Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by jazzy939

KANOTIX, Debian based.

jazzy939 — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 23:48:40 +0800

I have just installed this on my old laptop, a centrino based intel bought in 2004.
Was running Windows XP. Time to ditch Windows and move to something 'better'!
So far so good. Any other users?

chchyong's Wolfson WM8501 USB DAC

jazzy939 — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 01:46:02 +0800

This is a personal review of the DAC and I start with the equipments involved.

Source

ACER Aspire Timeline laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium(64 bit)
Foobar2000 as the player
various lossless(flac,ape) and HQ(320kps) mp3 files

Interconnects

Audioquest Topaz 2 RCA cables
USB Mini cable as supplied

Other/reference DAC

Behringer Ultramatch Pro 2496

Amplification

Technics SU-A900 MK2 Integrated amplifier

Outputs

Superlux HD681 Headphones
TDL Electronics's RTL3 - Transmission Line Floorstander

The DAC was connected to the lappy and run for about 2 hours before serious listening done.
Initial listening was done using the Superlux via the provided headphone socket.
Lappy was on battery power starting at 100% battery level.

Listening test and impressions

The Superlux's HD681 is known for it's bass performance and a slightly emphasized midband and 'can be harsh' treble/top end.
With this DAC, the top has been somewhat rounded off and trimmed! It is no longer 'rough' and harsh, instead a kinda shyish treble
and recessed midrange.The same can be said to the lower end, ie the bass. Although the presence can be felt, but its no longer 'overwhelming',
slightly muted but still seems manageable and will not reduce your enjoyment leading to a pleasing laid back mellow sound.
This sound impression reminded me of my T-Amp sonic performance in my system. In other words, the SQ here is still in a good fidelity category
and for those who dislike the HD681 'harsh' sound signature, this DAC will make the HD681 'likeable' again. Prolonged listening will not
lead to fatigue easily. The only draw back is that your ears will get hot...

In my main system, what have been heard through the headphones are now more prominent.
With the rounded off and slight muted mid and treble, the overall brightness of the sound has now reduced making the impression that
the stage has somewhat became narrower and shorter. Voices are great without feeling it too much forward for discomfort.
Although the sound image is good but it is not well defined and distinct to be able to pinpoint the precise locations of instruments, a small matter for casual, relax listening sessions.
Bass wise, even though the mid bass presence is felt, the lower end and extension are kinda over controlled and muted making kick drums losing it's kick and punch.
Can be somewhat (slightly)improved by an increased in volume level. Just.
No wolliness or boomy bass here which is good.

Conclusions.
For:
In a 'bright' system, this DAC will help to tame the overall harshness characteristics with both headphones and speakers alike.
Although the lower end is not that great nonetheless it is still enjoyable without the feeling you're missing 'something"..

Against:
Vulnerable looking without a casing!
Soundwise, overall I'd say it's pretty good at this price and you will not be embarrassed showing it off to your friends (if you have any!)
It is obviously not a beater against commercial DACs that are costing many times over!

Verdict:

A good low cost step up from your crappy/low end soundcard and onboard low quality amplification. Will suit some headphones like the HD681!
Suitable in an entry/low end to mid hifi system without making the system sounds 'inadequate'.

My 2 sen.

CD/DVD Demagnetization

jazzy939 — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:46:13 +0800

Dear music lovers,
I came across this article by accident after doing a google.

http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/demagnetization.html

Please DO NOT flame but discuss and present your arguments in a civilised manner on what you think of this matter since everyone is entitled to his own opinions.
I am interested to know the view from our forummers/audiophilers..

Personally I think it's another snake oil to milk money from an easy believer.

Take it away!

Tone Controls, equilizers, loudness, etc

jazzy939 — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:48:13 +0800

I am just wondering how many of us would use these one time or another and for what reason/s?
I know in the car I can't play FLAT. A lot of 'compensations' need to be done due to the car acoustics.

At home, most of the times, these are by passed but occasionally when playing old materials (old recording esp. cassette) I need to use them without feeling 'guilty'

Do you play your iPods and other DAPs flat? What are your favourite settings and why?

Best CDR for audio!

jazzy939 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:42:28 +0800

Let's face it. Almost if not, everyone burn their own audio CDs and let's not dwelve into piracy and the copyright laws, the rights, the wrongs and what nots. We know!
This is done solely for backing up for our own use!

Here's the 'burning' question and tell us the brand name, the SQ/audio quality and other factors why you liked it.

Thank you!

All that JAZZ!

jazzy939 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:44:30 +0800

Guys/Gals,
I see that we have some fans/followers here..
Let's talk about how you get into jazz, and the collection that you have, your favourites and your recommendations. We'll cover CDs and LPs! (cassettes, anyone? )
Lets jazz away!

There's a lot of definition of what is JAZZ is all about. This is one of them:

jazz: a style of music created in the early 20th century by African Americans, characterized by strong, syncopated rhythms, particular chords and harmonic structures, and a large amount of improvisation.

I particularly like jazz because of the 'large amount of improvisation' part.. That is why I love live concerts/albums because of the large amount of improvisation! They could go on and on and on and I simply love it!

My very first album, an LP is Sadao Watanabe- How's Everything LIVE at Budokan.
First heard 1980 on a friend's SONY WALKMAN (the very first model) and straight away became an instant Sadao Watanabe's fan!
Still one of the best and my favourites. I have both the LP and the CD. This is the start of my Sadao's collection and my jazz materials...

Reel-To-Reel

jazzy939 — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:15:28 +0800

Hello there,
Just wanna know if there are reel-to-reel owners or even fans.
Yes, you're kinda 'old school' if you know this and/or even own and listen to one!

Picture attached for the uninitiated

External Hard Disk

jazzy939 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:34:36 +0800

Hi there fellow forumers,
I have an external HDD connected via USB. How can I password protect this drive?
Thanking you in advance.

DAB Tuner/Radio

jazzy939 — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 01:17:11 +0800

Will it work here?
Why do darn expensive? New technolgy?

Your 'Old School' Stuffs

jazzy939 — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 23:42:51 +0800

I am creating this for us to share (old stuff collections) with other fellow forumers.. It should be HiFi/audio related.. I know some of us here have a good collection.. Come on guys.. lets see them!

Let me start with mine.

This is my first ever CD Player. A MISSION DAD700R, their first CDP, bought second hand from a Russion diplomat for RM500 in 1985.
First British CD-Player with Philips technology and "british analog section"
It was singing for quite a while, then some reading/tracking problem. Had it fixed by Philips Malaysia ( It was a Philips based(CD-104) player, MISSION add a post digital filter to the unit). Then it just stop reading any disc, was keeping it for a while (sentimental value) until recently I dismantled it and keep some parts of it.. here's the remains of my beloved MISSION..

This is what it looked like when 'new':

Now:

The DAC and the filter that it was using..

Overview of an old technology: