JohnW
pfm member
Bruce,
For sure
, what's the rest of your system? so just to be sure you will get the best out of the MDAC DDA "unique" design - how will it be used...
MDAC First Listen (part 00111001)
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Bruce,
For sure
, what's the rest of your system? so just to be sure you will get the best out of the MDAC DDA "unique" design - how will it be used...
moosemeat
pfm Member
Bruce,
For sure
Hi John,
Great!
I'd be running the MDAC into either Genelec 8030a or Mackie HR824 MK2 monitors. Previously, I've just streamed to the MDAC, but could I just connect an external drive directly to the MDAC DDA or does it support an internal SSD... perhaps that's the FDAC I'm thinking of?
Cheers,
Bruce
JohnW
pfm member
Bruce,
Ping me an Email and I'll let you know more about the DDA design - hence the costs...
JohnW
pfm member
Bruce,
There is no space inside the MDAC for an SSD drive - but we "might" be able to offer with upto 256GB internal memory - although 64GB offers the best cost ratio.
We have tested with 16GB, but really require specialised equipment to mount the 0.35mm eMMC BGA packages - we have tried and failed twice to mount the BGA's by hand so I'm not sure whats going on with the 64GB devices as we have mounted the 4Gb and 16GB devices (same package) without issue.
Each IC's like US$50 so it gets expensive when you mess up...
Space is the Place
pfm Member
Whats so special about the DDA Dac then it's discreet right? but what other features does it have? can you implement a crossover with it for example?
I run an active crossover and four monoblocks, ultimately i'd like to replace the crossover or have it tweaked to provide better performance, or get rid of it entirely and implement it digitally.
I've tried a pair of Ncore monoblocks and without the discreet buffer (ie just running on the standard input opamps they were ok but nothing special) with the Sparkos input boards they were much more interesting SQ wise
I run an active crossover and four monoblocks, ultimately i'd like to replace the crossover or have it tweaked to provide better performance, or get rid of it entirely and implement it digitally.
I've tried a pair of Ncore monoblocks and without the discreet buffer (ie just running on the standard input opamps they were ok but nothing special) with the Sparkos input boards they were much more interesting SQ wise
JohnW
pfm member
You have PM...
Space is the Place
pfm Member
Thanks John.
JohnW
pfm member
Thanks John.
No problem... hope it answered some questions
Its a real shame that a few have caused this thread to become so hostile that we have to resort to PM....
I used to very much enjoy discussions about project developments.
Stunsworth
pfm Member
John, do you have approximate costing for the production costs of the three versions? I fully understand if you want to wait until you have accurate coatings.
JohnW
pfm member
Without the streamer and HQ PSU - the 1 & 2 will be around GBP250 to GBP400
The MDAC2 DDA is much more expensive (simply due to parts cost) at about GBP1200 price including the streamer PCB, but you then have to also add the development funding and donor MDAC.
These prices only apply to current MDAC2 / FDAC sponsors...
The MDAC2 DDA is much more expensive (simply due to parts cost) at about GBP1200 price including the streamer PCB, but you then have to also add the development funding and donor MDAC.
These prices only apply to current MDAC2 / FDAC sponsors...
JohnW
pfm member
EIffel,
I hear you, but the constant negativity from some quarters just knocks me back when I pump everything and more into these projects!
timola
pfm Member
John, I was under the impression the discrete version of the MDAC2 would sound best for my needs, but if you think the DDA MDAC2 will be at least as good then I would go for that, I don't mind the extra cost. I also like the idea of an external HQ-PSU powering both the Detox and the MDAC2.
Stunsworth
pfm Member
Thanks John.
JohnW
pfm member
So the discrete DAC has the better "DAC" section, while the DDA has the better analogue stage.... I suspect there sound signature will appeal to different people.
Also the discrete dac has some limitations such as no volume control with DSD and only supporting upto PCM 192KHz with volume control.
The MDAC2 DDA has non of these limitations...
FDAC will have the space to combine the best virtues of both designs.
timola
pfm Member
I'm definitely very excited by the FDAC as that will be the true reference LakeWest design and I for one will wait patiently for it as long as it takes.
The wait will be made far easier with the MDAC2 in place...and promising to be rather special.
As for sound signature, I do like the analogue sound, where I think sibilance is lower, but I was expecting your extremely low jitter design with advanced clock locking etc, would take care of that.
With 4 DAC chips and still the discrete is expected to be a better DAC....I thought the analogue stage was just as important?
I'll go for what you recommend for me (maybe closer to the production time you could PM/email).
I still think the original MDAC sounds brilliant given a well produced song/piece.
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