MDAC First Listen (part 00111010)
- Thread starter JohnW
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Stunsworth
pfm Member
The last update was that John was testing the advanced version of the clock and there were problems with the reflow oven.
sam_cat
C'est Crounchifique!
He was going to update here with any big news and facebook with smaller updates/details of the process from memory. Not seen him post here since. He is on the forums near enough daily (https://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/members/johnw.14119/ - See: JohnW was last seen: Yesterday at 9:06 PM )
s1h1
performing within expectations
https://hifipig.com/stack-audio-link-usb-music-streamer/
"
Stack Audio has spent the last 5 years understanding the effects of phase noise, so John Westlake was the perfect partner to work with for the LINK. John has extensively researched phase noise and its effects on timing accuracy.
At the core of the detox system is an ultra-low phase noise USB audio clock circuit. The ethernet input is synchronised to the audio clock to reduce the small variations in the timing of the digital signals. A dedicated USB audio output buffers the signal to purify it and EMI filter circuitry removes remaining interference. The LINK is powered by an extremely low noise, multi-stage power circuit. Three independent switching regulators are synchronized to the audio clock ensuring that the fluctuations of the switching circuit are in time with the clock, reducing fluctuations and noise. The LINK’s bank of 9 low ESR capacitors and triple linear regulated circuit that further help to ensure the power source is clean.
The LINK’s sensitive electronics are protected in a high-mass case machined from solid aluminium."
"
Stack Audio has spent the last 5 years understanding the effects of phase noise, so John Westlake was the perfect partner to work with for the LINK. John has extensively researched phase noise and its effects on timing accuracy.
At the core of the detox system is an ultra-low phase noise USB audio clock circuit. The ethernet input is synchronised to the audio clock to reduce the small variations in the timing of the digital signals. A dedicated USB audio output buffers the signal to purify it and EMI filter circuitry removes remaining interference. The LINK is powered by an extremely low noise, multi-stage power circuit. Three independent switching regulators are synchronized to the audio clock ensuring that the fluctuations of the switching circuit are in time with the clock, reducing fluctuations and noise. The LINK’s bank of 9 low ESR capacitors and triple linear regulated circuit that further help to ensure the power source is clean.
The LINK’s sensitive electronics are protected in a high-mass case machined from solid aluminium."
Stunsworth
pfm Member
The words “detox system” must have people who are not familiar with this thread scratching their heads.
There’s more information on the Stack Audio site here
https://stackaudio.co.uk/link/
Apparently it features signal detox of the USB output.
You optimistic.
misterdog
Not the canine kind
beammeup
pfm Member
Late getting back to you Jansen - but the sMS-200 sPS-500 massively outperforms the Stream Box in all areas without exception in the following context:
I only stream from cloud sources such as Tidal... this is the rest of the chain:
The sMS-200 Ultra + sPS-500 ===> USB/SPDIF converter ===> Goldenote DSS 30i DAC (£3500 new) ===> Yamaha A-S801 amp (£800 new) ===> Gold Note XS 93 speakers (£8000 new).
If I replace the SOtM pair in that same context with the Streambox - there's no contest.
Sorry again for the late response, but I wanted to live with the Streambox for a while before making up my mind. The Streambox represents excellent vfm though!
Say what?
Worked for me with power amp
timola
pfm Member
Say what?
timola
pfm Member
I don't know if its just me, but the PCB layout of the 'Link' looks suspiciously like a Lakewest design. John's been hard at work elsewhere, let's hope it pays off for us here.
At £695 its competitive with the streambox, but the build quality especially the solid aluminum chassis looks worth the extra. So this is a Detox + Streamer in a seriously shielded case that looks better than the Detox prototype designed for us.
We just need the new MDAC2 and pair it with the Link and we're there. Maybe the Link lacks the 'decorrelator' capability and anybody waiting just for the ultimate Detox shouldn't buy the Link instead....just yet anyway.
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