HDX vs CD8se vs PC

[PJPro]

I came across an interesting article this evening which compared the above to assess the performance of each, with the focus on the HDX. Each was used with Sugden A21SE amp and ProAc Studio 150 speakers.
The three approaches were considered comparable in terms of outright performance.
CD8se, with a PSX-R power supply, was described as "clean". The PC (EAC + Foobar2000) lead the field when it came to detail. The HDX was praised for its ease of use.
They don't say which (or even if a) DAC was used.

The article can be found here.

Unfortunately it can't, due to house rules - Mods

 

[Anonymous]

Good read, cheers PJ. I can't believe they would go to those lengths to compare them and not even state what DAC they were using with the PC. Amateurs.ÿ

 

[chebby]

Whilst at my local Audio-T today (picking up a new stylus) they had the Naim HDX playing via a Sonos set-up and some little bookshelf speakers in the main shop area. (I forget which speakers.) I could not comment on the quality as the volume was set to 'background/muzak' levels and I am not interested in £4500 kit anyway.

The manager explained that - as good as the HDX is playing from HD - the Naim CD555 sounds better in his opinion.

Needless to say the shop has never entertained the idea of stocking DACs by any company. I mentioned the Benchmark DACs and he professed to have never heard of the brand.

The only DAC he knows about is the Cyrus and he would only think of ordering one to sell to Cyrus CD player users as an upgrade rather than as a computer + DAC application.

DACs & computers are going to take a very long time to work their way into hifi specialist shops if my local one is anything to go by.

 

[Messiah]

Was that Nick Chebby? I'm not surprised by this.

 

[chebby]

Messiah:
Was that Nick Chebby? I'm not surprised by this.

Yes Nick.

James is far more tech savvy.

Both nice guys though.

 

[PJPro]

Actually, that site has a few good reads on it. How about (amongst others)....

The future of hifi - oh dear Joel. USB connections predicted on hifi amps.

The CD is dead - stats to show the recent demise of the CD.

 

[chebby]

PJPro:How about (amongst others)....

The future of hifi - oh dear Joel. USB connections predicted on hifi amps.

Happening already. Musical Fidelity A1. USB DAC built in as well as a decent MM phono-stage. (Pure class A as well. mmmm)

 

[Anonymous]

chebby:I mentioned the Benchmark DACs and he professed to have never heard of the brand. The only DAC he knows about is the Cyrus

I have experienced exactly the same only too often, some of the assistants I have spoken to have tried to make it up on the fly to sound like they know what they're talking about on the subject.

I'm not sure if it's more sad the staff at said shops don't seem to have the keen interest people who use these forums do, or that they don't have the foresight to understand where their industry is heading.

 

[Messiah]

chebby:Messiah:
Was that Nick Chebby? I'm not surprised by this.

Yes Nick.

James is far more tech savvy.

Both nice guys though.

Yeah nice guys I agree although James gives a better discount than Nick.

 

[Messiah]

Octopo:
chebby:I mentioned the Benchmark DACs and he professed to have never heard of the brand. The only DAC he knows about is the Cyrus

I'm not sure if it's more sad the staff at said shops don't seem to have the keen interest people who use these forums do, or that they don't have the foresight to understand where their industry is heading.

It is a shame. I would expect these people to know about most HiFi and have a keen interest. Maybe they should be instructed to use these forums like some others do. (FrankHarveyHiFi, Clearer Audio etc) and know what is happening outside of their shop!

If I even mention any form of music streaming in the dealers they only mention the Sonus. I asked them if they were aware that Cyrus were launching a new product at the Bristol Show (Which Audio T run in conjunction with WHF I believe) and I got a blank look and had to direct them to the website! I had to tell them that it might be a streaming device as they had no idea............scary!

 

[manicm]

Messiah, may you Cyrus freaks keep your fingers crossed:

I have just befriended a lovely couple, the husband of whom is the Cyrus distributor in my country and he *sort* of confirmed to me that Cyrus are indeed releasing a PC-capable DAC - by that read USB connectivity - imminently.

I will ply more details and alcohol from him tomorrow evening when I join him for a barbie at his home. BTW he claims to have a Krell system at home - will confirm and listen

Oh, and as my space and budget restrains me to buy an Arcam Solo Mini, aforementioned husband is trying to ply me with Cyrus kit, with which I am very tempted - he can arrange a very decent price for a 6vs2, CD6SE and Dynaudios for me, the devil.

And another thing, I know this couple through my ex who used to hate my guts but counts me as a 'friend'. Good to know people in high places!

 

[Messiah]

Thanks for the info!!

Now the big question will be 'how much is it gonna cost??'

(Fingers firmly crossed though...)

 

[manicm]

PJPro:

I came across an interesting article this evening which compared the above to assess the performance of each, with the focus on the HDX. Each was used with Sugden A21SE amp and ProAc Studio 150 speakers. The three approaches were considered comparable in terms of outright performance. CD8se, with a PSX-R power supply, was described as "clean". The PC (EAC + Foobar2000) lead the field when it came to detail. The HDX was praised for its ease of use. They don't say which (or even if a) DAC was used.

The article can be found here.

Unfortunately it can't, due to house rules - Mods

EDIT: Please do not discuss moderation - Mods. Yes I think testing the PC without a DAC would have been wholly unfair.