Hi Astrostar,
I think the bottom line on upsampling or not is really depending upon if the outcome works in one's system or to one's ears. Like I said, my Aqua DAC is also filterless (analog and digital), yet with upsampling (with precise control through HQplayer of noise shapers, etc), I prefer the sound to NOS through this DAC. The soundstage is bigger, with a little less image specificity as a tradeoff.
From my very limited experience with AN gear in general (listening at show demos), I would very much agree with your assessment of the DAC 5. Of course, you owned the beast for a while. I think my ears would prefer something a little faster and more modern, but still coming across as analog. The Kassandra would no doubt be a top choice. I can kind of imagine how it sounds based upon reading feedback and reviewing the design approach to this DAC. Here's something stupid. I had no idea the DAC was $18k. Just by looking at it, I would have assumed it costs a lot more. And by reading user feedback, I felt it cost even more too. But, I guess this is the "entry" level design.. yeah, right. Compared to a DAC 5, it seems quite the bargain. But, still out of my range currently. Seeing how few of these probably get sold, and assuming there will likely be low owner turn over, maybe I'll never see one in the used market either.
On my DIY side, I'll probably stick with the triple C-core that comes with the kit. Its probably the last piece that I'd look into "updating", but thanks for the tips nonetheless. Brian Sowter has offered me a return period if I don't like his latest I-V transformer. I have high hopes for it. I'd like to hear it compared to a Lundahl though. If money were free, sure, I'd sample them all. But since this project is not made from indefinite money, I'll have to pick and choose where to explore.
I totally agree with your assessment on space in the box. This is my single biggest impediment. My early estimation was that space would be an issue. I do have ways to most likely get a lot of things into the 1 box, including an extra toroid to source the extra digital circuits, and using other techniques like stacking PCBs. But I know I will come up just short of space, if I really want to do it right. So, I'll continue to think this through and not do anything until the right plan materializes. A bigger box is an option, or a 2-box solution.
The fun is in the building and tinkering. Being an EE, I've always wanted to mess with audio circuits at a more hands on level. I've done a lot of audio level testing in my field, and plenty of circuit and PCB design work as well. So, the fun in this is putting all the pieces together to instrument a working component. I'm not old enough to have been taught vacuum tube design in school, but solid state design and circuit concepts are almost identical. Still, I have much to learn and play with in the tube world. So, its not really about money or exceeding budget. I have a decent set of lab equipment at home too. I just want to doodle
As far as the DAC 5 losing some speed, I have to assume this is due to the digital board and also the power supply design (for digital and analog circuits). Since I've already got plans to address the digital side, I've considered updating the analog power supply as well. My guess is a tube rectified and regulated supply is not going to be as dynamic as a solid state one. Maybe more euphonic, but less "modern" sounding. In my bid to modernize the kit, I will look into a solid state based B+ source. I don't think I'll build it myself, since high voltage power supply design is not something I've done before (plenty of low voltage though). I see Paul Hynes has a nice offering, and I'm consulting him about it. Anyways, more ideas I'm kicking around in my head!
I live in the Austin, TX area. My guess is you are not close, otherwise, sure, I'd be happy to take up your offer. I also know the Kassandra dealer is pretty much in my back yard too, so I'm sure I could go listen there. Funds may be more permitting to actually buy something of this scale later next year. Until then, I think it would be smart not to go listen I suffer the audio itch just like the rest of us haha
I think the bottom line on upsampling or not is really depending upon if the outcome works in one's system or to one's ears. Like I said, my Aqua DAC is also filterless (analog and digital), yet with upsampling (with precise control through HQplayer of noise shapers, etc), I prefer the sound to NOS through this DAC. The soundstage is bigger, with a little less image specificity as a tradeoff.
From my very limited experience with AN gear in general (listening at show demos), I would very much agree with your assessment of the DAC 5. Of course, you owned the beast for a while. I think my ears would prefer something a little faster and more modern, but still coming across as analog. The Kassandra would no doubt be a top choice. I can kind of imagine how it sounds based upon reading feedback and reviewing the design approach to this DAC. Here's something stupid. I had no idea the DAC was $18k. Just by looking at it, I would have assumed it costs a lot more. And by reading user feedback, I felt it cost even more too. But, I guess this is the "entry" level design.. yeah, right. Compared to a DAC 5, it seems quite the bargain. But, still out of my range currently. Seeing how few of these probably get sold, and assuming there will likely be low owner turn over, maybe I'll never see one in the used market either.
On my DIY side, I'll probably stick with the triple C-core that comes with the kit. Its probably the last piece that I'd look into "updating", but thanks for the tips nonetheless. Brian Sowter has offered me a return period if I don't like his latest I-V transformer. I have high hopes for it. I'd like to hear it compared to a Lundahl though. If money were free, sure, I'd sample them all. But since this project is not made from indefinite money, I'll have to pick and choose where to explore.
I totally agree with your assessment on space in the box. This is my single biggest impediment. My early estimation was that space would be an issue. I do have ways to most likely get a lot of things into the 1 box, including an extra toroid to source the extra digital circuits, and using other techniques like stacking PCBs. But I know I will come up just short of space, if I really want to do it right. So, I'll continue to think this through and not do anything until the right plan materializes. A bigger box is an option, or a 2-box solution.
The fun is in the building and tinkering. Being an EE, I've always wanted to mess with audio circuits at a more hands on level. I've done a lot of audio level testing in my field, and plenty of circuit and PCB design work as well. So, the fun in this is putting all the pieces together to instrument a working component. I'm not old enough to have been taught vacuum tube design in school, but solid state design and circuit concepts are almost identical. Still, I have much to learn and play with in the tube world. So, its not really about money or exceeding budget. I have a decent set of lab equipment at home too. I just want to doodle
As far as the DAC 5 losing some speed, I have to assume this is due to the digital board and also the power supply design (for digital and analog circuits). Since I've already got plans to address the digital side, I've considered updating the analog power supply as well. My guess is a tube rectified and regulated supply is not going to be as dynamic as a solid state one. Maybe more euphonic, but less "modern" sounding. In my bid to modernize the kit, I will look into a solid state based B+ source. I don't think I'll build it myself, since high voltage power supply design is not something I've done before (plenty of low voltage though). I see Paul Hynes has a nice offering, and I'm consulting him about it. Anyways, more ideas I'm kicking around in my head!
I live in the Austin, TX area. My guess is you are not close, otherwise, sure, I'd be happy to take up your offer. I also know the Kassandra dealer is pretty much in my back yard too, so I'm sure I could go listen there. Funds may be more permitting to actually buy something of this scale later next year. Until then, I think it would be smart not to go listen I suffer the audio itch just like the rest of us haha