Adding a P38

[SteveR750]

I think I'd want to compare the PC to a DS before making that journey. It's going to have to go some to be worth that much expense over using a "free" PC, given how impressive I have got my PC to sound.

 

[CnoEvil]

I think I'd want to compare the PC to a DS before making that journey. It's going to have to go some to be worth that much expense over using a "free" PC, given how impressive I have got my PC to sound.

Sounds sensible to me.

 

[BenLaw]

Is there still scope for a change of amplification (even if that is after source is addressed)? Might there be something which gives you the elements you like in both the Arcam and the Roksan?

 

[SteveR750]

Always scope for a change at some later date.

I quite like the idea of an m6i and nearly bought one off the bay before doing the sensible thing and demoing the M2, 8xpd and XS. I think Cno is right though, the next are to look at is probably the source, good though the dacmagic plus is, it's probably a bit out of its depth (see what I did there).

Right now I am really enjoying just listening to a random playlist, some new songs tyhat I've not played before and some very familar ones and all sounding fantastic musically. I just can't quite decide whic filter to set the DAC to, I think I prefer LIN1 which gives a slightly glassier sound maybe but the imagery and "focus" is just that bits sharper. I'm not going to make any more changes though for at least a couple of months, even if I wanted do / could afford to because the D18s are clearly not fully run in. I was listening to Achtung Baby earlier, and there was a depth and slam to one of the tracks that I have never experienced before. This is where the M2 excels I think, it has massive amounts of sonic grunt which are great for rock / pop. I suspect finding something super smooth with the same amount of fizz and energy is going to cost a fair bit more.

 

[CnoEvil]

I suspect finding something super smooth with the same amount of fizz and energy is going to cost a fair bit more.

This is where I totally agree. I have usually found that you have to double the cost to get a meaningful gain.

 

[Shanka]

Hi Steve,

Glad to see you are loving your Caspian again, I still love mine and think is a great amp for the price, was a recent group test with the A38 and Caspian in another hifi mag this month if you are curious on their findings, worth a little look.

I will be looking for a DAC for my system soon, have a dacmagic on one of my other set ups but looking for something better to go into the Caspian, was wondering if you heard the MF M1 ?

Have fun

 

[SteveR750]

Hi Steve, Glad to see you are loving your Caspian again, I still love mine and think is a great amp for the price, was a recent group test with the A38 and Caspian in another hifi mag this month if you are curious on their findings, worth a little look. I will be looking for a DAC for my system soon, have a dacmagic on one of my other set ups but looking for something better to go into the Caspian, was wondering if you heard the MF M1 ? Have fun

Thanks Shanka. Which mag was it, or better still what was their view (as I doubt I'd buy said mag anyway).

I'm afraid that when it comes to DAC I have been extremely unscientific. I bought the dacmagic on im pulse when I set my PC up, so it was one part of many changes (for a net improvement). I have since heard the peach and the QBD76 using same PC source, Kandy K2 (and M2) and the MA GX300 speakers which are nothing like the ProAcs. I have to say, I didn't realise that the pach was a £900 DAC, which might give you a clue as to what I thought of it, but the QBD76 was out of this world, and made a bigger difference with the K2 in place than replacing the K2 with a pre 8x / 2 x mono x setup (with the peach dac)

What is told me is that a good DAC has a big influence, but I'm not sure that there that much difference in the price range of up to say £750. I could be completely wrong, as it is only a hunch! I have just bought the dacmagic plus, so don't want to change it quote so soon, plus it has a headphone amp, which the M2 doesn't of course.

Happy Hunting!