DAC Shootout Part Deux: Ayre, AMR, Luxman, McIntosh

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by -E-

I'll also agree with you about the BUC-1. However, a quality USB input makes life a whole lot easier, not to mention sounds better.

Okay, so it might be a little inconvenient, and I did have to throw a few more dollars into the kitty to keep my hi-res files in the act with the MDA1000. But as to the sound with the BUC-1, I have zero complaints. The hi-res files sound fabulous through the BUC-1 and MDA1000. It's a nice little chassis too, with the typical Bryston build quality. I like it.

The BUC-1 does occupy one of the MDA's coaxial inputs, but fortunately McIntosh was generous enough to give us three coaxial inputs. I use one for the BUC-1, and one for my Blu-Ray Player's digital output. Since I'm using the balanced AES/EBU connection for my MCD1000, that still leaves me one unoccupied coaxial input, plus three optical inputs. Life is good!

[-E-]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

Okay, so it might be a little inconvenient, and I did have to throw a few more dollars into the kitty to keep my hi-res files in the act with the MDA1000. But as to the sound with the BUC-1, I have zero complaints. The hi-res files sound fabulous through the BUC-1 and MDA1000. It's a nice little chassis too, with the typical Bryston build quality. I like it.

The BUC-1 does occupy one of the MDA's coaxial inputs, but fortunately McIntosh was generous enough to give us three coaxial inputs. I use one for the BUC-1, and one for my Blu-Ray Player's digital output. Since I'm using the balanced AES/EBU connection for my MCD1000, that still leaves me one unoccupied coaxial input, plus three optical inputs. Life is good!

And if it only had one analog input, I'd be set, too... but I still envision me having a turntable.

[jbaudio68]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Thanks a lot Emile ! Once again a very informative shoot out. From what I read, I may keep my 777 standard and forget the SE version. Although some more sparkle in the treble could be a plus, I really love the analog character of the 777.

I tend to agree-- I may just sit on my 777 (standard) for a bit. Nice write up Emile!

[Jerome W]

Emile,
The only points where I really disagree with you are the use of the internal preamp of the 777 or the MDA1000 ( although you used a separate preamp in this shootout) and their announced quality.
I tried and I tried and I tried...with various power amps, various speakers. The results were very very disappointing compared to using a separate preamp. To my ears, the sound gets constricted, the image collapses, micro and macro dynamics are frustrating, there is a terrific loss of weight and density of the music. They both actually perform like budget preamps. But even a little Linn Kollector would be much better to me.
Preamps used are : Shindo Giscours, Manley 300B, McIntosh C45 and C48, Electrocompaniet EC4.6. I also compared the preamp output of the MDA1000 to my C220 and my C1000P when I had them.
To me, those preamps are not "colored" compared to the ones of the 777 and the MDA1000. That is exactly the opposite. They are much more neutral and balanced.

[imprezap2]

Nice review, one question I have, how long was the Ayre powered on before the test, these units are notorious for taking a long time to come to life. (even after taking the powercord off for a short time)

My DX-5 takes up to two days before sounding great.

Olaf

[Mechnutt]

It is interesting that the Luxman was found to have a digital edge and a thin midrange. When I heard it in my system it was anything but digital and the midrange was lush, deep and full. Even the 3 professional reviews comment on how full and musical the midrange is and how analog and smooth sounding it is. It just proves that it is all about system matching.

[-E-]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Emile,
The only points where I really disagree with you are the use of the internal preamp of the 777 or the MDA1000 ( although you used a separate preamp in this shootout) and their announced quality.
I tried and I tried and I tried...with various power amps, various speakers. The results were very very disappointing compared to using a separate preamp. To my ears, the sound gets constricted, the image collapses, micro and macro dynamics are frustrating, there is a terrific loss of weight and density of the music. They both actually perform like budget preamps. But even a little Linn Kollector would be much better to me.
Preamps used are : Shindo Giscours, Manley 300B, McIntosh C45 and C48, Electrocompaniet EC4.6. I also compared the preamp output of the MDA1000 to my C220 and my C1000P when I had them.
To me, those preamps are not "colored" compared to the ones of the 777 and the MDA1000. That is exactly the opposite. They are much more neutral and balanced.

Oui, oui, Jerome. Je t'aime all the same.

You've got to remember that the output stage whether on variable or fixed attenuation on the MDA or the 777 are running the same path.

However, you are a staunch member of the Pro-preamp camp. And that is fine. And your own ears like the changes encountered when using with the multitude of pres you have. Good!

For me, the Pass was the first pre I actually liked. Nay... loved. It is a superb piece of gear (even with its abysmally slow volume swing). But I could save the $30k and just let the AMR do the duty since all I'd ever need is a single analog in. Now if the MDA had an analog in, this simpleton would be set!

[JemHadar]

Love these shootouts... Thank You Emile and the Crew.

[Eisener Bart]

Emile and Co, thank you for so many letters + photos.

I am stiil in love with my DP-777 and happy that I believed in results of your first shootout.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by -E-

Oui, oui, Jerome. Je t'aime all the same. You've got to remember that the output stage whether on variable or fixed attenuation on the MDA or the 777 are running the same path. However, you are a staunch member of the Pro-preamp camp. And that is fine. And your own ears like the changes encountered when using with the multitude of pres you have. Good! For me, the Pass was the first pre I actually liked. Nay... loved. It is a superb piece of gear (even with its abysmally slow volume swing). But I could save the $30k and just let the AMR do the duty since all I'd ever need is a single analog in. Now if the MDA had an analog in, this simpleton would be set!

LOL ! Je t'aime too Emile !
You just need to listen to more high end preamps !
Kidding aside with or without a preamp, Life is good !