I bought the ECM-1 MK2 last week. I have the ECI 6 DX MK2 integrated amp with the streamer modul. This unit is a huge updrade compared to the built in streamer, worth every penny.
Ive owned my fair share of PS products over the decades. I still have my GCC250, which I purchased when I was a dealer. I use it in my TV system. But once they went direct, but instead of offering their products at the wholesale prices, they hosed people by charging MSRP. And now this ridiculous flat service fee. No Bueno. I hear Electroc decades ago at CES and it sounded amazing then
This says, "2 years ago." In August, 2021, about two years ago, PS Audio had a, 1/3 off, almost everything. I purchased quite a bit, although I thought this is what they, "should," charge. Last year, only a few things were similarly discounted. This year, nothing. Inflation? As the Sheepherder said, "Ewe decide!"
Hi Paul, you should be seing/listening my setup with ECD 2 DAC, EC 4.8 MKII and NEMO blocks. You will be amazed. If you want I can shoot a video for you. Thanks for such a great video.
Even listening through TH-cam you can tell with the external Dac/streamer hooked up it sounds much better . Sounds excellent Paul I’m glad you found synergy with that setup 👍
Thanks brother. I got a synergistic research orange fuse going in it this Thursday. I also got to Vegas for a quick TH-cam video shoot for a new high end audio store opening. It's for my June video. I look forward to hearing your setup in person soon my friend! 😉👊🎼✨
Not to "knock" on Mcintosh.. it might be good.. it might be high end.. but it has an up-pricing just because of the name.. And to be honnest.. Any amps from Electrocompaniet is far better sounding and buildt.. ;)
Michael, I'm not sure what you are e-mailing me. I am on vacation in Monterey and not on my channel unless I've got a moment of downtime. If you posted something with a link attached in any of my videos in the comments, TH-cam will spam it. I have not removed you. Thanks again for supporting the channel! 👌🎼✨
As a Norwegian hifi nerd I've had the opportunity to meet, visit and hear electricompaniet over the last 25 years. Their best pre is the aw 4.8 duel mono and their best power amps are the not very well known aw220.. a monoblock version of the aw60. They are better than their Nemo's. They are a steal if you can find them.
@@BeyondResolution Its not ranked higher but it does sound better . They have now released an AW800 which is their new top model which looks like two AW180 in one box per channel.
@@stephens2r338 the new aw800 is a newer design. The aw600 or Nemo is 2 aw180 in one box :) And a bridged aw60 is a aw180(first version with 180w) :) I am Norwegian to and have owned many EC products:)
@@vpconcepts9838 i grew up 15 minutes from the old factory, when it was located in Lørenskog, Norway. I was at their head office a few times, and talked with Per Abrahamsen, the founder. He sold his shares many years ago, and started another company called "Abrahamsen" basically it is Electrocompaniet quality at half the price. Electrocompaniet also bought up a company named Dynamic Precision, these are power amps of another galaxy, awesome power and SQ. It was started by a guy in a garage 5 min from my childhood house. If you like the Norwegian way, then check out Hegel, they are great, and their products are second to non.
@@rareacts9868 I was a Hegel dealer. Don't get me wrong here, but they were never aesthetically pleasing to me in the looks department & you have to turn them up to 50% to get any output from them. But yes they sound very nice. Man you are lucky getting to spend time at the factory! I bet it was an awesome experience! 👌🎼✨
My first time hearing of Paul’s knocking of McIntosh. That is very unprofessional for a CEO of one company to publicly criticize another company or their product. FYI I’ll never buy another piece of PS Audio product ever again. My experience with one of their product was a total nightmare. Btw the CD definitely sounded better. Never once had any issues with any of my McIntosh products.
They since took care of me & also updated another one of my pieces for free that was out of warranty. They made things right & I am happy once again. But yes, Paul's a stinker for talking about McIntosh, LMAO😂!....Thank for watching P F! 🎼✨
I listened to the Eletrocompaniet integrated amp and that was great! Never had the chance to listen to PS audio gear, so no opinion. Mac gear... had never been impressed with them, they just sound ok. They do look nice.
@@vpconcepts9838 Thank you for posting. I'd been testing numerous amps with my acoustic suspension speaker to hear how they sound to see if they work well together. I had tested a Hegel integrated and was disappointed in the bass output. However, we did hooked it up to the reference H30A and was blown away by the sound. It was 350 watts. I still need more power! But for sound quality, I was extremely impressed!
I own some vintage Mac gear and newer Mac gear. IMO newer Mac gear can’t even compare to the old as standalones. Modern Mac is just a bit too sterile neutral for me. HOWEVER I will say if you mix components, like I’m using a modern Mac tube preamp with a vintage Mac SS amp, then it’s a completely different experience. They just mesh wonderfully together and I’m very happy with that system.
Interesting choice of DAC... everything’s changed buddy. I work here in Saudi and never heard anything before I’ve bought it. Research, reviews etc, buy used, current system of Pioneer N70ae Streamer to Arc SS preamp to PassLabs XA25 to PMC MB2SE. Fab system... hey whatever works. Great discoveries you’re enjoying. Enjoy!
Great gear brother! But with what UPS just did to my PS Audio DAC in my last video? Buying something, & then shipping it back if I don't like it? UPS drivers will use it as a soccer ball lol 🤦♂️🤣👌🎼✨Thanks for watching!
@@JingoLoBa57 That's great! You do you & don't chastise people for their experiences. If everyone ate McDonald's there wouldn't be a Wendi's. To each his own 😉👍🎼✨
Thank you so much sharing your experience with trying to get your Directstream DAC repaired. Service after the sale even if indirectly should be a given in such a distinctive market where someone's willing to consider a minimum of paying four figures to get what qualifies as "worth the cost" multiple times over in components, cables and speakers etc. whereas the parts in other enthusiast pursuits are (if at all) high three figures considred elite level. I like both Electrocompaniet and PS so I lament no Directstream review but happy for your new new DAC🎶
I'm over in Europe. Fuse blowups to my Stellar DAC 2 weeks after the standard 2-year warranty. I contacted PS Audio because on the platform it says 3 years. Long story short PS Audio is not imposing its policy on dealers. At least they can mention that an extra year's warranty is for the US only or differs from case to case. What they are not aware of is that those types of marketing commercial practices are severely sectioned in UE if someone decides to make a complaint. Anyway, for me is a lesson to buy for respectable dealer and in case of service not to be force to sent a product half the world and pay 60% of the price to be repaired.
You should check out an R2R DAC like the Denafrips Pontus. Blew all the competition for me in terms of soundstage and micro detail resolution at the best price. Happy listening.
I just got a MA8900 and have been thinking of adding a PSAudio Directstream w/bridge II, to replace my Lumin U1 mini streamer...I have TT and CD players as well, but find that the streamer is so convenient it get the most time. While I completely agree with your frustration wrt PSAudion's flat service fee; I'm a little unclear as to why you included Paul's opinion about McIntosh as a reason to skip the DirectStream . A little sensitive no? I'm new to McIntosh but have always wondered why people get upset at someone criticizing what YOU like and saying it's not for them. To each his own...like a life partner:) I stumbled onto your channel a few months ago and I like the "one take approach"...more authentic in my opinion. Really like your setup. Finally...I have a smaller apartment and changed to standmounts (Dali epicon 2) and really find it a better experience. Curious if you ever tried standmounts like your buddy is Vegas?...his system sounded great.
Thanks for your comments Dean. As far as Paul goes, being a person of his stature and position in the audio industry, it's very unprofessional to talk down another company publicly. Saying he doesn't prefer it would have been fine, but saying "it's not audiophile" was not good form considering his company does not have the heritage or amount of customers that McIntosh has garnered throughout time. I did have a set of bookshelf Sonus Faber in my Vegas setup but preferred the larger sound of floor standers as they could pressurize the room unlike my bookshelves. Thanks for watching Dean and for your questions! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Man...we McIntosh owners are sensitive:). One American company taking a shots at another great American company (the big dog) in the space is just a little fun competitive sparing in my view...especially as it's his (@PS Audio) channel. I like that people are always commenting on McIntosh...I understand it. May not be the best (technically speaking) but there is something about Mc that pulls and keeps customers and criticism from the competition... Apple, Harley Davidson etc, are examples of companies that found this magic. Great after purchase customer service is usually a big part of that formula. I'm now doing some research on how that Electrocompaniet ECM 1 compare to PSA Directstream (I do like that 10xDSD sound).
Have you ever thought of moving up the SF line? I own Sonetto’s too (love em) but often wonder what a move North in the line to say, the Olympica Nova’s would accomplish. At what point do you feel with your electronic upgrades you “outgrow” or the Sonetto’s might become a “limiting” factor in overall sound performance? Food for thought
@@brentcollins9727 Cool Brent! SF loves tubes. I run a tube pre and tube amplifier. I’ve been very happy with these speakers. Great mids, the low end is good but I use a Rel sub to fill in the lowest bass notes. They’re good in a small to medium room. Sold my Focals for SF. I like the silk dome tweets vs the metal tweets of Focal. This is a very “natural” sounding speaker. Instruments sound real. Enjoy!
I am not a Streamer kind of guy....i am completely into record albums and high quality cds....im a "album "format kinda guy...that being said,,,you have a great setup!
Same here Joe! The streamer has a high end DAC for the CD player. But all my subscribers wanted to see me add a streaming option so I did. Good for that rainy day background music 😉👌🎼✨
Funny my Marantz HD DAC1 has the same exact chip and I’ve been saying it’s an amazing DAC for years. And I’ve tried much more expensive ones and they just don’t sound as good as the Marantz. That’s an older Cirrus chip. But it sounds wonderful. Congrats. Don’t let that one go.
First, thank you very much for answering me, it is a pleasure to meet people with this passion for good sound and so friendly. I have an old Emc1 electrocompainet cd, I think from 1998, it has a coaxial output, I could also use it as a transport to connect to the coaxial input of the streamer, I don't know if I'm explaining myself well. Because if so, instead of updating the dac of the cd you could take advantage of the dac of the streamer. I ask that because the dealer also wants to bring me a cambridge edge nq streamer and a moon 280d so that I can compare. I also wanted to ask you about the fuses, where they could be found. I am in the process of making the equipment, I still need the turntable, phono preamp and I am waiting to change the wiring of all the equipment. As the mcintosch is, it has compared with other brands and what wiring it uses. I repeat. Thank you
Yes Alfredo! I also use my CD player coax out to the DAC/streamer because is just barely beats the DACS in the CD player. Sounds like you are going to have an amazing system. You can buy the synergistic research orange or purple fuses anywhere online 😉👍🎼🏆
8:39 Balanced (XLR) input on any pre-amp has two times less impedance than RCA, so it just gives 6dB greater volume than RCA if volume control stay untouched. Nothing else happens to sound when someone change RCA to XLR cables.
Hello Alex. As I stated in the video, the DAC using rca out, was beating the CD player using xlr. I then moved the xlr to the DAC with much improvement and used the CD player as a transport only. I adjusted for volume during that test. What you saw in the video was both the CD player and DAC as xlr out only so I didn't need to adjust the volume when switching. As to your claim that xlr has no sound quality difference than volume, I beg to differ. But that's for another debate on an engineers channel, lol. I use my ears and experience as my audio compass. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 The only explanation for XLR - RCA difference may be in the pre-amp itself. It may contain 100+pF capacitor grounding '-' for "shielding" of the RCA cable for high frequencies like 30+kHz, but any capacitor is not a perfect HPF. While XLR neutral wire is grounded more straight way. This forces some HPF over RCA for 10+kHz as well, but not over XLR.
Hi Paul, this is the first visit to your channel and I am liking what I hear. I am a big fan of PS Audio but I do not have all of the equipment from them that you do. I own a P 12 power regenerator, the DSD/DAC Streamer and a few other miscellaneous PS Audio products. I also noticed that Paul just responded to what you said about your fee for repairs. I don’t believe you’re right about the flat $750 fee and that’s what Paul is stating as well. Hopefully you can reconcile this problem with him and get it repaired and then you can sell it. The only other thing I’d like to say is that playing music and me hearing it over a cell phone does not do very much for evaluation of what your system sounds like. I do hear the differences between the two ways you presented the music though. They did give me an idea of the difference in sound quality and that sort of works for me. I certainly look forward to reading some of your other comments and I will continue to watch your station whether you like it or not🥴
Thanks Neil! If you look in the comments you will see the ps audio thread with the tech department & Paul at PS Audio. Multiple people came in stating they were given the exact same quote as well. I was not mistaken in the conversation & PS audio is adjusting the wording in their repair policy's and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. As far as playing demos in my videos, many channels avoid playing music due to demonetization or because they focus only on the specs & details on the piece they are reviewing for the brief time they have it. On the other hand I follow many channels that do play demos. Since I am not a reviewer but an educator on the equipment and tweaks I personal try or buy for my own system, I enjoy doing A/B comparisons of which many of my subscribers demand of me & state they can hear a difference. Many of my viewers have a high end audio/theater setup of their own through a streamer or TV app when watching and actually critique me on my room acoustics, frequency bumps, echo etc...and don't use their computer or phone to watch. Once I didn't do a sound demo on some speakers I had brought home to try out, and I got a lashing, lol! I do this channel for fun as a hobby to share with others what I learn along the way and who knows what it will turn into in the future. I'm just glad I have people like you watching who are as passionate about the hobby as I am and enjoy sharing their opinions in a thoughtful and respectful way. If you ever start a channel I will be the first one to support you in how you choose to run your channel and click you a big thumbs up. Thanks for watching always! 👍🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 thanks for the kind reply. If what you’re saying is true when there is problems for many owners of PS Audio equipment. I hope that Paul gets back to you with a much more positive response about what’s going on. I also am a giant fan of Nelson Pass and his associate Kent. I can always rely on Kent to ask any kind of questions I want with regard to my system with a kind and calm response. He knows what he’s talking about.
But to be honest that's not the best recording. My other 4 songs I chose that all got demonetized sounded way better. This streamer gives me no listening fatigue even after hours of listening. But the CD player is audiophile bliss used as a transport to the DAC. Thanks for watching!👌🎼✨
Hey Paul, I'm curious about the speakers in your video. I've never seen them before and can't find anything that looks like them on websites. I also want to say that I like the picture that you have above your monitor on your desk. I'm new to your channel. I've never seen a view like you have in my life. Wow ! I'm not in the same audio equipment category, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating your setup. Very interesting channel.
The speakers in my large system are the Sonus Faber Sonetto V. I just picked up the Lumina bookshelves for the computer system yesterday. As you can tell I love the brand. Thanks for watching and for the compliments on the artwork Ray! 👌🎼✨
Beautiful equipment. Have you been to Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle? Have some B&Ws..thinking of adding a subwoofer. Should I stick with a B&W sub or is it ok to use another brand?
I have! Also been to John's place "The audio connection". No problem using a matching sub. I use a Martin Logan with Sonus Fabers myself. Any sub can go with towers so it's a win win either way. Thanks for watching Richard! 👌🎼✨
thought about buying from PS Audio mainly amplifiers did anyone noticed 300 and 700 watt models are the same price individually S300 sold single $1,499 units and the M700 sold as pair $2,998 divide that by 2 equal $1,499
Yes, they are the same price, but the "S"300 is a STEREO amp (you only need one) as opposed to the "M"700 which is a MONO amp (you need two). So for a stereo setup it will cost double the price for the M700s.
I have purchased several, no many, PS Audio pieces through the years. Of course I eventually ran into a problem with a DSD (dac). P S Audio was great getting back to me and agreed to send me a RMA and when received I sent it to PSAudio at their expense. They corrected the issue and sent the unit back to me very quickly, all at no cost to me. I cannot believe that that experience would or could be different for someone else. Something just isn’t right with this story. Paul and his family run a business like no other when it comes to his customers. I hope you help him get to the bottom of this and point out openly that this was not a PS Audio experience.
Sounds like your item was under warranty & mine wasn't. I'm sure it's that simple. Check out the ps audio thread in the comments. They have adjusted their policy and it all worked out in the end. Thanks for watching Jonathan! 👌🎼✨
I guess Paul has to pay for his new recording studio somehow. LOL BTW, Paul loves to pronounce McIntosh Mickntosh. A subtle way to slam the company. He slams Klipsch also.
Klipsch is overpriced Trash. You can buy used speakers from the 70s for under $100, that completely Obliterate them in natural sound quality, accuracy, and 3d spatial imagery. People whom speak highly of a name like Klipsch, probably also praise Bose. I had a guy listen to my audiophile level Sennheiser headphones.. and he was almost in tears. Especially when I told him how affordable they were. I suggested he get a pair... but he said that he had just purchased a pair of Bose headphones, that costed like 6 times the price... (And sounded 1000x Inferior) Most of these companies get praised due to Advertising. Not because of superior drivers / quality. Beats probably used two $3 drivers. They are horribly inaccurate, with shite sound quality. But people bought them in droves... because there was a crazy pump of adds for them. You pay for the adds, and you get Crap in Quality. Of course... if you have horrible hearing as it stands... then almost anything is going to sound the same / good to you. Those of us that actually have good ears, and can and have heard the differences between high quality audio... vs... clearly inflated Bologna... we easily dismiss the brand name hypnosis / propaganda.
@@herrtrigger7220 Founded in 1962 by J. Gordon Holt. Stereophile is the highest-circulation hi-fi magazine in the Americas and possibly the world: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereophile. I have been following Stereophile since its inception and will place more stock in their reviewers (esp. Michael Fremer) than people on ASR's forum. As for your "claims" about companies simply paying Stereophile, show me the proof: put up or shut up.
Kimber Kable Select "KS2020" 1m. Pure silver with pure silver WBT. Around $1,000. Ask for Lonny Gould at Kimber kable to order direct.Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Having a distributor and retail store network adds significant cost to the end customer. I have some insights on this from knowing a audio distributor in Australia. There is a speaker that retails for AU$285,000 a pair. I know the Australian distributor pays the factory AU$75,000 for a pair of these speakers. The AU$210,000 extra the end customer pays is mainly due to distributor and retail mark up profit and a small amount 10% for goods and services tax. Hence, I can see why PS Audio decided to drop their US distributor and retail network in America. I would have done the same thing. No hard feelings retailers and distributors. Besides, Paul offer anyone in America (or oversea) the best customer experience, listen to PS Audio in Music room 2 with the giant IRS infinity speakers.
Sounds great. Traveling to Colorado, or unboxing & boxing/shipping items back and forth is not my idea of an easy buying experience. For me there's nothing better than walking in a store, listening, seeing, touching a piece. Then bringing a new box home to hook up and play over my weekend. To each his own I guess. Thank you for your comments silver audiophile! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 I would agree with you, however most audio stores I've visited have not set up audio Hi-Fi system optimally. I've spoke to one local speaker manufacturer who's quiet appalled at the lack of care and dedication of how store display a high end system, he decided to open his own dedicated listen show room to public himself to show case his speakers. The deal with PS Audio USA, is customers buy and try the equipment in their homes (best way to test gear, not in a store), and then return it if they are not satisfied for a full money refund. Can't ask for more as a customer.
No that's great, until UPS uses it as a soccer ball when you ship it back to them, lol. Seriously though, I sold PS audio at one of the stores I worked at. Plugging gear into a P10 in front of a customer and seeing the look in their face was priceless. Instead of selling Just an amp, we would sell the whole package. It was good for PS audio too 👌🎼✨
Wow. You are probably referring to ‘Addicted to Audio’ who no longer are an authorised distributor for Focal in Australia. That’s daylight robbery isn’t it? PS. What was the first piece of music you played? I really like it.
But I can communicate with Paul. I do it often. I cannot do that with McIntosh. Of course I can talk to a Mc dealer, but I've found most are arrogant, rude, and unhelpful. They just want your money. After all that I enjoyed your video. And that sounds like an upright piano on the album you are playing.
Great video ,why or how come UPS didn’t pay for damages to the PS . I may have missed On . Anyways can’t wait for the big one LP vs CD , great work , system looking really good.
@@vpconcepts9838 yes you will find it easely, I am considering to buy it and use it also as a preamp as i cant afford the electrocompaniet dac and pream at once. Currently i am haeving little eci 80d integrated and other two integrateds too but the eci won me over, but i want more power so…
Interesting. I found I prefered CDs to streaming but I figured I was weird. Plus I use low end equipment, or as someone told me, lower end of midfi at best. That streamers DAC sounds very sweet. Heck both sound amazing but that DAC.......wow.
Extremely impressive kit.Great video.I have a question isn't that vase likely to be in danger of causing micro vibration? Am i missing a beat? Blu Tack perhaps?With the Quality of kit you have i wouldn't even have the little birds on any kit as well.Maybe i'm just too paranoid about these issues.Living in the US i'm curious to know have you ever bought any cables,purifiers,filters etc from Russ Andrews based in the lake district in the UK.The company does a huge selection of cables etc mainly using Kimber that you are so fond of.I'm glad you are getting pleasure from streaming music.Never hurts to have another feather in ones's cap.Just subbed.Looking forward to watching a lot more of your videos.Thanks for sharing.
Hi Roger, vase has a rubber base, no vibration. I remove it when I sit down for serious listens, and leave it up for a classy touch when doing videos. I've only had about 5 people mention it bothers them out of about 230k views so I'm not to worried about being heckled for it. I've actually played it without the birds or the vase and no difference. What people don't realize is that everything & I mean everything has a set of 4 still points under them. We are talking ZERO vibration with this upgrade. I've never tried purchasing from overseas yet. Everything from here in the US as far as dealers go. Thank you for your questions Roger & thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Sounds great paul,and yes it's a shame what happened to ps audio,my dealer used to sell there products but stopped very little percentage they would get buy direct sales 😕
Thanks for the demo. I agree with you. The streamer sounds good but the Cd is better from my point of view. What about vinyl? Is the best format? For me it depends on the master (not all the vinyl sounds better) and as you say Vinyl sounds more analog but cd is awesome too without the vinyl noise...
Thought you should know, Audio Visual Solutions new store location in Summelin (moved from Tivoli location) has dropped Mac, Sonus Faber lines. Thomas (owner) did tell me there are two new McIntosh dealers in town. There is zero information online for the outfit you mentioned. Do you have an address or phone number for them? Thanks
Yes sir! Lifestyle AVI ( Audio Video Interiors) took it over at Tivoli! All the product is back in there. Tell Greg...Paul (vpconcepts) from TH-cam sent ya. 😉👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Will do- I live 5 minutes from the Tivoli shop. If you have time, you’re more than welcome to come by, hang out and check out my all tube 2 channel rig with the Sonetto’s. I’d be curious to hear your impressions.
Damn! I was there this morning for a one hour video shoot for next months TH-cam video and was out. Thank you very much for the invite Keeferdog! Your also welcome anytime you're in Seattle 😉👌🎼✨
Hello Paul. I have Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX MKII, and I’m on Readleaf’s waitlist for the EMC 1 MKV Reference CD Player. Did you try Roon with your ECM 1 MKII to play local files (AIFF, WAV, FLAC, DSD) instead of Airplay or USB?. Is your sonic experience much better with the CD player than with the Streamer?. I hope I made a good investment (I’ve 1,500 CDs, both physical and ripped). I love the ECI, and I’m playing now Otis Taylor’s Hey Joe Opus downloaded from PS Audio’s Octagon Records 😜
Hi Marcelo! I have not use anything but airplay when listening through streaming. I'm sure a better sound would come from something other than Airplay. I can tell you that the CD player as a stand alone is amazing...but using the ECM1 as an outboard DAC with it, took it to another level. One word of advice I can give you is to get a synergistic research orange fuse and it will make the CD player sing. Thanks for watching! 👍🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 thanks for your prompt answer, Paul. I’m looking (and learning ) now about the fuse. It is meant to replace the factory one, right? I’ll look for the specific one. What about the XLR cables? Any favorite? Maybe PS Audio? 🤣
Yes my quantum orange fuse really elevated the player! Not sure your budget, but Kimber kable makes a very well balanced xlr cable called "Hero" I have it in my computer rig. Below that try the PBJ. Thanks for asking Marcelo!
@@vpconcepts9838 Will take a look at the cable. Goes XLR to the EC integrated amp. I changed the power cable of the ECI amp by an accessible Pangea MKII and I am surprised about the result!
The saxophone has an edge to it playing the stream, it's a bit harsh and lacks body, sounding hollow, where it seems smoother and more natural with more of the sax "body" being audible playing from the CD; compare 11:21 and 15:21. If you directly compare the two it's not at ALL subtle.
Let me ask you, obviously outside of your personal issues with PS Audio with repair and you're feelings on going direct and things, what would you say about the quality of their products overall? Like from a reliability standpoint and also I suppose a sound quality standpoint.
They have been solid through the years. They are still in business and should be for a long time. So service& repairs will be available. Not like B&K, ADCOM,, etc..🤷♂️🎼✨
What is PS Audio thinking when doing this to existing and future customers and knocking Mcintosh by saying they aren't audiophile... it is a bit much, darn they've lost it. Well if this is reality then I don't need that pp15 anymore. They ought not bag on Mcintosh imo, let me see PS Audio beat the c1100. Let me see PS Audio compete with Mcintosh's fun new gear like the ma12000 and the mha200. Let me see PS Audio take care of the end customer's 50 year old components the way Mcintosh's authorized service network can at reasonable rates and the ability to shop around. I'll still verify the insane changes to servicing before throwing the pp15 I planned on getting overboard but if you're right then they've got themselves to blame. I imagine the majority of people spending 10k per component have uncompromising expectations that the brands we invest in maintain their brand integrity otherwise we're going to take our loyalty elsewhere.
This was my experience with them twice. I hope yours isn't the same. I wish the best for PS Audio & Paul, they make great products. Thanks for watching Al! 🙏🏻👌✨
I struggled with the financial decision whether to get this base level macbook pro over the air only to open youtube and hear this guy throwing enough $$$ around to get a top level computer for everyday of the week and hire somebody to do the typing for him :(
Brother I lived in my car for a week after I got out of the Army, I've borrowed a dollar from my brother to get a McDouble because I was between jobs & had no food. I had 2 failed businesses in my 30's & 40's before this one succeeded in my 50s. Never give up on your dreams or stop believing that doors open. Remember that a bookshelf speaker or big screen TV will not sit by your bedside when your sick or old. It's about friendships, family, faith in yourself..and faith in a higher power. Thank you for watching & it's a privilege to have you check out my channel. 🙏🏻🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 I hear you. I got nothing but love for a fellow veteran. Been where you been in lesser or greater degrees. Trying to go to college on my own with army college fund and g.i. bill while trying to afford NY rent was “fun “. Did the failed biz thing too. But the most audiophile grade stuff I had was some adcom gear back in the 80s when I was in. Keep doing you buddy
Good evening. Could you tell me about the streamer, I'm about to buy one, my equipment is all electrocompainet, stage and preamp with sonus faber nova 3 speakers. Thank you All the best
I have last years model. This DAC sounds very good! The streamer is solid and no complaints with the software. I use it primarily as a DAC. Streaming is secondary to me as I am a CD & Vinyl guy. I have added a synergistic orange fuse to the DAC, a Kimber PK14 Palladian power cord, and a set of stillpoints underneath. It's turned this DAC into a top flight audiophile piece! 😉👌🎼✨
definitely in the 100-250hz range the CD sample rate destroys the stream version. above 12k hz it's tough to tell with the phone mic. Are you using the Tidal Master setting?
Great ear! To be fair, I was using iTunes through airplay on the network at 16.44 IAFF with auric Illuminator treated discs burned in. With a better music player software I'm sure it would sound closer to the CD player. Thanks for watching always! 👌🎼✨
Perhaps I misunderstood you but I gained the impression that the PS Audio DAC arrived damaged. If that was the case, I can't understand why you had to pay for the repairs. I'm from New Zealand so perhaps such a situation and the consequences differ between our two countries. Your set-up looks great.
Thanks John. It was a used DAC damaged by UPS by not packing it properly (they were paid to do so). It was sent back to seller to receive insurance from UPS. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Just came across your TH-cam channel. You seem to be a straight-shooter. I have PS Audio Powerplants and I think They really work. Do you have any thoughts between the PS DAC and the Electro.. DAC. Sounds like Paul reached out to You. Look forward to the vinyl vs cd vid.
I had to send the PS Audio back to the seller to claim insurance on the damage, so I'm afraid I couldn't do an A/B. Yes my P10 really elevated the system & they do work. More than one subscriber has mentioned they were quoted $750 for a repair. I'm sure things will work out for everyone in the end. Thank you for watching Frank! 👌🎼✨
It's obvious, the details and sound reproduction are just better with the player. The keys on the piano sound a little muffled to me though. Curious about the specs on your amp. Will have to go back and pull the models. Could possibly be your dial in on bass n treble unless its running direct. Something isn't dialing in on the keys. Could have been the sound engineer when it was recorded. By the way, the vinyl will sound more natural with the turntable and cartridge in sync. However, there are really good vintage and modern players that are analog sounding. With certain manufactures vintage models match with certain speakers to include the player, "scary". Unless you've been around for a min and have had enough equipment in rotation to find that synergy, you will never know. This is one reason certain vintage pieces command what they do. We wont even start on Dacs. Nice set up!
Yes it's direct. Never judge a system going through an iPhone, through TH-cam compression, to your speakers, right?, LOL! I post this stuff for fun just to point out there is a difference between the pieces. Thanks for watching always! 👌🎼✨
I am a little lost trying to follow what you were comparing. We’re you comparing streaming from a server to the Streamer/DAC to the CD player (used as a transport) to the DAC in the Streamer/DAC? If so, I don’t understand why there is such a significant difference. Are you streaming from a streaming provider such as Tidal or from an in house server. How are you connecting the server to the Streamer/DAC? You referred to the coax cable a couple of times. I can see you connecting the CDP to the streamer/DAC with that cable. But then you talked about needed an additional one. What for?
I compared just CD player, then CD player coax into external DAC (single ended) to the integrated amp, then switched to xlr out of external DAC with upgraded powercord to integrated amp. Both single ended and xlr sounded better out of the external DAC, than the internal CD Dacs to the integrated amp.Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
I’m really intrigued how the streamer operates, is it through a bespoke app? If so (ideally so), is the app nice to use? I ask because this is similar price to the Auralic Aries G2 and their Lightning DS is a great bespoke app which is why I’m looking at that streamer. I know Roon is the standard but I’d rather not have to pay another subscription if I can (plus the cost of the nucleus etc).
To be honest I just stream through iTunes. The app is really easy and you can operate Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and adjust setting through it. It makes my CDs sound like vinyl. And it looks sexy as hell, lol 🤣👌🎼✨
Cd & streamer going into same DAC. It was the network feed compared to CD feed, so you could be right! Still the cd is much clearer and not just louder. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
I used to have one. It was awesome, it also was SACD and dvd-audio compatible, and a USB input for video streaming. But no ultra HD Blu-ray, obviously at the time of its issue. I had it hooked to a Denon AVR, and my home cinema theatre was flawless. I guess you could still find a used one in the market.
You can’t be any more off base in your comments. I have had multiple McIntosh gear that is more high end than what you have in this video. For example, The McIntosh turntable is pretty mediocre compared to many other brands on the market, but the green platter looks cool. No cd player can outperform a standalone dac, at least a good dac. Your comment about ps audio not being in any stores, this is the best option available. If I’m spending $20k to $100k on a system, I want to hear the product in my room with my equipment, not with somebody else’s equipment. Myself along with All of my audiophile friends attend audio shows around the world to listen and to see what’s out there that we might want to upgrade in the future. Then we get a piece in for a 30 day evaluation in our system before deciding to keep it or sending it back. In the past, I didn’t think electrocompaniet was in the top tier of products compared to actual top tier pieces. I like McIntosh gear, especially the newer hybrid pieces, but I sold all of my McIntosh gear a few years ago and went all ps audio with no regrets at all. Your statement about it’s a flat rate of $750 to just open up to see what’s wrong with a ps audio component, or to fix a wire, or something minor to repair, is false, and actually you did an injustice to everyone about this falsehood. In fact, I’ll bet you that it will cost you more to repair an electrocompanient component because of lack of USA service and the cost to ship overseas, than to fix a local brand made in the states.
Off base? These my listening preferences & opinions. I also own PS audio, and sold it in store as well. Your views are not off base either, just your own opinions. And that should be allowed in this hobby, for everyone. Thanks for watching. 👌🎼✨
Ok....with all due respect, I like your set up, but, check out "my listening room." I just ran up on it after i left your set up. He ran a 2 and a 3 as well." My Listening room" He has vinyl running in My listening room. In my listening room 2, he has a cd player running. About to check out the 3rd vid. Just heads up and thanks again for the heads up on your system.
It offends me not in the least that others have channels showing their systems and preferred tweaks. Thomas Stereo & John Darko for example. I wish every one of my subscribers had at least one video of their setups on TH-cam for me to enjoy & learn from. Thanks again for the support! 🙏🏻👌✨
good video- it would be even better if u used a tripod for some of these shots. I lost some faith in Paul when he knocked Sansui. OK Sansui is now ancient, but I have pieces that are still working after 50 years-McIntosh also has pieces still working after half of a century. I am not so sure that any of PS Audio's gear will be working after that long.
Thanks Cameron! Yes, my new iPhone 12 Pro Max seems to have a wacky gyro in it or something. My other iPhones would stay perfectly straight. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
I noticed the streamer said "Airplay" when streaming. Was the MacBook Pro sending the signal by wifi or bluetooth or was the streamer getting the recording through a wire connected to the internet? Wireless usually doesn't sound as good.
@@vpconcepts9838 You are most welcome, kind sir! Very glad to hear you were able to come to an understanding with PS Audio. By the by, having seen a glimpse of your rig, some of the cabling, and the attention to detail you have in your setup, I wonder if you have ever heard of or tried Omega Mikro cables by Insound Audio in your system? www.omegamikro.com/ No affiliation, just a fan. : )
Yes we all have our favorites. For me it's Kimber Kable. I wish I could live 10 lifetimes to try them all. I have a fun video coming in June. Stay tuned! 😉👌🎼✨
I love your passion But it gets a little crazy at times. I’d like to have a dollar at how many times I would gain one way and lose something the other way. But I have to admit it’s a lot of fun and a learning experience..
Oh maaan... because of your video I decided to audition the MKV cd player. I was so astonished with the unbelievably good seperation of instruments and its beautiful, silky smooth resolution, that I couldn't get my money quick enough to buy it.😀 I have a Sopra 3 with Pass Labs XA30.8 and xp-12, also for now a single Rel 812s. The whole system is connected to a Isotek power board with Isotek premiere power cables. All interconnects and speaker cables are Van den Hul brand. I thought my system sounded good before the purchase of that cd player, but now I don't just listen to music, I experience it. All those expensive electronics completely disappear and what's left is a stage and my front row seat. Thanks for your recommendation!!
You cant buy PS Audio here in Australia and they dont seem to want to ship here either. its a shame. I also like Paul, but i have no idea whats going on there.
@@peted7619 Hi. I went onto PS Audio's website looking for authorised dealers here, not selling in Australia was comment, emailed them directly and received same response from PS Audio.
@@peterrech2307 Looks like the head doesn't know what the tail is doing!! I had previously considered buying their products, but certainly seems more unlikely now!
@@peted7619 greetings from cold Melbourne. I was considering the same thing to purchase PS Audio set up tp replace great sounding Grundig ActiveBox system that has terminal failure, but now will choose a full valve system. Not sure what yet, its life. There a number of used record stores and dealers in the US that think shipping to Australia is too hard for them, i think they have not heard of UPS yet. take care and enjoy the music
I bought the ECM-1 MK2 last week. I have the ECI 6 DX MK2 integrated amp with the streamer modul. This unit is a huge updrade compared to the built in streamer, worth every penny.
Sweet purchase Akos! Thank you for sharing & watching! 👌🎼✨
Ive owned my fair share of PS products over the decades. I still have my GCC250, which I purchased when I was a dealer. I use it in my TV system. But once they went direct, but instead of offering their products at the wholesale prices, they hosed people by charging MSRP. And now this ridiculous flat service fee. No Bueno. I hear Electroc decades ago at CES and it sounded amazing then
This says, "2 years ago." In August, 2021, about two years ago, PS Audio had a, 1/3 off, almost everything. I purchased quite a bit, although I thought this is what they, "should," charge. Last year, only a few things were similarly discounted. This year, nothing. Inflation? As the Sheepherder said, "Ewe decide!"
Dave is a good friend of mine. He is an expert in the audio world and has taught me so much about the hobby.
@@Audioal68 Thanks for watching!
👍🎼✨
Hi Paul, you should be seing/listening my setup with ECD 2 DAC, EC 4.8 MKII and NEMO blocks. You will be amazed. If you want I can shoot a video for you. Thanks for such a great video.
I was an Electrocompaniet dealer. One of my old videos on my channel show a nice setup like yours. I love the brand! 👌💯🎼✨
Even listening through TH-cam you can tell with the external Dac/streamer hooked up it sounds much better . Sounds excellent Paul I’m glad you found synergy with that setup 👍
Thanks brother. I got a synergistic research orange fuse going in it this Thursday. I also got to Vegas for a quick TH-cam video shoot for a new high end audio store opening. It's for my June video. I look forward to hearing your setup in person soon my friend! 😉👊🎼✨
Not to "knock" on Mcintosh.. it might be good.. it might be high end.. but it has an up-pricing just because of the name.. And to be honnest.. Any amps from Electrocompaniet is far better sounding and buildt.. ;)
No contest between streamed and CD: environment in which the recording was made is captured on the CD, as well as low-level resolution details.
Thanks for watching Michael! 👌🎼✨
Michael, I'm not sure what you are e-mailing me. I am on vacation in Monterey and not on my channel unless I've got a moment of downtime. If you posted something with a link attached in any of my videos in the comments, TH-cam will spam it. I have not removed you. Thanks again for supporting the channel! 👌🎼✨
Well I'm glad i found this video. 950 dollars +just to have it looked at is imsane
As a Norwegian hifi nerd I've had the opportunity to meet, visit and hear electricompaniet over the last 25 years. Their best pre is the aw 4.8 duel mono and their best power amps are the not very well known aw220.. a monoblock version of the aw60. They are better than their Nemo's. They are a steal if you can find them.
Thanks for the input and thank you for watching Stephen! 👌🎼✨
Don't forget the AW180... It's ranked higher than Nemo and AW400, AW250 and so on..
@@BeyondResolution Its not ranked higher but it does sound better . They have now released an AW800 which is their new top model which looks like two AW180 in one box per channel.
@@stephens2r338 the new aw800 is a newer design.
The aw600 or Nemo is 2 aw180 in one box :)
And a bridged aw60 is a aw180(first version with 180w) :)
I am Norwegian to and have owned many EC products:)
Good to know. Saved me some serious cash. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing! Have you had the chance to try Weiss DAC by chance?
@@rogerdinh no I haven't, send it over & I'll review! (But you might not get it back).
😂🤙🎼✨
I started using Electrocompaniet back in 1992.
Awesome gear
Nice! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 i grew up 15 minutes from the old factory, when it was located in Lørenskog, Norway.
I was at their head office a few times, and talked with Per Abrahamsen, the founder.
He sold his shares many years ago, and started another company called "Abrahamsen" basically it is Electrocompaniet quality at half the price.
Electrocompaniet also bought up a company named Dynamic Precision, these are power amps of another galaxy, awesome power and SQ.
It was started by a guy in a garage 5 min from my childhood house.
If you like the Norwegian way, then check out Hegel, they are great, and their products are second to non.
@@rareacts9868 I was a Hegel dealer. Don't get me wrong here, but they were never aesthetically pleasing to me in the looks department & you have to turn them up to 50% to get any output from them. But yes they sound very nice. Man you are lucky getting to spend time at the factory! I bet it was an awesome experience! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 another great brand with awesome products are Doxa.
They even offer a 25 year warranty on their products.
My first time hearing of Paul’s knocking of McIntosh. That is very unprofessional for a CEO of one company to publicly criticize another company or their product. FYI I’ll never buy another piece of PS Audio product ever again. My experience with one of their product was a total nightmare. Btw the CD definitely sounded better. Never once had any issues with any of my McIntosh products.
They since took care of me & also updated another one of my pieces for free that was out of warranty. They made things right & I am happy once again. But yes, Paul's a stinker for talking about McIntosh, LMAO😂!....Thank for watching P F! 🎼✨
The CD sounds better, but somehow the streamer is more organic, natural sounding. I think the CD sounds more like it's spot lighting the instruments.
The last I knew The Sound Environment in Omaha, Nebraska is a dealer for Electrocompaniet. I've been there and heard some of it. Very impressive!
That's awesome David! I have family in Lincoln Nebraska. Stay safe & thank you for keeping our hobby alive! 👊🎼✨
I listened to the Eletrocompaniet integrated amp and that was great! Never had the chance to listen to PS audio gear, so no opinion. Mac gear... had never been impressed with them, they just sound ok. They do look nice.
@@bongchan531 Thanks for watching always! 👌🎼💯✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Thank you for posting. I'd been testing numerous amps with my acoustic suspension speaker to hear how they sound to see if they work well together. I had tested a Hegel integrated and was disappointed in the bass output. However, we did hooked it up to the reference H30A and was blown away by the sound. It was 350 watts. I still need more power! But for sound quality, I was extremely impressed!
I own some vintage Mac gear and newer Mac gear. IMO newer Mac gear can’t even compare to the old as standalones. Modern Mac is just a bit too sterile neutral for me. HOWEVER I will say if you mix components, like I’m using a modern Mac tube preamp with a vintage Mac SS amp, then it’s a completely different experience. They just mesh wonderfully together and I’m very happy with that system.
@@mikeg2491 nice! 👍🎼💯✨
This is a nice video and presentation. It would be good if you listed all the components in the system. Speakers, subs etc.
Please see my channel for videos on all these items. Thanks for watching always geirstella10! 👍🎼💯✨
Interesting choice of DAC... everything’s changed buddy. I work here in Saudi and never heard anything before I’ve bought it. Research, reviews etc, buy used, current system of Pioneer N70ae Streamer to Arc SS preamp to PassLabs XA25 to PMC MB2SE. Fab system... hey whatever works. Great discoveries you’re enjoying. Enjoy!
Great gear brother! But with what UPS just did to my PS Audio DAC in my last video? Buying something, & then shipping it back if I don't like it? UPS drivers will use it as a soccer ball lol 🤦♂️🤣👌🎼✨Thanks for watching!
@@vpconcepts9838 hahaha oh dear!
@@vpconcepts9838 spare me as my arc amp comes by USPS...
@@JingoLoBa57 That's great! You do you & don't chastise people for their experiences. If everyone ate McDonald's there wouldn't be a Wendi's. To each his own 😉👍🎼✨
🤗 AWESOME TO GET A TASTE …I APPRECIATE YOUR SYSTEM 👍 wife loves the VASE😉 …😞 sad to hear about your experience with Paul …I am now a sub. 🤗😍😍😍
🙏🏻🎼🎉✨
Great sound equipment Seattle from Roy Washington , just found you will follow along with ya !!!
Thanks Gene! 👍💯🎼✨
Thank you so much sharing your experience with trying to get your Directstream DAC repaired. Service after the sale even if indirectly should be a given in such a distinctive market where someone's willing to consider a minimum of paying four figures to get what qualifies as "worth the cost" multiple times over in components, cables and speakers etc. whereas the parts in other enthusiast pursuits are (if at all) high three figures considred elite level. I like both Electrocompaniet and PS so I lament no Directstream review but happy for your new new DAC🎶
Thank you John! 🙏🏻🏆🎼✨🎷
@@vpconcepts9838 Are most welcome🎶
I'm over in Europe. Fuse blowups to my Stellar DAC 2 weeks after the standard 2-year warranty. I contacted PS Audio because on the platform it says 3 years. Long story short PS Audio is not imposing its policy on dealers. At least they can mention that an extra year's warranty is for the US only or differs from case to case. What they are not aware of is that those types of marketing commercial practices are severely sectioned in UE if someone decides to make a complaint. Anyway, for me is a lesson to buy for respectable dealer and in case of service not to be force to sent a product half the world and pay 60% of the price to be repaired.
You should check out an R2R DAC like the Denafrips Pontus. Blew all the competition for me in terms of soundstage and micro detail resolution at the best price. Happy listening.
Yes I hear great things about the DACS in that brands lineup! In this case I was going for beautiful looks too. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
I just got a MA8900 and have been thinking of adding a PSAudio Directstream w/bridge II, to replace my Lumin U1 mini streamer...I have TT and CD players as well, but find that the streamer is so convenient it get the most time. While I completely agree with your frustration wrt PSAudion's flat service fee; I'm a little unclear as to why you included Paul's opinion about McIntosh as a reason to skip the DirectStream . A little sensitive no? I'm new to McIntosh but have always wondered why people get upset at someone criticizing what YOU like and saying it's not for them. To each his own...like a life partner:) I stumbled onto your channel a few months ago and I like the "one take approach"...more authentic in my opinion. Really like your setup. Finally...I have a smaller apartment and changed to standmounts (Dali epicon 2) and really find it a better experience. Curious if you ever tried standmounts like your buddy is Vegas?...his system sounded great.
Thanks for your comments Dean. As far as Paul goes, being a person of his stature and position in the audio industry, it's very unprofessional to talk down another company publicly. Saying he doesn't prefer it would have been fine, but saying "it's not audiophile" was not good form considering his company does not have the heritage or amount of customers that McIntosh has garnered throughout time. I did have a set of bookshelf Sonus Faber in my Vegas setup but preferred the larger sound of floor standers as they could pressurize the room unlike my bookshelves. Thanks for watching Dean and for your questions! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Man...we McIntosh owners are sensitive:). One American company taking a shots at another great American company (the big dog) in the space is just a little fun competitive sparing in my view...especially as it's his (@PS Audio) channel. I like that people are always commenting on McIntosh...I understand it. May not be the best (technically speaking) but there is something about Mc that pulls and keeps customers and criticism from the competition... Apple, Harley Davidson etc, are examples of companies that found this magic. Great after purchase customer service is usually a big part of that formula. I'm now doing some research on how that Electrocompaniet ECM 1 compare to PSA Directstream (I do like that 10xDSD sound).
Have you ever thought of moving up the SF line? I own Sonetto’s too (love em) but often wonder what a move North in the line to say, the Olympica Nova’s would accomplish. At what point do you feel with your electronic upgrades you “outgrow” or the Sonetto’s might become a “limiting” factor in overall sound performance? Food for thought
Can't wait for the Olympica Nova! Working my way up to those next for sure! 😉👌🎼✨
My Sonetto 3’s are just a few days away. 😊👍
@@brentcollins9727 Cool Brent! SF loves tubes. I run a tube pre and tube amplifier. I’ve been very happy with these speakers. Great mids, the low end is good but I use a Rel sub to fill in the lowest bass notes. They’re good in a small to medium room. Sold my Focals for SF. I like the silk dome tweets vs the metal tweets of Focal. This is a very “natural” sounding speaker. Instruments sound real. Enjoy!
Sweet! 👊💯🎼🏆✨
I am not a Streamer kind of guy....i am completely into record albums and high quality cds....im a "album "format kinda guy...that being said,,,you have a great setup!
Same here Joe! The streamer has a high end DAC for the CD player. But all my subscribers wanted to see me add a streaming option so I did. Good for that rainy day background music 😉👌🎼✨
I've been to Scotland many times. Remember, Paul is a McGowan. Paul pronounces McIntosh correctly.
😂🤣😉🎼✨
Funny my Marantz HD DAC1 has the same exact chip and I’ve been saying it’s an amazing DAC for years. And I’ve tried much more expensive ones and they just don’t sound as good as the Marantz.
That’s an older Cirrus chip. But it sounds wonderful.
Congrats. Don’t let that one go.
Thanks for watching! 👍🎼💯✨
New to your channel- I like it, thank you!
Thanks for watching Adrian! 🙏🏻🎼✨
First, thank you very much for answering me, it is a pleasure to meet people with this passion for good sound and so friendly.
I have an old Emc1 electrocompainet cd, I think from 1998, it has a coaxial output, I could also use it as a transport to connect to the coaxial input of the streamer, I don't know if I'm explaining myself well.
Because if so, instead of updating the dac of the cd you could take advantage of the dac of the streamer. I ask that because the dealer also wants to bring me a cambridge edge nq streamer and a moon 280d so that I can compare.
I also wanted to ask you about the fuses, where they could be found.
I am in the process of making the equipment, I still need the turntable, phono preamp and I am waiting to change the wiring of all the equipment.
As the mcintosch is, it has compared with other brands and what wiring it uses.
I repeat. Thank you
Yes Alfredo! I also use my CD player coax out to the DAC/streamer because is just barely beats the DACS in the CD player. Sounds like you are going to have an amazing system. You can buy the synergistic research orange or purple fuses anywhere online 😉👍🎼🏆
👍. INDEED …CAN TELL A DIFFERENCE …LOOKING FORWARD 👀 TO MORE….congrats on your iPhone 12 🤗 ….TECH KEEPS MAKING THE EXPERIENCE BETTER IMHHO😍😍😍
Sounds grea t, man! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Stephan! 👊🎼✨
8:39 Balanced (XLR) input on any pre-amp has two times less impedance than RCA, so it just gives 6dB greater volume than RCA if volume control stay untouched. Nothing else happens to sound when someone change RCA to XLR cables.
Hello Alex. As I stated in the video, the DAC using rca out, was beating the CD player using xlr. I then moved the xlr to the DAC with much improvement and used the CD player as a transport only. I adjusted for volume during that test. What you saw in the video was both the CD player and DAC as xlr out only so I didn't need to adjust the volume when switching. As to your claim that xlr has no sound quality difference than volume, I beg to differ. But that's for another debate on an engineers channel, lol. I use my ears and experience as my audio compass. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838
The only explanation for XLR - RCA difference may be in the pre-amp itself. It may contain 100+pF capacitor grounding '-' for "shielding" of the RCA cable for high frequencies like 30+kHz, but any capacitor is not a perfect HPF. While XLR neutral wire is grounded more straight way. This forces some HPF over RCA for 10+kHz as well, but not over XLR.
Love ya channel ... The gear you own is very nice .... Awesome
🙏🏻🎼✨
Hi Paul, this is the first visit to your channel and I am liking what I hear. I am a big fan of PS Audio but I do not have all of the equipment from them that you do. I own a P 12 power regenerator, the DSD/DAC Streamer and a few other miscellaneous PS Audio products.
I also noticed that Paul just responded to what you said about your fee for repairs. I don’t believe you’re right about the flat $750 fee and that’s what Paul is stating as well. Hopefully you can reconcile this problem with him and get it repaired and then you can sell it.
The only other thing I’d like to say is that playing music and me hearing it over a cell phone does not do very much for evaluation of what your system sounds like. I do hear the differences between the two ways you presented the music though. They did give me an idea of the difference in sound quality and that sort of works for me.
I certainly look forward to reading some of your other comments and I will continue to watch your station whether you like it or not🥴
Thanks Neil! If you look in the comments you will see the ps audio thread with the tech department & Paul at PS Audio. Multiple people came in stating they were given the exact same quote as well. I was not mistaken in the conversation & PS audio is adjusting the wording in their repair policy's and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. As far as playing demos in my videos, many channels avoid playing music due to demonetization or because they focus only on the specs & details on the piece they are reviewing for the brief time they have it. On the other hand I follow many channels that do play demos. Since I am not a reviewer but an educator on the equipment and tweaks I personal try or buy for my own system, I enjoy doing A/B comparisons of which many of my subscribers demand of me & state they can hear a difference. Many of my viewers have a high end audio/theater setup of their own through a streamer or TV app when watching and actually critique me on my room acoustics, frequency bumps, echo etc...and don't use their computer or phone to watch. Once I didn't do a sound demo on some speakers I had brought home to try out, and I got a lashing, lol! I do this channel for fun as a hobby to share with others what I learn along the way and who knows what it will turn into in the future. I'm just glad I have people like you watching who are as passionate about the hobby as I am and enjoy sharing their opinions in a thoughtful and respectful way. If you ever start a channel I will be the first one to support you in how you choose to run your channel and click you a big thumbs up. Thanks for watching always! 👍🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 thanks for the kind reply. If what you’re saying is true when there is problems for many owners of PS Audio equipment. I hope that Paul gets back to you with a much more positive response about what’s going on. I also am a giant fan of Nelson Pass and his associate Kent. I can always rely on Kent to ask any kind of questions I want with regard to my system with a kind and calm response. He knows what he’s talking about.
Wow! The streaming sounds flat in comparison, less glare, smoother and thicker too. Impressive.
But to be honest that's not the best recording. My other 4 songs I chose that all got demonetized sounded way better. This streamer gives me no listening fatigue even after hours of listening. But the CD player is audiophile bliss used as a transport to the DAC. Thanks for watching!👌🎼✨
Hey Paul, I'm curious about the speakers in your video. I've never seen them before and can't find anything that looks like them on websites. I also want to say that I like the picture that you have above your monitor on your desk. I'm new to your channel. I've never seen a view like you have in my life. Wow ! I'm not in the same audio equipment category, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating your setup. Very interesting channel.
The speakers in my large system are the Sonus Faber Sonetto V. I just picked up the Lumina bookshelves for the computer system yesterday. As you can tell I love the brand. Thanks for watching and for the compliments on the artwork Ray! 👌🎼✨
Beautiful equipment. Have you been to Hawthorne Stereo in Seattle? Have some B&Ws..thinking of adding a subwoofer. Should I stick with a B&W sub or is it ok to use another brand?
I have! Also been to John's place "The audio connection". No problem using a matching sub.
I use a Martin Logan with Sonus Fabers myself. Any sub can go with towers so it's a win win either way. Thanks for watching Richard! 👌🎼✨
thought about buying from PS Audio mainly amplifiers did anyone noticed 300 and 700 watt models are the same price individually S300 sold single $1,499 units and the M700 sold as pair $2,998 divide that by 2 equal $1,499
Yes, they are the same price, but the "S"300 is a STEREO amp (you only need one) as opposed to the "M"700 which is a MONO amp (you need two). So for a stereo setup it will cost double the price for the M700s.
@@cablebrain9691 I miss that thanks
wow!
I have purchased several, no many, PS Audio pieces through the years. Of course I eventually ran into a problem with a DSD (dac). P S Audio was great getting back to me and agreed to send me a RMA and when received I sent it to PSAudio at their expense. They corrected the issue and sent the unit back to me very quickly, all at no cost to me. I cannot believe that that experience would or could be different for someone else. Something just isn’t right with this story. Paul and his family run a business like no other when it comes to his customers. I hope you help him get to the bottom of this and point out openly that this was not a PS Audio experience.
Sounds like your item was under warranty & mine wasn't. I'm sure it's that simple. Check out the ps audio thread in the comments. They have adjusted their policy and it all worked out in the end. Thanks for watching Jonathan! 👌🎼✨
I guess Paul has to pay for his new recording studio somehow. LOL
BTW, Paul loves to pronounce McIntosh Mickntosh. A subtle way to slam the company. He slams Klipsch also.
True!
Thanks for watching from one Paul to another Paul. See ya on the next video & thanks for watching this one brother 😉👌🎼✨
Klipsch is overpriced Trash. You can buy used speakers from the 70s for under $100, that completely Obliterate them in natural sound quality, accuracy, and 3d spatial imagery. People whom speak highly of a name like Klipsch, probably also praise Bose.
I had a guy listen to my audiophile level Sennheiser headphones.. and he was almost in tears. Especially when I told him how affordable they were. I suggested he get a pair... but he said that he had just purchased a pair of Bose headphones, that costed like 6 times the price... (And sounded 1000x Inferior)
Most of these companies get praised due to Advertising. Not because of superior drivers / quality. Beats probably used two $3 drivers. They are horribly inaccurate, with shite sound quality. But people bought them in droves... because there was a crazy pump of adds for them. You pay for the adds, and you get Crap in Quality.
Of course... if you have horrible hearing as it stands... then almost anything is going to sound the same / good to you. Those of us that actually have good ears, and can and have heard the differences between high quality audio... vs... clearly inflated Bologna... we easily dismiss the brand name hypnosis / propaganda.
He knocks Bryston too , all companies that blow PS Audio away.
@@danielesbordone1871 I THINK YOU SHOUD CHECK STEREOPHILE'S 2021 RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS AND SEE HOW MANY OF PS AUDIO'S COMPONENTS ARE CLASS-A RATED.
@@herrtrigger7220 Founded in 1962 by J. Gordon Holt. Stereophile is the highest-circulation hi-fi magazine in the Americas and possibly the world: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereophile. I have been following Stereophile since its inception and will place more stock in their reviewers (esp. Michael Fremer) than people on ASR's forum. As for your "claims" about companies simply paying Stereophile, show me the proof: put up or shut up.
Great video and thank you for the content.
Regarding the silver coaxail cable what brand and length is it?
Thank you.
Kimber Kable Select "KS2020" 1m. Pure silver with pure silver WBT. Around $1,000.
Ask for Lonny Gould at Kimber kable to order direct.Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
upgrading crossovers on the Sonus Faber? speaker Gr-research did a upgrade of older model
I installed the newly released Sunlight OS on my Directstream DAC and have not looked back. Immediate increase in sound quality.
That's great! It's a wonderful piece & I know they worked their firmware magic this time too.
Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Having a distributor and retail store network adds significant cost to the end customer. I have some insights on this from knowing a audio distributor in Australia. There is a speaker that retails for AU$285,000 a pair. I know the Australian distributor pays the factory AU$75,000 for a pair of these speakers. The AU$210,000 extra the end customer pays is mainly due to distributor and retail mark up profit and a small amount 10% for goods and services tax. Hence, I can see why PS Audio decided to drop their US distributor and retail network in America. I would have done the same thing. No hard feelings retailers and distributors. Besides, Paul offer anyone in America (or oversea) the best customer experience, listen to PS Audio in Music room 2 with the giant IRS infinity speakers.
Sounds great. Traveling to Colorado, or unboxing & boxing/shipping items back and forth is not my idea of an easy buying experience. For me there's nothing better than walking in a store, listening, seeing, touching a piece. Then bringing a new box home to hook up and play over my weekend. To each his own I guess. Thank you for your comments silver audiophile! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 I would agree with you, however most audio stores I've visited have not set up audio Hi-Fi system optimally. I've spoke to one local speaker manufacturer who's quiet appalled at the lack of care and dedication of how store display a high end system, he decided to open his own dedicated listen show room to public himself to show case his speakers. The deal with PS Audio USA, is customers buy and try the equipment in their homes (best way to test gear, not in a store), and then return it if they are not satisfied for a full money refund. Can't ask for more as a customer.
No that's great, until UPS uses it as a soccer ball when you ship it back to them, lol. Seriously though, I sold PS audio at one of the stores I worked at. Plugging gear into a P10 in front of a customer and seeing the look in their face was priceless. Instead of selling Just an amp, we would sell the whole package. It was good for PS audio too 👌🎼✨
Wow. You are probably referring to ‘Addicted to Audio’ who no longer are an authorised distributor for Focal in Australia. That’s daylight robbery isn’t it? PS. What was the first piece of music you played? I really like it.
But I can communicate with Paul. I do it often. I cannot do that with McIntosh. Of course I can talk to a Mc dealer, but I've found most are arrogant, rude, and unhelpful. They just want your money. After all that I enjoyed your video. And that sounds like an upright piano on the album you are playing.
Paul is super. They updated my Stellar Gain Cell DAC a few months ago & they were great. Thanks for watching JOE!
👍💯🏆🎼✨
Great video ,why or how come UPS didn’t pay for damages to the PS . I may have missed On . Anyways can’t wait for the big one
LP vs CD , great work , system looking really good.
Thanks John, I sent it back to the seller. Didn't want to hassle with an expensive repair. 👌🎼✨
Very nice system. The T at the end of ElectrocompanieT is silent
I know. It's my bad English 😁👌🎼💯✨
@@vpconcepts9838 It's not easy knowing the exact pronunciation of every word in every language
I know, I used to sell high end time pieces. Those companies were tongue twisters! Thanks for watching Chosemachin. 👌🎼✨
another youtube channel says that this dac plays as good as dcs bartok 20K dac, while doing some things better. Seems that it really is good.
@@janulik9535 really? Wow 🤯
@@vpconcepts9838 yes you will find it easely, I am considering to buy it and use it also as a preamp as i cant afford the electrocompaniet dac and pream at once. Currently i am haeving little eci 80d integrated and other two integrateds too but the eci won me over, but i want more power so…
Interesting. I found I prefered CDs to streaming but I figured I was weird. Plus I use low end equipment, or as someone told me, lower end of midfi at best. That streamers DAC sounds very sweet. Heck both sound amazing but that DAC.......wow.
I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks for watching as always! 👊🎼🏆✨
Ya gotta get a thick shag rug, the difference it makes is phenomenal!
Rugs are great. This one is doing a wonderful job! 😉👌🎼✨
Extremely impressive kit.Great video.I have a question isn't that vase likely to be in danger of causing micro vibration? Am i missing a beat? Blu Tack perhaps?With the Quality of kit you have i wouldn't even have the little birds on any kit as well.Maybe i'm just too paranoid about these issues.Living in the US i'm curious to know have you ever bought any cables,purifiers,filters etc from Russ Andrews based in the lake district in the UK.The company does a huge selection of cables etc mainly using Kimber that you are so fond of.I'm glad you are getting pleasure from streaming music.Never hurts to have another feather in ones's cap.Just subbed.Looking forward to watching a lot more of your videos.Thanks for sharing.
Hi Roger, vase has a rubber base, no vibration. I remove it when I sit down for serious listens, and leave it up for a classy touch when doing videos. I've only had about 5 people mention it bothers them out of about 230k views so I'm not to worried about being heckled for it. I've actually played it without the birds or the vase and no difference. What people don't realize is that everything & I mean everything has a set of 4 still points under them. We are talking ZERO vibration with this upgrade. I've never tried purchasing from overseas yet. Everything from here in the US as far as dealers go. Thank you for your questions Roger & thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Sounds great paul,and yes it's a shame what happened to ps audio,my dealer used to sell there products but stopped very little percentage they would get buy direct sales 😕
😢👊🎼✨
Thanks for the demo. I agree with you. The streamer sounds good but the Cd is better from my point of view. What about vinyl? Is the best format? For me it depends on the master (not all the vinyl sounds better) and as you say Vinyl sounds more analog but cd is awesome too without the vinyl noise...
I love them both equally! They have their own positives & negatives, but I couldn't live without either of them in my life. 😉👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Yes
What is the first piece of music you played? I really like it. I’m not a jazz fan but that sounds like jazz maybe…
Album is an SACD from Kimber Kable called
"Joe McQueen and friends..Ten at 86 ".
Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Hi, oh. Sounds custom. Thanks for the reply!
Let me know if you end up putting the broken PS Audio DAC up for sale! :)
If the seller gets it back it's already spoken for, lol. Thanks for watching asplmn! 👌🎼✨
Liked your review and really liked the SACD as well!
Thanks for the lead on good music!
Just snapped one up on eBay for 20 bucks!
Awesome! Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
In the video description 😉👌
Kimber isoMike - Joe McQueen and Friends - Ten at 86 - hybrid CD/SACD
Thought you should know, Audio Visual Solutions new store location in Summelin (moved from Tivoli location) has dropped Mac, Sonus Faber lines. Thomas (owner) did tell me there are two new McIntosh dealers in town. There is zero information online for the outfit you mentioned. Do you have an address or phone number for them? Thanks
Yes sir! Lifestyle AVI ( Audio Video Interiors) took it over at Tivoli! All the product is back in there. Tell Greg...Paul (vpconcepts) from TH-cam sent ya. 😉👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Will do- I live 5 minutes from the Tivoli shop. If you have time, you’re more than welcome to come by, hang out and check out my all tube 2 channel rig with the Sonetto’s. I’d be curious to hear your impressions.
Damn! I was there this morning for a one hour video shoot for next months TH-cam video and was out. Thank you very much for the invite Keeferdog! Your also welcome anytime you're in Seattle 😉👌🎼✨
Hello Paul. I have Electrocompaniet ECI 6 DX MKII, and I’m on Readleaf’s waitlist for the EMC 1 MKV Reference CD Player. Did you try Roon with your ECM 1 MKII to play local files (AIFF, WAV, FLAC, DSD) instead of Airplay or USB?. Is your sonic experience much better with the CD player than with the Streamer?. I hope I made a good investment (I’ve 1,500 CDs, both physical and ripped).
I love the ECI, and I’m playing now Otis Taylor’s Hey Joe Opus downloaded from PS Audio’s Octagon Records 😜
Hi Marcelo! I have not use anything but airplay when listening through streaming. I'm sure a better sound would come from something other than Airplay. I can tell you that the CD player as a stand alone is amazing...but using the ECM1 as an outboard DAC with it, took it to another level. One word of advice I can give you is to get a synergistic research orange fuse and it will make the CD player sing. Thanks for watching! 👍🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 thanks for your prompt answer, Paul. I’m looking (and learning ) now about the fuse. It is meant to replace the factory one, right? I’ll look for the specific one. What about the XLR cables? Any favorite? Maybe PS Audio? 🤣
Yes my quantum orange fuse really elevated the player! Not sure your budget, but Kimber kable makes a very well balanced xlr cable called "Hero" I have it in my computer rig. Below that try the PBJ. Thanks for asking Marcelo!
@@vpconcepts9838 Will take a look at the cable. Goes XLR to the EC integrated amp. I changed the power cable of the ECI amp by an accessible Pangea MKII and I am surprised about the result!
@@vpconcepts9838 by the way, which orange fuse should I buy? David will ship in a week or so! :)
The saxophone has an edge to it playing the stream, it's a bit harsh and lacks body, sounding hollow, where it seems smoother and more natural with more of the sax "body" being audible playing from the CD; compare 11:21 and 15:21. If you directly compare the two it's not at ALL subtle.
Exactly! Right on point my friend! 👌🎼✨
Gratulerer fra Norge! I was in the listener test group for the first ECM1 amp. You should try Adyton gear too! All made in Norway.
🙏🏻🎼✨🏆
Let me ask you, obviously outside of your personal issues with PS Audio with repair and you're feelings on going direct and things, what would you say about the quality of their products overall?
Like from a reliability standpoint and also I suppose a sound quality standpoint.
They have been solid through the years. They are still in business and should be for a long time. So service& repairs will be available. Not like B&K, ADCOM,, etc..🤷♂️🎼✨
My first Hifi amp was Elecrocompainet ECI-4
Nice! 👌🎼✨
What is PS Audio thinking when doing this to existing and future customers and knocking Mcintosh by saying they aren't audiophile... it is a bit much, darn they've lost it. Well if this is reality then I don't need that pp15 anymore. They ought not bag on Mcintosh imo, let me see PS Audio beat the c1100. Let me see PS Audio compete with Mcintosh's fun new gear like the ma12000 and the mha200. Let me see PS Audio take care of the end customer's 50 year old components the way Mcintosh's authorized service network can at reasonable rates and the ability to shop around.
I'll still verify the insane changes to servicing before throwing the pp15 I planned on getting overboard but if you're right then they've got themselves to blame. I imagine the majority of people spending 10k per component have uncompromising expectations that the brands we invest in maintain their brand integrity otherwise we're going to take our loyalty elsewhere.
This was my experience with them twice. I hope yours isn't the same. I wish the best for PS Audio & Paul, they make great products. Thanks for watching Al! 🙏🏻👌✨
CD . sounds more species 🎶✨️👍
I need more money for
this hobby.
Thanks for watching Clyde! 👌🎼✨🎷
@@vpconcepts9838 You are welcome.
I struggled with the financial decision whether to get this base level macbook pro over the air only to open youtube and hear this guy throwing enough $$$ around to get a top level computer for everyday of the week and hire somebody to do the typing for him :(
Brother I lived in my car for a week after I got out of the Army, I've borrowed a dollar from my brother to get a McDouble because I was between jobs & had no food. I had 2 failed businesses in my 30's & 40's before this one succeeded in my 50s. Never give up on your dreams or stop believing that doors open. Remember that a bookshelf speaker or big screen TV will not sit by your bedside when your sick or old. It's about friendships, family, faith in yourself..and faith in a higher power. Thank you for watching & it's a privilege to have you check out my channel. 🙏🏻🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 I hear you. I got nothing but love for a fellow veteran. Been where you been in lesser or greater degrees. Trying to go to college on my own with army college fund and g.i. bill while trying to afford NY rent was “fun “. Did the failed biz thing too. But the most audiophile grade stuff I had was some adcom gear back in the 80s when I was in. Keep doing you buddy
@@mpmarvin999 You too brother!
Remember it's all happening for you & not to you. It just takes enough time to go by, so you look back and see it 😉👊✨.
Hi Paul - what audio store do you manage? - I'm in the Seattle area and would like to drop by. -cheers!
I don't anymore since about 2019. I own a marketing company now. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
great sounding system love the turntable!
Thank you Fabrice! 🙏🏻🎼✨
how are you streaming? is that a flac rip via apple music? do you go bit perfect to the streamer?
I use Tidal through the player itself now, you can also use tidal connect on the network & lesser quality AirPlay if that's all you have. 👍🎼✨
Audiophile requirement: #1 beard #2 cat
🤣👌🎼✨
Just an observation... With all of that fabolous equipment seems like some sound panels and or diffusers are lacking. #echo's #reverb
All the blinds are cloth that cover the whole side of the glass wall in the studio. And I live here lol. Synergistic HFT coming soon!
👌🎼✨
Good evening.
Could you tell me about the streamer, I'm about to buy one, my equipment is all electrocompainet, stage and preamp with sonus faber nova 3 speakers.
Thank you
All the best
I have last years model. This DAC sounds very good! The streamer is solid and no complaints with the software. I use it primarily as a DAC. Streaming is secondary to me as I am a CD & Vinyl guy. I have added a synergistic orange fuse to the DAC, a Kimber PK14 Palladian power cord, and a set of stillpoints underneath. It's turned this DAC into a top flight audiophile piece! 😉👌🎼✨
definitely in the 100-250hz range the CD sample rate destroys the stream version. above 12k hz it's tough to tell with the phone mic. Are you using the Tidal Master setting?
Great ear! To be fair, I was using iTunes through airplay on the network at 16.44 IAFF with auric Illuminator treated discs burned in. With a better music player software I'm sure it would sound closer to the CD player. Thanks for watching always! 👌🎼✨
Perhaps I misunderstood you but I gained the impression that the PS Audio DAC arrived damaged. If that was the case, I can't understand why you had to pay for the repairs. I'm from New Zealand so perhaps such a situation and the consequences differ between our two countries. Your set-up looks great.
Thanks John. It was a used DAC damaged by UPS by not packing it properly (they were paid to do so). It was sent back to seller to receive insurance from UPS. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Fabulous sound from cd.
Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
No contest between the streamer and the CD: CD captures the environmental space where recording was made, also greater low-level resolution.
Just came across your TH-cam channel. You seem to be a straight-shooter. I have PS Audio Powerplants and I think
They really work. Do you have any thoughts between the PS DAC and the Electro.. DAC. Sounds like Paul reached out to
You. Look forward to the vinyl vs cd vid.
That $750 flat rate is crazy. Please let us know if there is a resolution
I had to send the PS Audio back to the seller to claim insurance on the damage, so I'm afraid I couldn't do an A/B. Yes my P10 really elevated the system & they do work. More than one subscriber has mentioned they were quoted $750 for a repair. I'm sure things will work out for everyone in the end. Thank you for watching Frank! 👌🎼✨
Hello.
Which song do you play?Many thanks!
Kimber kable cd. Not for sale.
Joe McQueen ten at 86. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
It's obvious, the details and sound reproduction are just better with the player. The keys on the piano sound a little muffled to me though. Curious about the specs on your amp. Will have to go back and pull the models. Could possibly be your dial in on bass n treble unless its running direct. Something isn't dialing in on the keys. Could have been the sound engineer when it was recorded. By the way, the vinyl will sound more natural with the turntable and cartridge in sync. However, there are really good vintage and modern players that are analog sounding. With certain manufactures vintage models match with certain speakers to include the player, "scary". Unless you've been around for a min and have had enough equipment in rotation to find that synergy, you will never know. This is one reason certain vintage pieces command what they do. We wont even start on Dacs. Nice set up!
Yes it's direct. Never judge a system
going through an iPhone, through TH-cam compression, to your speakers, right?, LOL!
I post this stuff for fun just to point out there is a difference between the pieces. Thanks for watching always! 👌🎼✨
Incredible and Beautiful System!
Thank you! And thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Yes Very big difference!
Great video, CD as a transport using the streamer dac, is that correct.
Correct! Thank you for watching Craig! 👌🎼✨
I am a little lost trying to follow what you were comparing. We’re you comparing streaming from a server to the Streamer/DAC to the CD player (used as a transport) to the DAC in the Streamer/DAC? If so, I don’t understand why there is such a significant difference. Are you streaming from a streaming provider such as Tidal or from an in house server. How are you connecting the server to the Streamer/DAC? You referred to the coax cable a couple of times. I can see you connecting the CDP to the streamer/DAC with that cable. But then you talked about needed an additional one. What for?
I compared just CD player, then CD player coax into external DAC (single ended) to the integrated amp, then switched to xlr out of external DAC with upgraded powercord to integrated amp. Both single ended and xlr sounded better out of the external DAC, than the internal CD Dacs to the integrated amp.Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
I’m really intrigued how the streamer operates, is it through a bespoke app? If so (ideally so), is the app nice to use? I ask because this is similar price to the Auralic Aries G2 and their Lightning DS is a great bespoke app which is why I’m looking at that streamer. I know Roon is the standard but I’d rather not have to pay another subscription if I can (plus the cost of the nucleus etc).
To be honest I just stream through iTunes. The app is really easy and you can operate Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, and adjust setting through it. It makes my CDs sound like vinyl. And it looks sexy as hell, lol 🤣👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 thanks man!
Loved your video...and please do DSD(sacd) vs Vinyl vs CD comparision.
CD Player doesn't do DSD. But to be honest,
I only own about 20 of them. Thanks for watching Nimesh!
@@vpconcepts9838
6:11 Streamer plays DSD, turntable is also in the system.
Maybe its mostly a difference in output input level
Cd & streamer going into same DAC. It was the network feed compared to CD feed, so you could be right! Still the cd is much clearer and not just louder. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
A flat rate repair cost is insane.
You can truly hear the difference. Do they make Blu-ray players? Great video.
They actually did at one point! But do to advent of streaming and decline of HD blu-Ray. They stopped 😢🎼✨
I used to have one. It was awesome, it also was SACD and dvd-audio compatible, and a USB input for video streaming. But no ultra HD Blu-ray, obviously at the time of its issue. I had it hooked to a Denon AVR, and my home cinema theatre was flawless. I guess you could still find a used one in the market.
Electrocompanyett? Try Electrocompanyay 🤣
I'm not French, or Norwegian.
🤣👌🎼✨
How did you disable the preamp Stage from the ecm1mk2? Greetz from switzerland.
Preamp stage? This is a DAC/Streamer only 👍🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838 Manual Page 17: Preamplifier section, DAC section, Streamer section. And there is a volume control. 🤷
For the MK1?
Why wouldn’t PS audio’s warranty apply in this situation?
Past warranty, original Direct Stream with board upgrades after. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
You can’t be any more off base in your comments. I have had multiple McIntosh gear that is more high end than what you have in this video. For example, The McIntosh turntable is pretty mediocre compared to many other brands on the market, but the green platter looks cool.
No cd player can outperform a standalone dac, at least a good dac.
Your comment about ps audio not being in any stores, this is the best option available. If I’m spending $20k to $100k on a system, I want to hear the product in my room with my equipment, not with somebody else’s equipment. Myself along with All of my audiophile friends attend audio shows around the world to listen and to see what’s out there that we might want to upgrade in the future. Then we get a piece in for a 30 day evaluation in our system before deciding to keep it or sending it back.
In the past, I didn’t think electrocompaniet was in the top tier of products compared to actual top tier pieces.
I like McIntosh gear, especially the newer hybrid pieces, but I sold all of my McIntosh gear a few years ago and went all ps audio with no regrets at all.
Your statement about it’s a flat rate of $750 to just open up to see what’s wrong with a ps audio component, or to fix a wire, or something minor to repair, is false, and actually you did an injustice to everyone about this falsehood. In fact, I’ll bet you that it will cost you more to repair an electrocompanient component because of lack of USA service and the cost to ship overseas, than to fix a local brand made in the states.
Off base? These my listening preferences & opinions. I also own PS audio, and sold it in store as well. Your views are not off base either, just your own opinions. And that should be allowed in this hobby, for everyone. Thanks for watching. 👌🎼✨
Ok....with all due respect, I like your set up, but, check out "my listening room." I just ran up on it after i left your set up. He ran a 2 and a 3 as well." My Listening room" He has vinyl running in My listening room. In my listening room 2, he has a cd player running. About to check out the 3rd vid. Just heads up and thanks again for the heads up on your system.
It offends me not in the least that others have channels showing their systems and preferred tweaks. Thomas Stereo & John Darko for example. I wish every one of my subscribers had at least one video of their setups on TH-cam for me to enjoy & learn from. Thanks again for the support! 🙏🏻👌✨
good video- it would be even better if u used a tripod for some of these shots. I lost some faith in Paul when he knocked Sansui. OK Sansui is now ancient, but I have pieces that are still working after 50 years-McIntosh also has pieces still working after half of a century. I am not so sure that any of PS Audio's gear will be working after that long.
Thanks Cameron! Yes, my new iPhone 12 Pro Max seems to have a wacky gyro in it or something. My other iPhones would stay perfectly straight. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
the Sansui u707 is an excellent amp and can be recapped and bought for under 1k.
I noticed the streamer said "Airplay" when streaming. Was the MacBook Pro sending the signal by wifi or bluetooth or was the streamer getting the recording through a wire connected to the internet? Wireless usually doesn't sound as good.
I used airplay over the network, no hardwire & no high end software like decibel or anything. I know it could sound even better with that 😉👌🎼✨
Funny, that whole expensive setup sounds dead like my tiny phone speaker! I swear it really does! 😂 😂
😆👊🎼✨Thanks for watching Hare!
@@vpconcepts9838
You are most welcome, kind sir!
Very glad to hear you were able to come to an understanding with PS Audio.
By the by, having seen a glimpse of your rig, some of the cabling, and the attention to detail you have in your setup, I wonder if you have ever heard of or tried Omega Mikro cables by Insound Audio in your system?
www.omegamikro.com/
No affiliation, just a fan. : )
Yes we all have our favorites. For me it's Kimber Kable. I wish I could live 10 lifetimes to try them all. I have a fun video coming in June. Stay tuned! 😉👌🎼✨
@@vpconcepts9838
I have heard of Kimber Kable.
It's well respected by those who do not think cables are meaningless.
Thanks again for the reply! : )
Nice Set up!
I love your passion
But it gets a little crazy at times.
I’d like to have a dollar at how many times I would gain one way and lose something the other way.
But I have to admit it’s a lot of fun and a learning experience..
Yup! For me that's what the hobby is all about! And the love of music of course!
😉👌🎼💯✨
Hi. I'm a bit confused with the Electrocompaniet model names. Is your ecm1 an older version of ecm1 mk2?? Thanks
Yes, the MKII came out last year. Thanks for watching! 👌🎼✨
Oh maaan... because of your video I decided to audition the MKV cd player. I was so astonished with the unbelievably good seperation of instruments and its beautiful, silky smooth resolution, that I couldn't get my money quick enough to buy it.😀
I have a Sopra 3 with Pass Labs XA30.8 and xp-12, also for now a single Rel 812s. The whole system is connected to a Isotek power board with Isotek premiere power cables. All interconnects and speaker cables are Van den Hul brand.
I thought my system sounded good before the purchase of that cd player, but now I don't just listen to music, I experience it. All those expensive electronics completely disappear and what's left is a stage and my front row seat.
Thanks for your recommendation!!
@@robotstonka7118 Yes! Feel the music! That's what it's all about. You are very welcome, and thanks for watching my friend! 👌🎼✨
You cant buy PS Audio here in Australia and they dont seem to want to ship here either. its a shame. I also like Paul, but i have no idea whats going on there.
Quite a few dealers for PS Audio in AUS, just Google it. I’ve never bought any products so not sure what service is like!
@@peted7619 Hi. I went onto PS Audio's website looking for authorised dealers here, not selling in Australia was comment, emailed them directly and received same response from PS Audio.
@@peterrech2307 Looks like the head doesn't know what the tail is doing!!
I had previously considered buying their products, but certainly seems more unlikely now!
@@peted7619 greetings from cold Melbourne. I was considering the same thing to purchase PS Audio set up tp replace great sounding Grundig ActiveBox system that has terminal failure, but now will choose a full valve system. Not sure what yet, its life. There a number of used record stores and dealers in the US that think shipping to Australia is too hard for them, i think they have not heard of UPS yet. take care and enjoy the music
@@peted7619 agree with head not knowing what the tail is doing comment..........