Vivaldi DAC Review

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Bob,

You know you want it. We know you want it. Just swap the DAC and clock. There, easy.

[enatai252]

I am on the verge of ordering the Vivaldi DAC and Upsampler...both in black. Would connect to DX5 for transport Naim HDX BNC digital out and UPnP Naim HDX server for ripped CD selection and hi Rez recordings in FLAC on my NAS

System is Ayre KXR/MXR/Alexia(on order...Sasha now). Also swap Ref 250 instead of MXR for some sessions


Will decide by Wed.

Struggling with whether Upsampler for network streaming and DSD/DXD upsampling is worth the increase. I feel like. I would always wish i had it any DCS owners with input would be helpful. This would replace the ArC Ref DAC in my main system and I would take the ARC up to my cabin to pair with Ref 40/Ref 150/Duettes. I am very pleased with the Ref DAC....best DAC I have heard to date


We will see how the Vivaldi compares

[chessman]

Originally Posted by enatai252

I am on the verge of ordering the Vivaldi DAC and Upsampler...both in black. Would connect to DX5 for transport Naim HDX BNC digital out and UPnP Naim HDX server for ripped CD selection and hi Rez recordings in FLAC on my NAS

System is Ayre KXR/MXR/Alexia(on order...Sasha now). Also swap Ref 250 instead of MXR for some sessions

Will decide by Wed.

Struggling with whether Upsampler for network streaming and DSD/DXD upsampling is worth the increase. I feel like. I would always wish i had it any DCS owners with input would be helpful. This would replace the ArC Ref DAC in my main system and I would take the ARC up to my cabin to pair with Ref 40/Ref 150/Duettes. I am very pleased with the Ref DAC....best DAC I have heard to date

We will see how the Vivaldi compares

Wow!! One heck of an upgrade. Congrats!!

[vintage_tube]

Going all in enatai252? Sure sounds it and a wonderful transformation in motion.

I only know of two folks with a Vivaldi in their homes and Cincy2 is one with the DAC (this thread) and would be the one to consult. The other has a full stack with all Nordost Odin cabling ($100K+) and he's 'on-net' shy. A few others haven't received their components as yet -- still sort of new on US shores.

Happy New Year Folks,

Bob

[Portugal]

enatai252,

I understand that you use the Ayre DX5, the ARC Ref DAC and now the Vivaldi.

Three DACs. Have you compared these devices regarding USB input to DAC?

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by Portugal

enatai252,

I understand that you use the Ayre DX5, the ARC Ref DAC and now the Vivaldi.

Three DACs. Have you compared these devices regarding USB input to DAC?

Portugal

Not sure I can be much help on USB. While I have moved more of my listening to audio files...I use the Naim HDX to rip to a NAS or to access downloaded hi Rez files. I don't use a computer/USB. The DX5 is used for blu ray HT, SACD discs and as a transport through the AES/EBU connection for CD playback. My DAC was the ARC DAC8 which was connected to the DX5 through AES and Naim HDX with BNC connection. I upgraded the DAC8 with the ref DAC which was an improvement. With the Ref DAC...i used the same AES and BNC connections and also used its built in streaming capability. There is a review AA of the Ref DAC and I have to say I disagree with its findings on the streamer capability. I have found it to be very good although I do think the Naim streamer through BNC sounds slightly better. The Ref DAC takes the benefits of the DAC8 and adds depth and air that is downright unbelievable.

Having said that...the Ref DAC seems best suited for a system that is digital only. In my cabin...I use the same Naim server system so I am moving it up there to replace the Naim DAC. I researched a lot of DACs out there and have decided that the Ring DAC/Upsampler would work nicely in my system. My ideal would be Vivaldi Upsampler serving as media hub and streamer...then using 2 AES connections and clock between Upsampler and Vivaldi DAC providing numerous options with respect to sampling rates and filters. i also want to see how the Vivaldi controller app turns out. (Naim system works so well) Still have some more questions...but John from dCS has been very helpful. Will update this thread if I decide to move forward

[Cincy2]

Originally Posted by enatai252

Struggling with whether Upsampler for network streaming and DSD/DXD upsampling is worth the increase. I feel like. I would always wish i had it any DCS owners with input would be helpful.

First the Vivaldi DAC. IMHO, this converter has made all others irrelevant. If your source material and the rest of your system are up to the task, it will give you live music in your room. I can't offer any more words that do it justice.

Now for up sampling. I've tried my system briefly without an upsampler this weekend - direct USB input to the Vivaldi from my Mac Mini. The astounding clarity and vanishing noise floor are still there but I felt the sound stage was not as expansive as when I was sending the DAC 24/192 from my Paganini upsampler. I would miss the upsampler. Without it however, the Vivaldi DAC still sets a new standard for digital.

Cincy

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by Cincy2

First the Vivaldi DAC. IMHO, this converter has made all others irrelevant. If your source material and the rest of your system are up to the task, it will give you live music in your room. I can't offer any more words that do it justice.

Now for up sampling. I've tried my system briefly without an upsampler this weekend - direct USB input to the Vivaldi from my Mac Mini. The astounding clarity and vanishing noise floor are still there but I felt the sound stage was not as expansive as when I was sending the DAC 24/192 from my Paganini upsampler. I would miss the upsampler. Without it however, the Vivaldi DAC still sets a new standard for digital.

Cincy

Thanks Cincy...for me the Upsampler also will add streamer capability. The price is a little steep for that capability but I think I would always want it if I didn't get it

19k buys a lot of music...I will pass on the clock and transport so I guess I can say I saved 50k....going to stop thinking about it and enjoy ringing in the new year. Will make the call on Wed.

My bet is that I have the two pieces in 5 weeks.

Enjoy yours...nice set up

[VPN]

Dear Cincy,

Thank you!

When you have some time, it would be great to know what you hear as the sonic differences of Vivaldi DAC (only) vs. Vivaldi DAC + Clock. Using the USB input if possible.

Also interested to know your view on what makes the most improvement, if the clock or the upsampler.

Cheers,

VPN

[enatai252]

I made the order today


Vivaldi DAC/clock/up sampler and 8 Nordost Vahalla digital cables. I ordered them in black. 4-5 weeks til delivery. John Q from dCS was very helpful in the process

Will be here before the Alexias arrive