diybry
pfm Member
My system: CB250, 32.5 (Avondale 821) Hicap (Avondale TPR4) KEF R5s
Analogue source LP12/Ittock/Troika (Little used these days)
Digital source NAD D1050, JRiver and Tidal
I've trialed the Ryan sound boards in my 32.5, and am very impressed with the result. removal of a veil from the music, more depth and detail. Excellent foot tapping stuff. Definitely an improvement over both the Naim and Avondale 821 boards (I've not heard the 821A, which are probably the equivalent, to be fair to Avondale)
However I've also tried eliminating the 32.5, inputting the DAC output directly into the 250, using Jriver volume control, and here's the issue:
Sound quality seemed poorer than even the standard Naim board equipped 32.5. it's hard to describe the actual difference, there seemed to be a lack of 'drive' and soundstage. Kind of 'flat'
The NAD tech blurb says the D1050 output impedance is 'vey low' (although I cannot find an actual figure) whilst the 250 input impedance is 18k. My freshly googled knowledge tells me this should be fine.
I'd really like to achieve a passive input to the 250, as again, I've read that a reduction in complexity should result in an improvement in quality.
So what could be the reason for this result?
I've thought of several, and would appreciate guidance on which one may be correct, and also, what could I do to optimise a passive input to the 250, such as building a DIY passive preamp that wont cost the earth....
1) The 32.5 actually adds some colouration the music which whilst it may not be accurate, is pleasing to the ear?
2) I know the 32.5 has some filter (high frequency?) which the 250 requires to operate correctly, but I've also read that it's no longer necessary with modern electronics?
3) The 250 requires an input buffer. I don't know why this should be, as my very limited understanding is that a buffer 'matches' impedances, which from what I've red, are already compatible?
4) The JRiver digital volume control is degrading the signal? (Although this seems highly unlikely to me)
Any solutins, ideas or theories are welcome. I guess I'm I'm rather hoping all this will lead to a simple passive DIY preamp which will outperform the 32.5 by virtue of its lack of electronic complexity, but if not, I'll probably go for Kit's sound boards in the 32.5
Analogue source LP12/Ittock/Troika (Little used these days)
Digital source NAD D1050, JRiver and Tidal
I've trialed the Ryan sound boards in my 32.5, and am very impressed with the result. removal of a veil from the music, more depth and detail. Excellent foot tapping stuff. Definitely an improvement over both the Naim and Avondale 821 boards (I've not heard the 821A, which are probably the equivalent, to be fair to Avondale)
However I've also tried eliminating the 32.5, inputting the DAC output directly into the 250, using Jriver volume control, and here's the issue:
Sound quality seemed poorer than even the standard Naim board equipped 32.5. it's hard to describe the actual difference, there seemed to be a lack of 'drive' and soundstage. Kind of 'flat'
The NAD tech blurb says the D1050 output impedance is 'vey low' (although I cannot find an actual figure) whilst the 250 input impedance is 18k. My freshly googled knowledge tells me this should be fine.
I'd really like to achieve a passive input to the 250, as again, I've read that a reduction in complexity should result in an improvement in quality.
So what could be the reason for this result?
I've thought of several, and would appreciate guidance on which one may be correct, and also, what could I do to optimise a passive input to the 250, such as building a DIY passive preamp that wont cost the earth....
1) The 32.5 actually adds some colouration the music which whilst it may not be accurate, is pleasing to the ear?
2) I know the 32.5 has some filter (high frequency?) which the 250 requires to operate correctly, but I've also read that it's no longer necessary with modern electronics?
3) The 250 requires an input buffer. I don't know why this should be, as my very limited understanding is that a buffer 'matches' impedances, which from what I've red, are already compatible?
4) The JRiver digital volume control is degrading the signal? (Although this seems highly unlikely to me)
Any solutins, ideas or theories are welcome. I guess I'm I'm rather hoping all this will lead to a simple passive DIY preamp which will outperform the 32.5 by virtue of its lack of electronic complexity, but if not, I'll probably go for Kit's sound boards in the 32.5