAL interface easy to use ?

Those "Streaming" questions are very important for me since more and more I stream instead of playing local files.

thanks in advance for your answers

 

[totaldac]

bmichels, I am not sure if you are asking this to the manufacturer or to users but here is my opinion:

About the easy use, see a recent reviewer comment (originally in German):
"Full of innovations with an excellent sound. Even the integration in an existing network is a breeze.
Associated with its ethernet cable, it plays in the very big league."
taken from here http://www.hifistatement.net/tests/item/1455-totaldac-d1-server
Yes it is easy to make a playlist, save it, reload, modify it....

And yes you have just to enter your login and password for Qbuz. Tidal or Wimp are also possible, still via Ipeng8 application. Take care to Tidal, it is not allowed in all countries because of local laws I guess.

Vincent

 

[flyer]

I have 2 questions about the TotalDAC SERVER:

- Is the Music management Software convenient to use & easy to manage and create playlists.

and more important

- Is it possible to stream HiFi quality from QOBUZ or TIDAL with the TotalDAC SERVER (without the use of an exyernal PC/MAC of course). If YES, then is the QOBUZ or TIDAL interface easy to use ?

Those "Streaming" questions are very important for me since more and more I stream instead of playing local files.

thanks in advance for your answers

I think you'd better ask this to Totaldac directly.
I don't use streaming but I have seen software versions pass by that allow airplay, internet streaming etc. Effectively, Totaldac has different softwareversions that suits the taste of the individual.
For example, I used the version (called 'without pre-coding') that is supposed to give a somehow smoother sound (and it does). Recently I switched some cables (e.g. the clock I mentioned above) and now the system works most optimal with the software version that gives the most resolving character (called 'with pre-coding' and which is loaded by default on new units).

 

[totaldac]

Flyer,
As far as I remember I sent you a 2m long clock cable to allow you to have shorter interconnect cables from the DAC monoblocs to the amplifiers. Usually I supply 0.5m clock cables which is much less critical for the clock. Some people even stack their d1-twelve to use a 0.2m long clock cable.

 

[paul79]

Yes, I have compared my stock .5m clock cable to some other boutique brands, and I hear no difference. I think if you use the short cable, with units stacked, you will come to same conclusion. I do however, find that better AES/EBU cables make a big difference.

 

[flyer]

Yes, I have compared my stock .5m clock cable to some other boutique brands, and I hear no difference. I think if you use the short cable, with units stacked, you will come to same conclusion. I do however, find that better AES/EBU cables make a big difference.

I have been using the short stock cable most of the time (the longer run was used for only a limited time) and did my comparison with that one. But hey, if it didn't bring you anything, you avoid spending money and don't give it a second thought.

 

[paul79]

Well, I did not try the Wireworld Gold Starlight BNC, so that could be the difference! I may have to try one myself

 

[dallasjustice]

I have been using the short stock cable most of the time (the longer run was used for only a limited time) and did my comparison with that one. But hey, if it didn't bring you anything, you avoid spending money and don't give it a second thought.

I had mine made custom so that the left and right totaldacs could be stacked on top of one another. Pasternak is a good source for RF custom cables and connectors.

 

[bmichels]

I just noticed that the D1-TUBE has been upgraded to the MK2 version

As it it is written on TotalDac's site: now " the discrete R2R ladder is doubled (like the d1-dual), the USB input is same level as the d1-dual USB input, and all the tube section has been rebuilt with new schematics and NOS RCA tubes..".

This is a great news. I am very tempted to go now for a D1-Tube Mk2 instead of a D1-Dual. What do you think (I have an Eddie Curent 445 tube amp as my primary amp)


Note: please note that the output remain SE (Not balanced like the Dual)

 

[arnies]

I just noticed that the D1-TUBE has been upgraded to the MK2 version

As it it is written on TotalDac's site: now " the discrete R2R ladder is doubled (like the d1-dual), the USB input is same level as the d1-dual USB input, and all the tube section has been rebuilt with new schematics and NOS RCA tubes..".

This is a great news. I am very tempted to go now for a D1-Tube Mk2 instead of a D1-Dual. What do you think (I have an Eddie Curent 445 tube amp as my primary amp)


Note: please note that the output remain SE (Not balanced like the Dual)

Hi Bmichels,

I just purchased the TotalDAC D1-Twelve and TotalDAC D1-Server setup for my system. It is really stunning sounding digital. I have no doubt that the D1-Tube is very good. But, given what I hear with the D1-Twelve, I don't think you need a tube output stage with the TotalDAC especially if you are using tube amps. So, if the pricing delta is not an issue, I would recommend the D1-Dual. I would bet that it has a lower noise floor than the D1-Tube, is more resolving than the D1-Tube and has a little more punch and drive than the D-Tube. I think you would be very pleased with how it sounds. Of course, you can't go wrong with either of these!

 

[bmichels]

Hi Bmichels,

I just purchased the TotalDAC D1-Twelve and TotalDAC D1-Server setup for my system. It is really stunning sounding digital. I have no doubt that the D1-Tube is very good. But, given what I hear with the D1-Twelve, I don't think you need a tube output stage with the TotalDAC especially if you are using tube amps. So, if the pricing delta is not an issue, I would recommend the D1-Dual. I would bet that it has a lower noise floor than the D1-Tube, is more resolving than the D1-Tube and has a little more punch and drive than the D-Tube. I think you would be very pleased with how it sounds. Of course, you can't go wrong with either of these!

Dear Arnies,

Thank you very much for your reply. it make me feel happy that I decided on TotalDAC

Now, regarding D1-Dual v/s D1-Tube, you make me hesitate again....

I hear what you say re the 2 solutions, but now that Vincent came with an "improved" version of the D1-Tube ( mk2), I am still tempted by this D1-Tube, and... since it is brand new, I will have the feeling to buy the "latest brand new version"

Only drawback of this "Tube Mk2", it is now at the price of the D1-Dual while....still being SE only ! A "D1-Tube Dual" will have been more consistant with the price that is now equivalent to the D1-Dual?

 

[CKKeung]

Dear Arnies,
Thank you very much for your reply. it make me feel happy that I decided on TotalDAC
Now, regarding D1-Dual v/s D1-Tube, you make me hesitate again....
I hear what you say re the 2 solutions, but now that Vincent came with an "improved" version of the D1-Tube ( mk2), I am still tempted by this D1-Tube, and... since it is brand new, I will have the feeling to buy the "latest brand new version"
Only drawback of this "Tube Mk2", it is now at the price of the D1-Dual while....still being SE only ! A "D1-Tube Dual" will have been more consistant with the price that is now equivalent to the D1-Dual?

Dear bMichels,

I would like to share with you a findings:
A client of the Totaldac Hong Kong dealer bought a D1-Dual last week. He planned to use it with his single-end amplifiers so he also bought the Totaldac "XLR to RCA adaptor" which costs 600euros excl VAT out of EU.
Ben, the Toraldac HK dealer was puzzled : why spent this 600euros?
Therefore he compared the sonic quality of the rca analog outputs of the D1-Dual against its balanced analog outputs (with the XLR-to-RCA adaptors attached).
It's surprising that the latter was better in all sonic aspects, the diff was not big but clearly audible.
The cost of the Totaldac "XLR to RCA adaptor" seems justified.

Therefore, I guess even though the D1-Tube Mk2 only has single-end rca analog outputs, its doubled internal R2R ladders shall have brought about sonic improvement when compared to the previous Mk1.

CK

 

[bmichels]

Dear bMichels,

I would like to share with you a findings:
A client of the Totaldac Hong Kong dealer bought a D1-Dual last week. He planned to use it with his single-end amplifiers so he also bought the Totaldac "XLR to RCA adaptor" which costs 600euros excl VAT out of EU.
Ben, the Toraldac HK dealer was puzzled : why spent this 600euros?
Therefore he compared the sonic quality of the rca analog outputs of the D1-Dual against its balanced analog outputs (with the XLR-to-RCA adaptors attached).
It's surprising that the latter was better in all sonic aspects, the diff was not big but clearly audible.
The cost of the Totaldac "XLR to RCA adaptor" seems justified.

Therefore, I guess even though the D1-Tube Mk2 only has single-end rca analog outputs, its doubled internal R2R ladders shall have brought about sonic improvement when compared to the previous Mk1.

CK

thanks for sharing your findings. It help. but... it also show that a balanced D1-Tube (with XLR-to-RCA when used SE) will have been better !

 

[CKKeung]

thanks for sharing your findings. It help. but... it also show that a balanced D1-Tube (with XLR-to-RCA when used SE) will have been better !

Yes, and to be frank, I think the Totaldac D1-Dual is already one of the most musical digital front-ends in the market. Adding the influence/characters of tube to Totaldac is not a must.

 

[Elberoth]

Mono and Stereo has just posted an interview with TotalDAC's Vincent Brient:

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2015/03/interview-with-vincent-brient-of.html

 

[Elberoth]

BTW - I just posted friend's impressions on the remarkable TotalDAC D1 USB cable in the Trinity thread:

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?12023-Trinity-DAC&p=309636&viewfull=1#post309636

 

[paul79]

Elberoth,

Have you considered trying the Totaldac Twelve? Vincent has REALLY outdone himself with this set. The degree to which it even bests his Monobloc DAC's is quite something with regards to transparency. However, being that it omits the output stage in lieu of direct drive off the DAC, it lacks drive to run directly to some amps. A very high quality preamp is really a necessity, depending on the amps.

 

[Elberoth]

Elberoth,

Have you considered trying the Totaldac Twelve? Vincent has REALLY outdone himself with this set. The degree to which it even bests his Monobloc DAC's is quite something with regards to transparency. However, being that it omits the output stage in lieu of direct drive off the DAC, it lacks drive to run directly to some amps. A very high quality preamp is really a necessity, depending on the amps.

No, not really. I have settled on the Trinity DAC and recently also got the Lampi for DSD. I had the D1-Dual at home and it was seriously good. In fact, one of the WBF members who had a chance to audition the TotalDAC at my place, liked it better than the $40k MSB Diamond DAC IV !

I will try to spend some time with the new TotalDAC at Munich Hi-End in May.