But we've both experienced differences with the Original vs. 1st pass!
I've not tried the original v one pass yet, but yes, I found minute differences between the 20 pass v original.
So, assuming I also find them between original and one pass, as you did - what does this tell us?
What it tells me is that there is more audible distortion after one pass compared to the original.
I've been told by Ethan that the original is transparent but this hasn't been proven.
If it is true then the distortion levels created by adding one pass are high enough as to be audible.
If the XFi's DAC function is not audibly transparent then the extra pass makes it more distorted still.
Either way there's a clear action that causes a reaction that is audible.
I just don't see this as revelatory. It's interesting though.
OK, it may have been a ropey old Soundblaster (was it ropey and old?)
2005 and with a transparent DAC, allegedly.
but it was an AB'able difference! What if those subtle differences add up to a better sound?
The subtle differences added up to a more distorted sound, but they were not real-world differences, they were a consequence of a test that used the sound card in ways not intended for.
You won't have to worry about these differences if using a transparent DAC, as a DAC, without the loop and extra pass/es.
You've already found this out for yourself!
OK, speakers make more obvious differences, but approach the whole thing with an open mind and think for yourself
I always do.
beyond the mantra others may feed you from either side.
Always do, and I hope you do too?
To be clear (how many times do I have to type those words!) I'm not suggesting you're a stooge or what-have-you, but you do seem to believe what the "first guy" said to the exclusion of all the experiences and advice you may be receiving ever since...
Ian, it's not about believing or repeating what the first guy said. I most certainly do temper what I think I know with new information, wouldn't one be a little stifled if in life they didn't do that?
What I'm still not seeing is what may have come out of this thread that may be a catalyst for change, or even contemplation? I genuinely just don't get what all the fuss is about.
The thread was started by a guy who sells the notion of differences for a living, and we've found some differences using ABX, but these differences exist and seem to be explainable.
Differences between DACs may exist too, though there's no need for this to be the case these days and indeed you've found it isn't with the DACs you've tested.
I think you're drawing an illogical conclusion from all of this, i.e., I've heard differences between A and C, because of B, so maybe X differs too, because of B, even though B isn't used with X, so I'll have to re-check.
With the greatest of respect (genuine), while I appreciate your open-mindedness I think your very decent nature has allowed you to be a touch manipulated by the thinly veiled commercial interest of others.