Accuphase DP-720

[One and a Half]

Originally Posted by tp1

It sounds like a good idea - I will investigate that. BTW, I did get a chance to listen to a DP-720 locally - very impressive indeed. We only used CD and SACD but didn't have a chance to put the USB connection through its paces.

A very interesting comparison would be the DSD file playback on a DVD-R on the DP-720 versus a digital file played on a quality standalone DAC. That test will be around christmas time.

[tp1]

Originally Posted by One and a Half

A very interesting comparison would be the DSD file playback on a DVD-R on the DP-720 versus a digital file played on a quality standalone DAC. That test will be around christmas time.

I can't wait! Could you also hook it up via HS-LinK? The reason being this will remove the impact of the interfaces from the tests. It will also give an insight into the effect of the interfaces do have on playback SQ.

[One and a Half]

Originally Posted by tp1

I can't wait! Could you also hook it up via HS-LinK? The reason being this will remove the impact of the interfaces from the tests. It will also give an insight into the effect of the interfaces do have on playback SQ.

Here's the scope of the test in more detail.

Compare SQ between a DSD disc played back on DP-720 and DSD64 played from computer, either Jriver or HQPlayer and Playback Designs MPD-3 DAC. Analog outputs are compared by simple A/B switching into C-2420/P-4200 combo.

The music will be the same content. Theory being the SACD transport would be behind, however, the DP720 has a custom transport and a very mature DAC for DSD processing. Latencies should be minimal with this system, versus computer latencies/filters and the DAC's philosophy. I like the sound of the MPD-3, there's nothing much it can't reveal, other than the MPD-5 which would bring out a few more details

The test could give some inkling on how the DC-37 will sound like.

I don't have another HS-Link device to feed or compare. The DC-37 is not available as yet.

Specifications to create a DSD Disc are from here:

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by One and a Half

The test could give some inkling on how the DC-37 will sound like.

According to the Accuphase management recently on visit in Europe, the DC-37 is essentially a DP-720 without transport.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by meltemi

And I fully agree with you about appropriate cabling (HS-Link, analog XLR).

Hi meltemi, I understand you are currently using all top AQ cabling (Ic, Pc, Sc?)..
Specifically for HS-link, have you tried anything other than AQ Diamond RJ/E? As you know this link is rather critical and that we can tailor/improve sound for relatively less money than say changing out an IC or PC. Browsing on net, several caught my attention : Total DAC Ethernet cable, Synergistic Active SE, Chord Sarum Tuned Array - have you any experience with any of them on your DP900/DC901/DG58?
I have had success using AIM Shieldio NA3-R which rendered my AQ Diamond sitting idly for the past year or so despite it being 2x costlier. Every time I tried switching them in for change/fun, it usually did not last a single disc before I found myself re-installing back the AIM.. Definitely worth your try. However, given the chance I'd also like to try/curious of the other three names listed above.

[Masterlu]

Is the AIM Shieldio NAC-010 worth trying?

It's the only one I can find here in the states.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Is the AIM Shieldio NAC-010 worth trying?

It's the only one I can find here in the states.

Can't say for this one. Just checked in Japan NA3-R retails at $335 (1.5m), whilst the NAC-010 $70 (1.0m). Price wise it seems to be quite down the line hence I doubt that this particular model will even be comparable to AQ Vodka.

But their NA3-R is really good.. Overall, more natural and organic sounding than the AQ Diamond RJ/E. With denser and more textured midrange (you'll notice better dimension with vocals esp.), as well punchier/weightier bass - more grounded feel to presentations. Member William's description of his AIM NA3-R as compared to Tiglon MGL-L1 is more/less how I found it in comparison with AQ Diamond : http://www.audioaficionado.org/cable...-cable-17.html

I'm sure you can find ways of getting them. They are worth it - especially considering for price of 1 x 1.5m AQ Diamond, you can get 2 x 1.5m AIM (or perhaps 3x 1.0m) - Purfect for linking that lavish Accuphase system of yours!

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by bvdiman

Hi meltemi, I understand you are currently using all top AQ cabling (Ic, Pc, Sc?)

.
Correct. HS-Link, speaker and XLR. The power cables are just ordinary industry standard 1mm2 cables.

Originally Posted by bvdiman

Specifically for HS-link, have you tried anything other than AQ Diamond RJ/E?

Except for the current Accuphase AHDL (not the older HDL), no.

I'm not going to claim, that there are no alternatives to my choices.
But my dealer let me test all the cables for a couple of days in my own environment. I kept the ones I liked and returned the others.

IMHO the speaker cables may be hard to beat at all (a cable that sonically practically disappears), and the XLR may be a tough competitor too
(no chance for copper or silver plated copper cables).
As for the HS-Link, I do not think I will be importing a cable from Japan for EUR 400, and there would not be any other way to test them.
I'm pretty sceptical too, because any "better at half the price" I verified during my 40+ years of hifi experience so far proved to be false. And individual tastes vary.
But thanks anyway for your tip. It may be helpful to others.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by meltemi

I'm pretty sceptical too, because any "better at half the price" I verified during my 40+ years of hifi experience so far proved to be false. And individual tastes vary.
But thanks anyway for your tip. It may be helpful to others.

Understood. Used to think same, and for that, the past one year on more than ten occasions I've tried putting back the AQ Diamond in trying/learn to like it more. I'd also rather stack in drawer the cheaper cable and use the costlier one if only sound is at least on par. But yes, tastes vary, as well synergy with rest of set-up/system matters.

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by bvdiman

Used to think same, and for that, the past one year on more than ten occasions I've tried putting back the AQ Diamond in trying/learn to like it more.

bvdiman...Sorry, my against "better at half price" argument was somewhat unfair in this context.
Assuming a distributor outside Japan would have to pay the price published for 1.5m NA3-R (Yen 45'360 = EUR 332,-) adding it's own margin (= dealers price between EUR 498,- and EUR 664,-) and the retailers margin (= list price between EUR 747,- and EUR 1'328,-), the price would then be similar to AQ Diamond's (EUR 1'195,-).

Originally Posted by bvdiman

But yes, tastes vary, as well synergy with rest of set-up/system matters.

AFAIK you have the same SACD/CD and may be Voicing EQ, but neither the same amps (Soulution ?) nor the same speakers nor Ic's and Sc's.
If I had the opportunity to get an AIM NA3-R for a test, I'd give it a go. But I do not like buying without being able to listen before. Occasionally not doing so in the past eventually cost me too much money. That is just my "no risk, no fun" attitude.