Ultra high end.

[PHC1]

This forum requires a black tie when you enter.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by PHC1

This forum requires a black tie when you enter.

I am wearing a black tie right now - honest .

If I had to give up Mc, here's what I'd love to own. Of course, replacing big blue eyes with beady little orange eyes does not sound that great :-).

Alberto

[-E-]

/me puts on a tux.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Alberto

I am wearing a black tie right now - honest .

If I had to give up Mc, here's what I'd love to own. Of course, replacing big blue eyes with beady little orange eyes does not sound that great :-).

Alberto

darTZeel is very popular with many. I would probably own either the amp or the preamp but not both. Together they are a little too warm and dynamically flat. You'd be wise to also audition Lamm as you may actually like it even better.

[gregswaim]

I've auditioned dCS Scarlotti(sp ?) in 2006 and have found MAC digital to be better-more natural and dynamic. dCS certainly costs a quite a bit. Stereophile had really great reviews on this machine. I rate this disc spinner as being a "me too" CDP, MAC offers a much better value(value = sound quality) in my opinion.

[JSCC]

I have already started with the entry level Acapella - the High Violon MkIV. So, think I qualify to be in BLACK underwear ... oooppps, I mean bow-tie.

Now testing the waters (thanks to Serge for his encouragement) on Wavacs PR-T1 Preamp & the HE833 V1.3 (150 SET watter) monoblocks. I dont know if I am crazy to try this cause I know deep in my mind, unless my bet on Lehman Brothers is still valid (which in reality had gone underwater), there is NO WAY I could ever have these on my shelves!

Anyway, trial is free .. so savor first ... worry later!

[ruffoc]

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[Still-One]

Originally Posted by ruffoc

While not ultra high end my Esoteric DV-50s is an awesome machine. I preferred it to the McIntosh MDA/MDC 1000 combo, Chord dac. All of which i had an opportunity to do extended auditions of in the same system.

I came up with a little different conclusion. My X03-se sounded the same on SACD as my MCD-500, but the 500 was better in the low end and a bit more natural sounding overall. The 1000 pair was a no go for me due to the lack of SACD capabilities. The other big feature on the 500 is having access to the DAC's which as noted above I feel are a bit better than in the Esoteric.

As far a build quality the Esoteric units are near bullet proof and the mechanisms better built than either the 1000 or 500.

[howiebrou]

I like the dartzeel preamps and amps. Beautifully built, striking looks and great sound when mated with the Vivid Gaias.

As for DCS, wow, that is one sound that really does not suit me. I auditioned the Scarlatti back to back with the Naim CD555 + PS555 and the Naim totally blew it away. The grip and control of bass from the Naim was unbelievable. I would rate it as one of the top 3 digital players I have auditioned.

The MBL reference players are also amazing. Slightly different sound signature from the Naim, slower sound but very involving.

How lucky we are to have so many great brands to choose from.

[ruffoc]

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