The SGM did make an audible difference (compared to a SonicTransporter + Rendu setup), but to be honest, not enough to justify opening up my wallet for it? YMMV
ok, this morning I did finally move stuff around and begin the Aqua La Diva CD transport comparison with the SGM server......both through the Aqua Formula dac.
I removed the SGM from the Adona rack and placed it on the floor. I then raised the shelf the SGM had been on high enough to give me room to stack the La Diva transport on top of the Formula dac so it could get full advantage from the Herzan. the SGM is likely in a similar resonance situation as before as it is sitting on an Adona wood/granite shelf on cones through the carpet into the concrete floor, using it's own integral footers. I also placed inverted BDR cones between the Formula dac and the La Diva transport. I've already determined that the Aqua footers are not helpful as they smear transients.
the 2 Aqua products do work together in a good way to allow seamless comparisons, since the transport remote also switches inputs on the dac. so i can start a file on the dac, and start a disc on the transport at the same time and with one button switch back and forth....no clicks, and it seems to be identical volume.
first impression is that the La Diva really likes the Herzan, as now the focus and decay of the music is much, much better and the ease and refinement are a few levels better that when it was sitting on the floor. the noise floor, ambient retrieval and bass articulation is also improved which has expanded the soundstage. the 'jump factor' and overall energy is better too. so far I've gone through most of the tracks of the Burmester II CD on the La Diva/file on the SGM and it's very close, possibly the a very slight edge to the SGM as a tiny bit more refined. but if I was not able to quickly A/B I'm not sure I could pick one. but this is just the last 45 minutes......
(...) At this rate I'll wait for a whole retro movement to start where we'll return in droves to playing CDs, revisit 1980s power dressing, and rewatch Wall Street on VHS
??
At this rate I'll wait for a whole retro movement to start where we'll return in droves to playing CDs, revisit 1980s power dressing, and rewatch Wall Street on VHS
Mike, so after all the exclamations by you and others that streaming, dsd native, dxd native, 16/44 streaming upscaled to dxd and 256/512 dsd, the amazing benefits brought to the party by HQP, and seamless integration of all this by SGM...and this is now nearly matched by Plain Jane 16/44 CDs played the old fashioned way ie transport and dac
I'm amazed
At this rate I'll wait for a whole retro movement to start where we'll return in droves to playing CDs, revisit 1980s power dressing, and rewatch Wall Street on VHS
There was a recent movie called 99 homes, it is similar to wall street but in real estate land, and it's more real life. Excellent watch
Oh, I'm ok Micro, I'm very happy w my Eera one box cdp
Quite content in my 80s/90s time warp ??
I guess I'm really confused now. If there is little or no difference b/n the SGM-->Formula and the player plus DAC why spend the extra money??
Before the guy came to your place with the SGM and Formula to do that demo, he passed at my place. This way we have been able to do a side-by-side comparison btw the SGM and the 432EVO Aeon server upgrade prototype. The conclusion of the session was that both players were extremely similar in performance. But they are not equal in features and price:
The new 432EVO will be launched in Munich and cost a four-figure number. It has features including a TEAC-drive for CD ripping, 2TB of storage (option for more), upsampling (though not (yet) the DXD-thing), Roon-compatibility, etc.
It might we worthwhile to wait for that unit to be released if you are put off by the SGMs price tag.
I heard the Formula vs. Dave vs. D1-Dual in a side by side comparison with 2 other friends. DACS were connected to the SGM. I believe the consensus was in favor of the D1-Dual, although I'd say all in all, it was a close call. just so you know, I am the owner of said Totaldac, one of the others owned the Dave, and the Formula & SGM came from the retailer. Not long after, my friend sold the Dave and got the D1-Six instead. The SGM did make an audible difference (compared to a SonicTransporter + Rendu setup), but to be honest, not enough to justify opening up my wallet for it? YMMV
Maybe only Lloyd LL21, Al M, Microstrip and I are going to keep our cd collections LOL, esp in light of hearing that cd transports are getting better than ever
I really felt the Ypsilon cd transport and dac was the best source component at Munich
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