December 7, 2001
Subject: Art DI/O DAC
I was intrigued by your comments about the ART DI/O DAC. I
have a few questions about this unit:
- I understand that this is a pro-audio product that utilizes
"phono"-type connectors. How difficult would it be to use the DI/O in a strictly
home hi-fi system (i.e., what kind of cable conversion would typically be
necessary)?
- Do you know a typical "street price" for this
unit?
I guess what I really want to know is how successfully you
think the DI/O could be integrated into a home hi-fi system.
Thanks,
Pete
Hi Pete:
Yes, the DI/O uses 1/4" "phone"
connectors (not "phono") like headphones use, only mono. You'll either need to
purchase custom cables terminated differently at the two ends from a pro catalog, such as
Markertek, or use a converter at one end. Space is extremely tight on the DI/O, so
converting it to consumer-type ins and outs is out of the question.
I have seen the unit sell for $159 on the web -- it
may be available for less, but I haven't actively shopped it.
And yes, you could certainly use this as a consumer
unit. It doesn't offer upsampling, but it is a warm-sounding, very high-quality DA/AD unit
that offers extraordinary performance at a pricepoint that is practically painless.
December 4, 2001
Subject: New preamplifier
I'm looking for a preamp to replace my Krell KRC-HR and am
considering the ARC Ref 2 Mk II and Ayre K-1x. I'm happy with the KRC-HR, but would like
to have a better preamp that could bring me closer to the music. From your latest
follow-up review of the Ayre, it seems to fit my expectation very well. (You put the Ayre
at the same class as the CJ ART, that's really high rating indeed. I cannot pick the CJ
due to lack of XLR outputs).
How would you compare the ARC and the Ayre? Which one would
work better with my system? My current system includes:
- SACD player/CD transport: Sony SCD-1
- Digital processor: Tact RCS 2.0 and Meridian 518
- DAC: Apogee DA2000
- Preamp: Krell KRC-HR
- Amp: Sonic Frontiers Power 3 / Bryston 7B-ST (bi-amp
configuration)
- Speaker: Dunlavy Millennium
You may suggest preamps other than Ayre or ARC, but I need
balanced output due to the way I am set up with bi-amping. I listen mostly to classical
music and prefer an uncolored, balanced, and neutral system from bass to treble.
Thanks a lot,
Pevin
Hi Pevin:
I'm really high on the Ayre K-1x right now, but I
have to caution you that I haven't heard the ARC for about four years, so there's no way
my sonic memory of it is reliable, I certainly found it admirable when I reviewed it, but
there's no way I can compare it point by point with the K-1x at this remove.
Since you already have a superlative preamp in the
Krell, I suspect there's something specific you're looking for -- something you feel the
Krell doesn't deliver. Perhaps if I knew what that was, I might have more pertinent
information, but I wouldn't guarantee it. Just be sure you're not changing simply to
change....
December 1, 2001
Subject: Ultimate Outlets and preamplifiers
I have a KRC-3, FPB-200, and Musical Fidelity M3. Before I
bought PS Audio's Ultimate Outlet, I liked the M3 better. After I bought the Outlet, both
Krells improved more than the M3. I think the Krells are better than M3 with the Outlet.
However, I sold my KRC-3 already. Now I want to buy a new
preamp. As the KRC-3 was rated Class B by Stereophile, I want to buy a Class A
preamp. I am interested in Simaudio's P5, which you reviewed there. I hope to know
whether you can give me suggestions on Simaudio P5, Levinson 380S, and Krell KRC-HR. Which
is better to match Krell FPBs? I may go to FPB-250M latter. The KCT version is too
expensive.
By the way, how about Adcom GFP-750? I am looking forward
to hearing from you.
Hanjiang
Hi Hanjiang:
That wasn't me who reviewed the P5 in Stereophile,
but I did review the KRC-HC and if you can buy one, I doubt you'll regret it.
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