Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy
Vmax.......I read the Audio Science Review of the Yggdrasil. Amir makes no mention in his review of how the Yggdrasil sounds, only how it specs out on his graphs. How can someone review a DAC and not listen to it or comment on its audible performance. Avoiding reporting on the sound of a component is typical of the way his reviews are done. I place little stock in his graphs or comments because his measured results are all well below detection thresholds. My faith remains with Mike Moffat and Jason Stoddard's ability to design a remarkable sounding DAC that is an astonishing performer and an incredible value in my book.
I am still completely enamoured with my Schitt Audio Yggdrasil DAC. This past month has found me listening to my living room sound system with the Yggy more than the studio system with the Esoteric K-01X. There is insight in that comment if you will take a moment to dwell on it. The Yggdrasil sounds so good, so much like real music, it is difficult to end a listening session. High-res downloads played from the Aurender N100H music server and the MOON Neo 260D transport through the Yggdrasil DAC are rich, detailed, dynamic, and authentic with an ultra quiet velvet black background. I am not left wanting for anything. This is precisely why I let my ears and brain decide what's good for my audio pleasure, not some bench test results that do not reflect the actual performance. I allow my ears to be my guide.
You said it yourself, specs aren't everything. I remember my original McIntosh MC30 mono tube amplifiers that I purchased back in 1968. The specs were not that spectacular, especially compared to today's standards, but man oh man did those amplifiers sound good. I don't listen to meaningless graphs representing electrical performance below audible detection thresholds. I listen to music. That is all that really matters to me. In my humble opinion, the newest Yggdrasil is a fabulous digital to analog converter that draws me to it like a moth to a flame.
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I love to read your reviews. Well listened well written and thought out. As i responded to Serge above some of his data the THD by frequency rung true to me. Having a DAC he did test. Some the Analog A Yggdrasil reviews of yours makes one think the THD by frequency especially low end mentions you might also be hearing. Thus it is probably pleasing to your ears in your and your capable system. Would I still like to try a Yggy you bet.
I have not owned a Mcintosh tube system yet. Being nostalgic, i bought an early Yamaha receiver I owned in college. It was heaven to my ears at first listen then and was again after i went back to this hobby. After jumping into McIntosh going back to the trusty Yamaha now not the same experience even powering same speakers. You are extremely lucky owning MC30s out of the gate. I would not doubt your ability to distinguish great sound given your exposure and time in the hobby.
When you kids tell you thanks for teaching me what great sound is those moments stick with you and all the more reason for this hobby. But I still like to peak at a graph of performance now and then.