DAC 8 has arrive!

[Ritmo]

Mark,

My system is as follows:

- ARC LS27 Pre
- ARC DS450 Amp
- ARC DAC8
- Oppo 83se (to be replaced with a 95)
- Apple Mini Music Server with either Amarra or Pure Music (pending)
- Anthem AVM30
- Anthem MCA50
- Revel Salon 2s
- Revel C32
- Revel In walls (rear speakers)
- Velodyne - HGS 10B
- Shunyata - Black Mambas - PCs CX and HX, ICs (XLR), SCs
- Nordost - USB Blue Heaven (considering WireWorld USB and Coax RCA)
- Apple TV

I'm doing 90/10 - music/video. The anthem gear is being used to run the zones in the house and for movies. Running the front channels via the LS27. Not using the Velodyne at this point - not really needed in my room.

Thanks,
Mike

[Ritmo]

Today I received the Shunyata Black Mamba ICs (XLR) and PC for the DAC8. Should be another fun weekend!

Mike

[chessman]

Awesome! I ended up going a different way, but I still really want to hear your impressions of the ICs.

[Ritmo]

Randy,

So far impressive. I had been using a pair of Tributaries (RCAs) to connect the DAC to the LS. Performance was good but not great. I could hear some difference between th eOppo 83se and the DAC8 - but it was not as significant as I expected. I left the DAC on all week and replaced the ICs (just the ICs) with the Black Mamba XLRs in the first round - so far WOW!

Dynamics, good bottom, excellent stage and image...oh boy!

Im inclined to conclude that break-in has something to do with the change. But, the BM ICs have a lot to do with the change. I will replace the PC tomorrow. More to come...

Thanks,
Mike

[chessman]

Mike, that is awesome. Congrats!