GALE3030 - Further listening impressions

The Gale was set up in another system consisting of a Technics SU-V7K (80W RMS per channel) amplifier. Source are lossless files played by a PC and digitally decoded by an external DIY DAC, PCM58.

Compared to the Monitor Audio R252 that was in the same position, the sound is much much more neutral with well controlled and defined and extended bass. No subwoofer was used as the earlier setup was using one. Details were excellent albeit a little laid back sound stage! With louder volume, the overall sound does not 'shriek/shout'like the R252.. Then again, its no comparo.. the R252 is a bookshelf!
The 3030 is just like a well behaved 'gentlemen'.. That much I can say. It takes the pounding without much resistance and hesitations. Honestly will NOT induce 'fatigue' with long hours of listening pleasure...

Picture shows the size comparisons between the two floorstanders.. BTW, I got the 3030 at almost half price I paid for the RTL3! In terms of overall performance, if the RTL3 is a BMW M5, the 3030 would be the 3 series equivalent..

The Gale is currently being evaluated by Junior.. wait for the final conclusions!

PCM58 DAC- a quickie (part 2)

Second day (night actually coz its after midnight!) of auditioning.I'll make this short.. tired and sleepy already!
Configuration changes: Using the BOMB in place of the Technics integrated amplifier, the SU-A900MK2.
Findings: The apparent 'narrowed' soundstage has been restored. mid especially the highs now is a little bit more polished. The lows.. this is where the BOMB really shines.. well articulated and controlled. This is the icing on the cake..

Final configuration: a Yamaha Natural Sound DSP introduced to the setup to be used as a preamp.. was using the DVD/CDP digital volume control as system volume/preamp.
Final verdict: The Yamaha DSP pre-amp is that red cherry sitting on a top of the great cake. This IS the sound setup that had me amazed at 2.15 in the morning. Oh I almost forgot.. closing my eyes and 'viewing' the soundstage.. I can't locate my speakers!
Goodnight...

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.