PCM58 DAC- a quickie (quick review, hehe)

The DAC has been running for the last (almost) 5 hours.

Before that FYI, I have just acquired a transmission line speaker, and these are known for the 'extra' bass( it has 2 bass drivers). So my system is really bass heavy, with very low end right down to 30Hz (tested). Listening to it is like having a 'loudness' button pushed. Very punchy and very suitable for rock, fast music.

After a false start(no sound from DAC) found out I need to enable the digital out from the DVD menu. :P Having done that, I played through two outputs: normal discrete out and via the DAC. Then while playing a CD just select the different output for A/B comparisons.. Amplifier used was the Technics SU-A900MKII(90+90Watts Class AA). Speakers: TDL RTL 3. Speaker cable Cable Talk Talk 3.1. Digital signal cable, Canare L-4E6S (DIY)

Playing via the DAC is like switching the 'loudness' button OFF! Loose boomy 'uncontrolled' bass now becomes tighter and articulated with being overcontrolled. The noise floor has somewhat lowered and some instances, disappeared altogether! Vocals instead of being too much projected(like the singer is singing hard into the microphone), now has been laid well back into the soundstage. One thing for sure, the imaging is ROCK SOLID! The soundstage however seemed to be narrower BUT did not loose the necessary ambience. This lead me to dig out ALL my favourite CDs and hear this new found sound.. on a new DAC via a new speaker system..hehe.

Instruments are now very distinct.. can pickup all the pieces very clearly. I imagine this like a camera/photo.. before this the images is slightly out of focus. Playing through the DAC is like everything just went into supersharp focus all the way to the horizon!.. Again,the background noise/silence just went totally dark..

Enough said! More listening to do now.. have to burn enough hours before change of stock opamps to my favourite! More on this later...

Pictures shows the DAC during assembly and testing with my superduper DVD cum CD player.

Enjoy.