Which sigmas to buy for my Audio Research gear?

[PieterM]

My main system consists of an Audio Research Reference DAC and Reference 75. The source is a dedicated music server.
I am considering the Sigma PCs.

The Reference DAC is a line stage and DAC combined. Do I go for Analog or Digital?
The Reference 75 is beautiful but quite modest in its output. Could I choose Analog over HC?

Thank you for your thoughts on this.

 

[Steve Williams]

I use Sigma HC for my amp as well as my Triton

I use Sigma Analog for my preamp as well as my R2R and the power supply for my tape head preamp

I use Sigma Digital for my CDP
You won't regret your purchase. I'm amazed by these PC's

 

[PieterM]

Thank you Steve. However I am still somewhat at a loss as to what cables to order for my specific gear.
Any ideas someone? Thanks.

 

[edorr]

Thank you Steve. However I am still somewhat at a loss as to what cables to order for my specific gear.
Any ideas someone? Thanks.

Shunyata should be able to tell you whether a digital/analog component (i.e. DAC/Pre) works best with digital or analog cable. Intuitively I would say digital cable. I would think any poweramp works best with the HC version of the cable, but suggest you confirm with Shunyata as well. They are quite responsive.

 

[GrantS]

Hi Pieter,

In your case I'd recommend the Sigma Analog for the amp and Sigma Digital for the pre-amp/DAC. The HC model of Sigma is most appropriate for extreme-current demand amps or Triton's that support multiple components and amps. The Sigma Analog would be more than enough for the Ref 75. In fact, there are already ARC customers using the Sigma Analog with the 75 and even the 250's to good effect.

Best regards,

Grant
Shunyata Research

 

[PieterM]

Thank you Edorr and Grant.
@Grant: I totally follow as to the amp. Could you explain the reason why the pre-amp/dac would be a better fit with the sigma digital? Would you know of customer experiences that went that route vs the analog? Thnks again.

 

[Kingsrule]

Although I think Grant has all good intentions with his recommendation, I would still go with the Sigma HC. For the price difference you are future proof if you decide to change amps....

Hi Pieter,

In your case I'd recommend the Sigma Analog for the amp and Sigma Digital for the pre-amp/DAC. The HC model of Sigma is most appropriate for extreme-current demand amps or Triton's that support multiple components and amps. The Sigma Analog would be more than enough for the Ref 75. In fact, there are already ARC customers using the Sigma Analog with the 75 and even the 250's to good effect.

Best regards,

Grant
Shunyata Research

 

[GrantS]

Hi Pieter,

Even though the DAC is an analog-output device and is at the end of your digital chain it is still better to have some higher-frequency noise filtering there because DAC's can have some high-frequency noise components associated with them.

If you were to compare the Analog and Digital versions of the Sigma with one another on most components, the differences will be subtle, so I don't believe there is a "wrong" choice where you are concerned. The exception will be very high-frequency, high-noise digital-output components such as servers, routers, transports, computers, processors. These will be noticeably better served with a "digital" version of our power cords.

My recommendation was in general because the DAC is part of the digital chain and also because you are talking about a multi-function component, which can have a bit more noise associated with it. In your case, if you tried and loved the Sigma Analog, that would not be a surprise. Both the Digital and Analog versions of Sigma would acquit themselves extremely well compared to just about anything regarding the application in question. Thanks, Pieter. Feel free to e-mail me if you have system questions as I don't get here as often as I'd like.

best regards,

Grant

 

[PieterM]

That is great information Grant. Thank you.
I will most likely be able to audition the cables somewhere over the coming two months or so. Very much looking forward to this.

Hi Pieter,

Even though the DAC is an analog-output device and is at the end of your digital chain it is still better to have some higher-frequency noise filtering there because DAC's can have some high-frequency noise components associated with them.

If you were to compare the Analog and Digital versions of the Sigma with one another on most components, the differences will be subtle, so I don't believe there is a "wrong" choice where you are concerned. The exception will be very high-frequency, high-noise digital-output components such as servers, routers, transports, computers, processors. These will be noticeably better served with a "digital" version of our power cords.

My recommendation was in general because the DAC is part of the digital chain and also because you are talking about a multi-function component, which can have a bit more noise associated with it. In your case, if you tried and loved the Sigma Analog, that would not be a surprise. Both the Digital and Analog versions of Sigma would acquit themselves extremely well compared to just about anything regarding the application in question. Thanks, Pieter. Feel free to e-mail me if you have system questions as I don't get here as often as I'd like.

best regards,

Grant