You might want to ask "serengetiplains" on the AC thread about the headphone out. He is using his TotalDAC with headphones.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=117217.0
Totaldac Reference D1
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You might want to ask "serengetiplains" on the AC thread about the headphone out. He is using his TotalDAC with headphones.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=117217.0
d1-monobloc DAC
One of the d1-dual is used for the left channel, the other is used for the right channel. The doubled DAC modules are associated in parallel. Both monoblocs are synchronised by a common clock. The reclocker driving the pair of DAC monoblocs is a special version equipped with two AES-EBU outputs.
The performance in noise, channel intermodulation, output impedance and jitter are improved again compared to one d1-dual DAC and the listening difference is really there.
One of the d1-dual is used for the left channel, the other is used for the right channel. The doubled DAC modules are associated in parallel. Both monoblocs are synchronised by a common clock. The reclocker driving the pair of DAC monoblocs is a special version equipped with two AES-EBU outputs.
The performance in noise, channel intermodulation, output impedance and jitter are improved again compared to one d1-dual DAC and the listening difference is really there.
Mine just cleared customs. I should have it in a few days.
d1-monobloc DAC
One of the d1-dual is used for the left channel, the other is used for the right channel. The doubled DAC modules are associated in parallel. Both monoblocs are synchronised by a common clock. The reclocker driving the pair of DAC monoblocs is a special version equipped with two AES-EBU outputs.
The performance in noise, channel intermodulation, output impedance and jitter are improved again compared to one d1-dual DAC and the listening difference is really there.
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Keyman,
You can bring wine to my house anytime. My wife still has the empty bottle from the last time you were over.
Edit: um, that didn't sound good the way I wrote it.
You can bring wine to my house anytime. My wife still has the empty bottle from the last time you were over.
Edit: um, that didn't sound good the way I wrote it.
I'll get the wine ready.....
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Yes. This is the most up to date version. It is 3 boxes. Vincent previously built a couple of monoblocks which had a master with an AES out to slave monoblock and seperate clock out. I wanted mine to be a 3 box setup with seperate left and right AES/EBU out the USB to AES converter. There's still the master and slave using a short bnc clock connection between the DAC monoblocs. I think it's a little cleaner design. I've heard good things about it. At this point, I can't envision the DAC sounding better.
Vincent told me the idea to build double dual monoblocks came from one of his customers. He told me that he originally built it thinking it would sound the same. He said he was surprised how much better the monobloc configuration sounds. Vincent isn't one to exaggerate, so I am looking forward to this new sound in my room.
I guess one way of thinking about this design is to recognize that the TotalDac is not just a DAC. It is a great preamp too. Vincent is dedicated to building his DACs so that a preamp is superfluous; transparent volume control AND killer analog output stage. I know Krell has the evolution 2 preamp which is a mono configuration. I am sure there are others as well. It makes sense to me from that standpoint.
Vincent told me the idea to build double dual monoblocks came from one of his customers. He told me that he originally built it thinking it would sound the same. He said he was surprised how much better the monobloc configuration sounds. Vincent isn't one to exaggerate, so I am looking forward to this new sound in my room.
I guess one way of thinking about this design is to recognize that the TotalDac is not just a DAC. It is a great preamp too. Vincent is dedicated to building his DACs so that a preamp is superfluous; transparent volume control AND killer analog output stage. I know Krell has the evolution 2 preamp which is a mono configuration. I am sure there are others as well. It makes sense to me from that standpoint.
Twisting the wires will lower the inductance, making the regulator response faster and more accurate. I ALWAYS do it.
Steve N.
Fedex delivered 2 of 3 boxes. So I got the digital d1 USB to AES converter and only one monodac. Since I have the d1 digital converter, I fired it up and am send it's AES to my old d1 totaldac. This isn't what I expected. I had the Berkeley Alpha USB for a good 6 months and I had a pretty good feel and appreciation for what it did. One of the coolest things about the Berkeley is the fact that AES cables have minimal impact on sound. I still believe the Alpha USB is a very strong engineering accomplishment. The Berkeley brought better detail to my system. The totaldac d1 digital also delivers the details. The totaldac USB converter brings something more though. There's a relaxed persona to the USB converter. Ive had quite a few digital pieces pass through and the only common thread ive found is that the better ones let you play at higher levels without feeling like the music is aggressive or harsh. That's what the totaldac d1 digital converter brings that the Berkeley couldn't deliver. I am surprised at how much of a difference it is since I previously thought the Berkeley couldn't be bettered. I was so wrong.
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Thanks fellas! This is a photo of the back of the monodacs. I think they are best stacked so the clock sync 75 ohm connection can be as short as possible. Vincent designed them to be stacked. They each have massive copper shield at the base of each case. You can see a 6" clock sync connector in the picture. I think I could get one as little as 4". There's also another cable connection between the 2 boxes to make sure volume is in sync on each channel.
Functionally, the monodacs are the same as the regular d1 dual. The only differences is that the power button on the remote is disabled and the the mute button is disabled. All of the other normal parameters can be done in each dac just like the normal d1 dual.
The newest versions of Vincent's DACs don't have any trouble with the jitter attenuation buffer after switching sample rates like before. Even the monodacs easily switch sample rates without any hiccups.
I don't want to comment on the sound right now, because I need more time with it. The obvious differences are wider and taller soundstage and richer tonality.
Functionally, the monodacs are the same as the regular d1 dual. The only differences is that the power button on the remote is disabled and the the mute button is disabled. All of the other normal parameters can be done in each dac just like the normal d1 dual.
The newest versions of Vincent's DACs don't have any trouble with the jitter attenuation buffer after switching sample rates like before. Even the monodacs easily switch sample rates without any hiccups.
I don't want to comment on the sound right now, because I need more time with it. The obvious differences are wider and taller soundstage and richer tonality.
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That's true. I also think the monobloc configuration is very important to the analog output stage. These guys play really loud and retain an effortlessness throughout the dynamic range. Also, cymbals sound under control; not splashy. Sorry, but I am a drummer, so I listen carefully to the drums.
That's true. I also think the monobloc configuration is very important to the analog output stage. These guys play really loud and retain an effortlessness throughout the dynamic range. Also, cymbals sound under control; not splashy. Sorry, but I am a drummer, so I listen carefully to the drums.
Question: as a guy who used to a lot of tech directing on theater productions, I remember bass and drums a lot during rehearsals. As a drummer, do you find that well set up subs produce kick drums well? With my X1s I find the bass kick to the chest is only done well with my sub and I absolutely love it and always miss it when I hear sota systems at dealers whose full range speakers without subs just don't hit me in the chest with that quick blow of almost compression which you get even when the drummer is playing but not trying to kill it.
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