Decisions, Decisions
Okay, let's apply room correction based upon the measurements taken earlier. I use a slight slope with 5dB of gain towards sub bass. I did try a flat line approach but found that the bass becomes too thin with the filter applied. Reading over the Audiolense guide, I noticed that there is a suggestion to slope things downward somewhat from low frequency to high frequency and I've found this to be my preference.
Let's have a quick look at the estimated room response for both DACs before we continue further. Unfortunately, Audiolense does not provide an option to record a frequency sweep after the correction has been applied. We've contacted Juice Hi-Fi about this and they've told us they're looking at providing this option in a future update. They did tell us that the estimated result is remarkably accurate based upon tests they've conducted themselves. If such an update is made available, we'll be sure to use the feature to present data in the future if the need arises.
Doede DAC |
Opus |
There is an unfortunate side effect at this point once the correction is applied to the TDA1543 DAC. The 20dB or so of attenuation applied by the filter means I have to turn the volume control to near maximum to get anywhere near the test volume I was using prior to applying the filters. A 6dB gain switch on the TVC does give me headroom of a couple of clicks, but it's far from optimal. To use this DAC with DRC, you'll either need to stack a number of TDA1543s in parallel or use some kind of gain stage on its output. Still, there's just about enough volume on tap for me to get an idea of its sonic signature in comparison to the earlier sound and in comparison to the WM8741.
With DRC engaged, instruments become far easier to pick out and subtle details are more noticeable at the listening position. The best word to describe the effects of DRC is balance. The other shocker is that the basic nature of both DACs remains the same. The TDA1543 midrange gains more edge definition especially on vocals (not that it needed them). The Opus soundstage gains pinpoint precision with lots of air. Complex passages of music are rendered without any perceivable congestion on both DACs.
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kleshodnic - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Uh, just go digital out (TOS/link or HDMI) to a receiver and let ther receiver do the DAC'ing.Want a better DAC? Buy a better receiver. Not only will you get the better DAC, you will get a ton of other great features with a higher end receiver.
All this talk about computer audio is assuming that you would want to come analog out from the computer. WHY?
phusg - Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - link
It would be a lot easier I agree, but AFAIK only really expensive top-end receivers can challenge the analog out you can get from a quality consumer audio card with upgraded opamps, especially when it comes to stereo music. They are also not usually moddable. Can you link to a review of receiver with audiophile quality stereo DAC?pedobosz - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
an interesting place to publish such an article. Have you thought of perhaps submitting to Stereophile or The Absolute Sound ? I'm sure you are just trying to raise the awareness of the PC crowd to the possibilities of great audio, but reading through the other replys, I think you are preaching to the deaf......with the exception of the Martin Logan fellow.jnmfox - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Computers and audio (mostly Home Theater) are my main two hobbies. I agree this article doesn't fit here at anandtech.com. I've never understood the esoteric audio crowd. If you want quality audio information go to audioholics.com or other reputable audio sites.jabber - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
I have to say the article and lengths gone to are way over the top for what in most cases is required.The kits combined with the PC audio side is way esoteric too.
Well intentioned but sledgehammer to crack nut.......
haukionkannel - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Hmmm... When we talk about HiFi nothing is "bit over".For a hifi system this was relative middle range solution. The biggest consern, if you have to find one, is that the speakers will most propably have the biggest effect an the hearing experience. These type of speakers ar not meat to be the most precise in their "room" picture. And I don't say that it's a bad thing! They are good speakers. Some studio monitors would maybe be better for testing the PC as an "Hifi" sound source, because they try not to affect the sound at same way as some High end HiFi speakers, but again it's more of a matter of taste. For example Genelec speakers sound good for Vocal based music. These in here are better in music where accuracy is not so important. So it allso depends on what music you like to listen to. Just like someone above said.
I would like to see how the sound compares between good Hifi cd-player and a PC. With the same music piece and speakers. This set with those tubes can make the sound varmer, that is good for some not so good mp3 files. More accurate monitor speakers and normal amplifier, will most propably reveal the difference between good cd and not so good PC based mp3 more clearly.
Most people who are really interested in HiFi systems spent even more money than in test to their system. The real guestion is that is the PC good enough soundsource for system like that.
jabber - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Yes but real high end hifi is really usually bought by what Top Gear would call 'cocks'. Folks that just see money and how much they spent rather then just enjoying music. $50000 hifi systems geared to playing just 10 specialist audiophile CDs just screams "I've led a sad and lonely life!" to me.Show me a $1000 system surrounded by piles of CDs and LPs, now thats an exciting system!
The readership of this site I would say on the whole would have far more modest hifi setups.
Once you spend so much on a hi-fi you fall into the trap of listening to the equipment rather then the music itself.
Spivonious - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Spending that much time and effort to listen to pop music is just about the silliest thing I've ever heard.At least put something on that will work the equipment, like a Beethoven string quartet, or a Bach choral work.
And you never even touched on the issue of vinyl vs digital. To my ears, vinyl sounds so much more organic than the plasticy sound of CDs, even through a $15,000 tube-driven stereo system.
Rajinder Gill - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Actually, I'm just listening to some Vaughan Williams right now. Just because there's no mention in the article does not mean to say I live without classical pieces.Peace...
Hyperion1400 - Monday, December 1, 2008 - link
Amen to that. There is no set style of music for audiophiles. I personally enjoy metal and classic punk (bad religion,sex pistols etc.) as well as a mix of classical composers(I have always had a strange love for Beethoven's 9th after watching Neon Genesis Evangelion)Also, will you be doing a review of the X-fi Elite Pro or will you be primarily dealing with external hardware. I know I will most likely be shunned for mentioning such a thing in the same post as (vicariously) declaring myself an audiophile, but I absolutely love mine. Without that card and my Senhiesser HD 650s, I don't think I could listen to my music/games the same way again(no pun intended)