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  1. Jim Creek

    Denon DL103 - Mani 2 Settings Compromise

    My Mani 2 phono preamp has stepped settings for loading. I can select 47k ohm, 200ohm, 47ohm or 38ohm. My guess is 200 ohm is likely the best choice. For capacitance I can add an additional 47pf, 100pf, 150pf, or 200pf. My guess is no additional capacitance is needed. My TT is a Pioneer...
  2. Jim Creek

    Monitor Audio Silver 100 G7 Bookshelf Speakers

    This thread is over a year old but I couldn’t help but add a comment. I’ve owned the Silver 100 g6 speakers for over 4 years. The g7 versions have slightly better specs. However, I have not heard a speaker that I would rather own than the ones I have now. The rosenut wood finish on mine is...
  3. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    I’m skeptical. Manufactures will add some features to a chip and charge more money for them. But they don’t sound any different to human ears. The data in a music file has one and only only corresponding analog value. Period. All DAC chips are programmed to resolve that one analog value. Here...
  4. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    I understand there is resistance to this point of view especially amongst audiophiles. The differences between DAC chips is next to nothing, not just in my opinion. Why should there be since they are coded to be as accurate as possible. There may be a tiny difference in the op amps and bigger...
  5. Jim Creek

    One vote definitively against the Schiit Modi 3+

    I agree with everything you posted here. Plus, There’s a lot to be said for buying ‘Made In The USA’.
  6. Jim Creek

    One vote definitively against the Schiit Modi 3+

    The name “Schiit” was designed to draw attention, to create controversy. So, yeah, Shiit Audio is very shrewd at marketing. Some of their products are very good. Some are not. I have their Mani2 phono preamp which is very good and versatile for the money. My DAC is an SMSL DO100 ($200), a...
  7. Jim Creek

    One vote definitively against the Schiit Modi 3+

    Actually the chips in Topping and SMSL DACs are USA designed but mostly made by Taiwan Semi or Samsung. ESS Technology Incorporated is based in Fremont, Ca, designs the DAC chips. Qualcom designs the Bluetooth chips. Texas Instruments designs and manufactures the OpAmps. Those are the chips...
  8. Jim Creek

    Need some advice...

    As I stated in my previous post, implementation is where the differences lie. So we agree on that point. Where I disagree with you is that the differences are always big enough to hear. All the many different DAC chips are going output the same exact analog values. They have to because the...
  9. Jim Creek

    Need some advice...

    All DACs do the same thing. They convert discrete digital codes to the exact corresponding number of discrete analog output values. Unless there are coding errors there is no reason for different DAC chips to sound different from each other….in theory. The current trend with modern DAC chips...
  10. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    The Modi+ gets a pretty good review. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/schiit-modi-dac-review.39435/
  11. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    They should all sound the same. A DAC converts discrete digital codes to a corresponding number of discrete analog output values. The 0s and 1s from the digital source have only one correct analog output. If the DAC is programmed correctly and has an excellent op amp you will get that one tone...
  12. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    My point was going to apply to chip DACs (ASICs) not FPGA DACs. My point was that teams of software engineers spend years writing and debugging source code before etching it on a chip. ESS Saber DACs are chip DACs as an example. The code that converts digital to analog is extremely accurate. The...
  13. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    I don’t doubt your expertise. When you say: “They are programmed or configured with a bitstream”, so there is programming involved in the process somewhere along the line. You are arguing how it’s programmed. I believe you. I am arguing there is programming. Programming means somewhere along the...
  14. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    Semantics. The point is the FPGA is still programmed as accurately as possible to the specification of the manufacturer of the DAC. There must be some blueprint to do the programming. You have to start with something. If it’s not software what is it? “Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are...
  15. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    The FPGA is an integrated circuit programmed with software developed by the DAC manufacturer.. The point I was trying to make is that the code used to convert digital to analog is designed to be accurate as possible. All DACs are designed to be as accurate as possible. Some of the newer DAC...
  16. Jim Creek

    DAC's under $150?

    I’m about to say something controversial about spending big money on DACs. DAC chips start off as software. That software is written to convert 0s and 1s into an analog electrical signal as accurately as possible. Then that DAC software is etched onto a chip. Whether they are AKG or ESS Saber...
  17. Jim Creek

    Why are Pioneer tables so freaking expensive???

    wow, that is a beautiful monster! Yes, the PL-41 was made to last. The motor is enormous, the mechanical parts and the plinth are heavy metal.
  18. Jim Creek

    Why are Pioneer tables so freaking expensive???

    Both plywood and veneer over MDF are technically a veneer. But the PROCESS to manufacture plywood is much different, more durable and longer lasting.
  19. Jim Creek

    Why are Pioneer tables so freaking expensive???

    There is veneer glued over MDF. Then there is plywood which is a totally different manufacturing process and longer lasting.
  20. Jim Creek

    Why are Pioneer tables so freaking expensive???

    My Pioneer PL-41 was manufactured in 1968-1970. Back then real walnut plywood was used, not veneer. Fifty years old and still looks awesome.
  21. Jim Creek

    Thinking About A Freya Noval

    A Freya N would be a nice preamp to play with in my system. I have a seven year old original Saga now (which I love). Does anyone have a Freya N? What is your opinion. The Freya N is always listed under Schitt’s ‘B stock & closeout’. But it’s been on closeout for over 3 years! My guess is...
  22. Jim Creek

    LP Gear Vivid Line

    I use an LP Gear Vivid Line on my M91ed. It’s a fine stylus, tracks great, sounds great. When I bought mine it was $79. Now I think it’s around $120.
  23. Jim Creek

    Pioneer PL-41 Cartridge/Stylus Question

    I also have a Pioneer PL41 that I refurbished. The tonearm on the PL41 has a lot of mass. Plus the original headshell is quite heavy. The PL41 is a great candidate for a Denon DL103 which likes high mass tonearms. You can buy a DL103 on eBay for $240. I bought mine from a reliable seller 2juki.
  24. Jim Creek

    Do High End Capacitors Make A Difference In The Crossover?

    Comparing something like Dayton Capacitors vs Jantzen Capacitors, is there an audible difference? If you were building a speaker project would you be satisfied with Dayton Capacitors?
  25. Jim Creek

    Ceramic Coated Aluminum Magnesium Drivers - Is It Just Hype?

    My question is there a corrosion problem when mg is combined with al to form an al -mg alloy?
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