Finall got my rDAC

[roger06]

Well it's been a long wait but the rDAC finally arrived this morning.

Will report later on what difference it makes in Apple TV ->rDAC -> Naim Nait5i setup compared to the current AppleTV -> Yamaha AV amp -> Naim Nait 5i.

 

[Helmut80]

excellent news, looking forward to your review.

 

[6th.replicant]

Don't forget, the rDAC needs at least 70 hours of run-in before it performs at its best.

Sounds a load of ol' cobblers and illogical, but IME it's true.

And no, it's not a case of one's hearing becoming accustomed to the rDAC's sound - I didn't listen to mine during run-in and had other Arcam kit for before/after comparison

 

[roger06]

Well a bit underwhelmed sadly. It's only a marginal improvement on using the AV amp as a DAC.

As you write though 6th, it probably needs a good run in, as does (I suspect) the new Chord Crimson interconnect.

There's certainly more bass and a bit more clarity than using the AV amp – but it doesn't (yet anyway) reach the standard of the Naim CD5i / Nait5i I was hoping to replace with the streaming solution.

I'm told an £18.99 Maplin power supply also improves things.

 

[Overdose]

Keep us updated, I'm not dipping my toe into new DAC territory just yet. Making do with my DIY DAC for now, until I can justify buying one.

 

[6th.replicant]

...A bit underwhelmed sadly...

As was I, initially.

Mine sounded very bass-heavy, gloopy and plodding.

So I phoned Arcam and spoke with a techy, who assured me the rDAC needs at least 70 hours run-in - and if I was still unhappy after run-in, he offered to arrange a full refund.

After 70 hours, the bass had tightened considerably, there was more detail and the overall sound had more 'snap'. Gaw'd knows why or how??

And, as mentioned, I did not listen to the rDAC while it was running in.

Oh, and, FWIW, I don't use the rDAC to bypass my CDP's DAC, rDAC's only used for streaming/computer-based stuff. (Prefer the CDP's DAC for CDs and SACDs.)

Good luck

 

[roger06]

Thanks 6th

So how does your MBP->rDAC->A38/p38 compare with the CD37->A38/P38 ?

Also, would you say the rDAC is a worthy partner for your amp combo? (being as they're way more expensive than my Nait5i).

I have to say I spun up the CD player today (which I've not done for a while) and it still sounds way better than my streaming setup.

 

[Overdose]

Have you got much running in time on your rDAC yet? I'm keen to know if the sound changes at all.

I've just fired up my DIY DAC for the first time and I'm putting it through its paces, but still might be looking for a commercial DAC should this one not work out.

 

[plastic penguin]

Well a bit underwhelmed sadly. It's only a marginal improvement on using the AV amp as a DAC.

As you write though 6th, it probably needs a good run in, as does (I suspect) the new Chord Crimson interconnect.

There's certainly more bass and a bit more clarity than using the AV amp – but it doesn't (yet anyway) reach the standard of the Naim CD5i / Nait5i I was hoping to replace with the streaming solution.

I'm told an £18.99 Maplin power supply also improves things.

I'm another interested nosey parker...

 

[CustomCable]

I had

an rDAC for 3 months.....then got something else.
:-(

 

[6th.replicant]

Thanks 6th

So how does your MBP->rDAC->A38/p38 compare with the CD37->A38/P38 ?

Also, would you say the rDAC is a worthy partner for your amp combo? (being as they're way more expensive than my Nait5i).

I have to say I spun up the CD player today (which I've not done for a while) and it still sounds way better than my streaming setup.

Compared to the MBP->rDAC->A38/p38, I prefer the CD37->A38/P38 - IMHO the latter setup has a wee bit more overall detail, 'texture', depth/'3-D', separation, realism etc.

In turn, if a recording is available as a 24/96 download or an SACD, I prefer to opt for the latter, unless the price difference is extreme.

But I'm pretty content with rDAC->A38/p38 [/b]combo - it has a dramatic, multi-layered 'big sound' that's quite fun when playing the likes of Afro Celt Sound System or full-blooded orchestra-type classical.

And 'cos I favour Arcam's 'house sound' and wanted a DAC/computer-based setup to complement my CDP, not replace it, it made sense to go for an Arcam DAC.

 

[Overdose]

Any more feedback Roger?

 

[Potts]

Well a bit underwhelmed sadly. It's only a marginal improvement on using the AV amp as a DAC.

As you write though 6th, it probably needs a good run in, as does (I suspect) the new Chord Crimson interconnect.

There's certainly more bass and a bit more clarity than using the AV amp – but it doesn't (yet anyway) reach the standard of the Naim CD5i / Nait5i I was hoping to replace with the streaming solution.

I'm told an £18.99 Maplin power supply also improves things.

I'm very interested to see what you find after the run in because I've fancied an rDAC for a while and I'd be incorperating it into a set up with Naim gear

I'd definately give the Chord Chrimson at least a week with a few hours a day of playing time. I had one and it sounded great after a week or so... I was initially quite underwhelemed in comparison to a throw-away RCA cable.

...A bit underwhelmed sadly...

As was I, initially.

Mine sounded very bass-heavy, gloopy and plodding.

So I phoned Arcam and spoke with a techy, who assured me the rDAC needs at least 70 hours run-in - and if I was still unhappy after run-in, he offered to arrange a full refund.

After 70 hours, the bass had tightened considerably, there was more detail and the overall sound had more 'snap'. Gaw'd knows why or how??

Glad to see this... I'd read quite a few reports about the rDAC sounding bass-heavy which I doubt would have been a good combo with my B&W 683's

 

[roger06]

Haven't had the chance for a good listen sadly.

However, I have been told that the Chord Crimson interconnect is probably not up to the job and that I should try the Chameleon Silver Plus instead so I'm going to order one.

I guess a £38 cable between a £300 DAC and £800 amp is probably a weak point.

 

[Superaintit]

Haven't had the chance for a good listen sadly.

However, I have been told that the Chord Crimson interconnect is probably not up to the job and that I should try the Chameleon Silver Plus instead so I'm going to order one.

I guess a £38 cable between a £300 DAC and £800 amp is probably a weak point.

I'm not sure that the cable is a weak point.

I've got a 15 quid Vandamme cable between the Rdac and A32 and I'm not disappointed.

The Rdac is a great peace of kit that sounds best IMO connected with usb and after extensive (+1.5 week) playing time.

Edit: it could be the naim-arcam combo. Never heard a combination of the two, but knowing their respective sound signatures it sounds like an odd marriage.

 

[roger06]

Well I've just ordered the Chameleon so we'll see – can't do any harm can it?

And yes Arcam / Naim – point taken. I guess logically a DAC shouldn't have a 'sound', but we all know this hi fi stuff aint logical!!!

 

[Superaintit]

Well, the digital part in the dac may have no sound signature, but what about the analogue part like output stage?

I have the Rdac and the cyrus dac, and they're definately different- besides more detailed and all that.

BTW, the cyrus dac doesn't work well with the Arcam A32 I have.

With the Rdac there was an obvious sinergy I don't get with the cyrus connected (although itis more detailed, especially in the bass). I heard that rega are a great match for naim and also read that the spitfire dac is more up the street of the naim. Take them only as listening suggestions. I haven't heard either of them!

 

[roger06]

Yes, I think maybe the rDAC was a bit of a gamble. I didn't want to spend as much as the Rega DAC but I think I may have to. The rDAC is so popular though they sell very well on eB@y so I won't lose much...

 

[Overdose]

Thank you for keeping us informed.This info is invaluable for those that cannot, for various reasons, demo kit.

I'm looking out for the post about the DAC that you find finally 'cracks' it.

 

[roger06]

The Chord Chameleon Silver Plus interconnect arrived this morning. Will hopefully give it a go this evening although I expect it too needs some burn-in.

Will let you know of course...

 

[Anonymous]

Interconnects don't need burning in. I'd be interested to hear if the Arcam sounds different since you've had it a while. It's always difficult to hear because your ears do get used to the sound, though.

How'd you go with the bike?

 

[roger06]

Well let's not go down the cables debate again!

Didn't get a chance to sort the bike as was enjoying the sun too much. I rode it work this morning not being able to get into top gear and having to be careful not to twist the lever below 4 as this wanted to take the chain off!

 

[roger06]

Right, I've now added the Chord Chameleon Silver Plus interconnect between the rDAC and Naim amp.

Having spent what I'd deem silly money on a cable I sat on the sofa and was really hoping to say 'wow' when I pressed play again.

Sadly not though. Yes it's an improvement, but considering it's 2.5 times the price of the Chord Crimson it replaced it's only a marginal increase. Vocals better, more control over the bass but nothing earth-shattering.

Does it bring the streaming system up the quality of the CD player? Nope. Still a long way off sadly.

I'll try the Maplin power supply upgrade for the rDAC and continue to see if it need running in and then if still not up to par I think I'll have to accept that it just doesn't match Naim that well and I'll have to flog it and try for the Reg DAC instead.

 

[Craig M.]

sorry the cable didn't do it for you - now you know why the sceptics are sceptical, the review language makes you think it will be like a component change rather than something you couldn't pick out 'blind'. maybe the person who advised you to change will reimburse your money. i personally wouldn't throw more good money after bad and would move the rdac on if it doesn't fit with your system.

 

[roger06]

Wel Craig the new cable has certainly improved things so there's no need to send it back...