The 4 best systems assembled from the gear I reviewed this year. I assembled 4 great systems containing gear from all my reviews in 2024. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
@@Djk0t I have no experience with the Rivo Plus. My only experience with Volumio was with the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi Plus and I was not impressed with the software. The Cambridge Stream Magic software is robust, stable and easy to use so, based on that alone, Cambridge gets my vote.
Love the system builds you came up with. I thought I could retire next year, but after watching your reviews I'm going to have to keep working to afford all this stuff. 😄
0:40 Thank you, Ed for your product reviews, insights, interior chassis/circuitry detailed walk-throughs and musical selection introductions. You do it differently than the rest and this viewer appreciates that! ⭐️💜
Really great pairings, and echoing a previous comment about best systems based on your reviews. Great idea. The opera and black ice combo is now something I’m considering down the line.
Happy New Year 🎊 You have established your channel as being THE most informative and I subscribe to virtually every one in the hobby. Keep up the great work.
Thank You Ed !!!! This is a GREAT List !!!! I am EXTREMELY interested in Getting An ADVANCE PARIS Thanks to you and Randy .. Wishing you Nothing but The BEST For you and the Channel For 2025 !!!!!
I finally met someone who was interested in Opera Callas speakers. A very good and accurate proposition, as I heard that they go very well with tube amplifiers. Apparently they are also suitable for near-field listening. I'm thinking about buying them, but unfortunately I have a very small listening room (approx. 9m2) and I'm afraid it may be too small for them, and there may be problems with taming the low tones. Opera Callas are quite large monitors. Anyway, thanks for the nice sets, I'm waiting for your review of Opera Callas.
Love your reviews this year! Was a little surprised the Starkrimson Ultra 2.0 from Orchard Audio didn't make it into this video. Also surprised by the Cambridge over Eversolo recommendation. Keep up the great work!
Thank you. The Cambridge MXN-10 and in fact all Cambridge streamers are IMHO the best sounding for under $3k. I talk about the reasons in my last MXN-10 video. The OA amp didn't make the list because it needs a real good preamp to sound its best. Preferably something with tubes. I honestly liked the Black Ice amp better. Just was more in line with my preference. Thx.
Ed. Great review format recommending complete systems. Glad you like the Skoll. It works great with my vpi scout jr and audio technica mc cart into the freya noval
Nice one Ed😊 If anyone owns the Nag MP110….when it wears out, put a MP200 stylus on it, boron cantilever, nude elliptical, is not embarrassed by 1K+ carts. Herb Reichert did this last summer and I had to pull my 110 out of a drawer to try it. He was correct. Bang for the buck winner. You got me eyeballing the piggy bank over that Black Ice amp😊
What a treat! Thank you for playing my favorite game of "build a system under $X". Love to hear your recommendations. Wish I could demo the proposed setups at your store.
Good stuff. I bought bookshelf speakers to save money and space, but, honestly, with stands they take up no more room than a slim tower, and adding stands and a sub, probably cost more than a good tower speaker. YMMV
Thanks Ed. Your depth of knowledge and passion for audio have rapidly put you high on my list of audio channels. Question - Can you make a video or at least comment on near field subwoofers?
I bought the AXN10 from Audio Geeks in San Antonio, TX. Let's just say "they gave me a offer I couldn't refuse". And Cambridge Engineering is working on some stuff for their streamers that you know about but if I leak it. Agent 007 will have to "take me out". Great year end wrap-up Ed.
Great video,thank you so much!!!I am consider for my new set-up the cheaper model of Opera the Prima speakers with Advance X-I75.Happy and healthy New Year!!!
No disagreements Ed. All of those systems are worthy of the required investment. I currently own my endgame speakers, Magnepan 1.6QR's with two Mirage subs, but still working on getting a Cambridge streamer and an Advance Paris A10 to replace my Yamaha gear. I'm not ridiculously wealthy, but luckily, nice audio gear is not unattainable so long as you're willing to save up.
Great video as always Ed and great systems, but how about this for ultra cheap: Wiim mini ($89)-Fiio k11 R2R ($160)-Fiio Ft1 ($150)-Fosi ZA3 ($150 with sub out) and the Philharmonic true mini ($380) All for a great total of: $929 with headphones And you can change the Fiio for the NeoHippo DC10(under $70) if you dont want the headphone amp, and save $90 and lose the Ft1's and then will cost you just $ 689 can even get the second ZA3 and under $850 The best for you and your family in the 2025. Greetings form Colombia.
Yes. The only CD player I reviewed so far, the Rotel DT6000, was a less than stellar performer so there was no way it was making the list. I do have the Shanling ET3 here but have not yet reviewed it.
The DBR 62 to me had a very weak and rolled off tweeter. The rest of the spectrum was very good. For the price I'd opt for PSB Imagine B50 or Polk R-100 and Emotiva XB-2 instead.
I have been very happy with the Nagaoka purple cartridge on my vintage Technics DD truntable. I also own three Black Ice components, the Tube DAC, FOS-SSX & Jolida tube CD player, before they changed thier name because of the Chinese Co. copies. The question I have is why you think the Fosi DAC is better than the one in the Advance Paris?
@@OldGuyHifi Oh, OK I misunderstood, thanks. I do have another question. You had a Short a while back about the Freya & Accuphase amplifier. Would love to hear more of what you think of both, thanks!
@OldGuyHifi - Hi Ed! I noticed the Realistic STA-95 didn't make the list for this year . . . 😂😂 Seriously, are there specific cables you use between the components \ Amp to speaker for all $$$$ ranges or do those types change with the cost of the system as well ? An example would be for my modest system I use no thinner than 14 gauge cable for my amp \ 🔊🔊speaker connections and Amazon Basic RCA connectors (unbalanced) between the line components and my amps. Thanks Ed ! 🥳
OMG, I forgot the Shack! My goto cables are "World's Best Cables" and I prefer the ones made with Mogami wire. I do use some expensive digital cables for coax. I use Wire World USB and power cables. Nothing too crazy. I may do a video on accessories. I wish you and your family the very best for the holidays.
I totally dig your channell! and i recommend it to folks that i think would as well. But i am wondering if i am subscribed with notifications turned off does the algorhym still consider me as subscribed? or what?
I believe so. Cambridge developed all the software and hardware in house and has been doing it for more than a dozen years. As a matter of fact they still support and update all that old gear. The software is based on Linux not Android so, they are not at the mercy of Google. They also have far better clocks and jitter reduction circuits then any of the other units under $2k maybe. Good question. Thank you.
I did not say that the built in DAC was better. I said it is the best sounding streamer. I rarely use the built in DAC as I am not a big fan of ESS chips. Same issue with the ICON. It uses ESS chips. As a digital transport the MXN10 is the best sounding streamer under $1k and I use it to feed other DACs like the Laiv Harmony, Geshelli units, etc. I hope that answers your question.
@@OldGuyHifiTerribly sorry I misinterpreted you old chap. I'm not as sharp as I used to be as I am an old chap too, lol. Btw, I was hoping the Icon, dispite it having an ESS would sound liquidy, smooth with vocals and so to be devoid of producing those horrible harsh "S" sounds/ siblance that my ears are very bothered by and therefore distracting from my beloved music. Looking for the closest to natural presentation possible with no brightness. I need PEQ and sub out for my active sub plus bass management like high and low pass crossover settings so I was left considering the Icon which falls within my limited budget you see. I already have a Yamaha RXA4A avr (ESS 9007 Saber in it), a power amp hooked up to front lr preouts, an active sub crossed at 40 hz, and LS50 Metas. I listen to music 99 % of time the rest movies always in 2.1 channel. From everything I've gathered I need a better source and dac. Maybe minidsp instead of avr handling the dsp/sub crossovers, etc but I don't know. Regarding the Node Icon, the reason it looks hopeful for my purposes, dispite the absence of those silky AKM chips you speak of, is it is the only unit that has all the functionality that I demand, that new Qorono virus, I mean technology implimented which promises smooth frequencies from addressing clock timing issues, etc, and finally reviews from owners claim how it sounds very natural, harsh siblance free so no harsh S sounds and basically all else I want sonically. Also, I've heard some reviewers explain that the dac chip is only half of the sound the other half is using great quality parts and implimentation. But, all that said, do you believe this Icon will still produce glare/ hardness in S sounds (which, as I said, bothers me more than anything else) and upper frequencies because it's using an ESS? Harsh and sharp vocals are what bothers me - all else can sound as detailed and bright as it is in real live music. For example cymbals naturally sound that way but because that's it's natural sound I like it. Any advice from you would be very appreciated as I really don't have a clue about specific equipment thats best to solve my problem on a modest budget. I am not technically knowledgable enough to know what to choose including what synergizes best, etc, which is why I have an avr. I don't have the thinking for it all, I just have ears that want to enjoy beautiful sounding music.
I have not heard the latest Bluesound units other than at shows. I find ESS chips exhibit what I refer to as glare, in every implementation I have heard. Here are my conclusions: ESS Sabre DACs: • Widely used in studio and professional-grade equipment due to their precision. • Found in high-resolution audio players, audiophile DACs, and some AV receivers. • Often chosen for devices emphasizing maximum detail retrieval and imaging. AKM Velvet VERITAS DACs: • Popular in consumer-grade and audiophile equipment for a rich, non-fatiguing sound. • Common in mid-to-high-end audio equipment, including CD players, DACs, and integrated amplifiers. • Favored for musicality and tonal warmth, particularly in hi-fi systems. Sonic Characteristics ESS Sabre DACs: • Crisp and precise, with a focus on micro-detail retrieval. • May be perceived as slightly bright or clinical in some systems. • Excellent for high-resolution material where detail and transparency are paramount. AKM Velvet VERITAS DACs: • Smoother, more natural sound with an analog-like warmth. • Excellent at reproducing timbre and subtle harmonic textures. • Preferred by listeners who prioritize musicality over absolute detail. All of that said it is still a very subjective choice. I listen and don't measure. I base everything on sound and how it engages me and encourages me to listen longer. Pick the device that best fits your use case and then if you feel the need you can still upgrade the DAC. Thx.
I honestly can't say as I have not heard or reviewed that unit. My guess is yes based on its use of the AKM4499 chip set. I find that to be my favorite sounding Delta-Sigma chip. The AK4499EXEQ+AK4191EQ, Multi-bit, switched resistor, Hybrid Delta-Sigma chip set for me is one of the very best sounding options for a DAC Mfr. to use. I own serval DACs with that chip set, and in an upcoming, updated review of the Geshelli Dayzee I will tell you it sounds better than the Pontus 12H I reviewed. Let me know what you decide to do.
@@OldGuyHifi What about this SMSL DO300EX AK4499EX+AK4191 DAC? I can spend up to about $1000 give or take and this one I can get for about 500 right now. Or SMSL D400PRO Dac MQA Decoder AK4191+AK4499EX Chips, S.M.S.L SU-9 Ultre AK4191+AK4499EX MQA High-Performance DAC SU9U Decoder, SMSL DL300 AK4499EX+AK4191, S.M.S.L D400EX DAC 1pcs AK4191 & 2pcs AK4499EX? Or can you offer other suggestions maybe that you are familiar with or have experience with in my price range?
I guess I just didn’t give the DBR62s the magic combination of gear to make them shine. I owned the DBR62s for a few months but they just didn’t satisfy me. Sold them.
Nice lists. It seems to me that you are generally a "streamer" kind of Old Guy. I came late to the CD game and just got back into the vinyl albums after a couple of decades of not playing them. I have a Cambridge Audio CXN for streaming but don't really use it for that. I also have a CXC and a CXA61. So you can see I'm into Cambridge. But I play a lot of music thru my 2015 Mac. You don't really ever hear people talk much about a computer hooked up to the system. Why is that? Are they all the same?
I do listen to a lot of CDs. I just haven't done a review of a CD transport yet. That's why I didn't include one. I do have a Shanling ET3 on now so watch this space. Thx.
I continue to wonder why in the short time I’ve been watching your videos that you don’t recommend planar or open baffle speaker system. It puzzles me that you don’t seem to be a fan of these type of speakers
I can't make stuff appear out of the thin air. I can only review what manufacturers will send me. There are Maggies in the future. I don't have a bais.
Yes. To a large extent that is true. That said you will be seeing some more floor standing towers from me soon. It is expensive and hard for the manufacturer to ship out big towers. Great question. Thx.
I do listen to a lot of CDs. I just haven't done a review of a CD transport yet. That's why I didn't include one. I do have a Shanling ET3 on now so watch this space. Thx.
Nicely Done. Is there any chance you can request a pair of QAciustics 5040 to review or The Dali Oberan 5's . I was hoping with your suggestion of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers you might be able to give us a side by side pro's & cons. Especially at lower listening levels . By the way on the Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers do they play just as good at lower levels ? Thanks
I am trying. I am working thru the list. Not all mfrs. are willing to send stuff out to a small channel like mine. Fingers crossed. The 12.4s are a remarkable speaker. I listen sub 75dB all the time and they do an excellent job. Highly recommended. Thx for asking.
The 4 best systems assembled from the gear I reviewed this year. I assembled 4 great systems containing gear from all my reviews in 2024. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
Hi Ed happy new year . Your opinion on Cambridge vs the volumio rivo+ as a streamer only
@@Djk0t I have no experience with the Rivo Plus. My only experience with Volumio was with the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi Plus and I was not impressed with the software. The Cambridge Stream Magic software is robust, stable and easy to use so, based on that alone, Cambridge gets my vote.
@@OldGuyHifithank you. sound wise between Cambridge and orchard?
As just a streamer/digital transport, the Cambridge all day any day.
@@OldGuyHifithank you so much. Happy New Year 🎉
What a great idea to review systems together! It's so important to know how components work together. Genius
Thank you my friend. Happy New Year.
@@OldGuyHifi Happy New Year!
Love the system builds you came up with. I thought I could retire next year, but after watching your reviews I'm going to have to keep working to afford all this stuff. 😄
I am naughty boy for tempting everyone, including me. Happy New Year.
0:40 Thank you, Ed for your product reviews, insights, interior chassis/circuitry detailed walk-throughs and musical selection introductions. You do it differently than the rest and this viewer appreciates that! ⭐️💜
Thank you so much.
I am a Dali/Cambridge guy, so I was glad to see you choose both for your systems of the year...
Really great pairings, and echoing a previous comment about best systems based on your reviews. Great idea. The opera and black ice combo is now something I’m considering down the line.
It is quite good. That is a bit of an understatement.
Great summation and system build suggestions. Thank you for all your content this year. All the best to you and the channel in 2025. Take care, Sir.
Thank you sir.
I also really like wharfdale speakers. I just have the Lintons. And I like q acoustics sound. The 3030i’s have special sauce.
I agree. Wharfedale makes so great speakers. I will have access to Q Acoustics soon. So watch this space. Thx.
Great system setups. Thanks Ed
Happy New Year 🎊
You have established your channel as being THE most informative and I subscribe to virtually every one in the hobby.
Keep up the great work.
Wow, thank you. Happy Holidays.
@@carloslong839 i would agree
Thx.
Thank You Ed !!!! This is a GREAT List !!!! I am EXTREMELY interested in Getting An ADVANCE PARIS Thanks to you and Randy .. Wishing you Nothing but The BEST For you and the Channel For 2025 !!!!!
Thank you. Happy Holidays to you.
I finally met someone who was interested in Opera Callas speakers. A very good and accurate proposition, as I heard that they go very well with tube amplifiers. Apparently they are also suitable for near-field listening. I'm thinking about buying them, but unfortunately I have a very small listening room (approx. 9m2) and I'm afraid it may be too small for them, and there may be problems with taming the low tones. Opera Callas are quite large monitors. Anyway, thanks for the nice sets, I'm waiting for your review of Opera Callas.
Watched the Schiit live feed a few days ago. Sounds like they are coming out with some neat stuff this coming year. Awesome review.
I have a contact there but with the move from CA to TX she has been slow to respond. I keep trying.Thx.
Love your reviews this year! Was a little surprised the Starkrimson Ultra 2.0 from Orchard Audio didn't make it into this video. Also surprised by the Cambridge over Eversolo recommendation. Keep up the great work!
Thank you. The Cambridge MXN-10 and in fact all Cambridge streamers are IMHO the best sounding for under $3k. I talk about the reasons in my last MXN-10 video. The OA amp didn't make the list because it needs a real good preamp to sound its best. Preferably something with tubes. I honestly liked the Black Ice amp better. Just was more in line with my preference. Thx.
Ed. Great review format recommending complete systems. Glad you like the Skoll. It works great with my vpi scout jr and audio technica mc cart into the freya noval
Nice one Ed😊 If anyone owns the Nag MP110….when it wears out, put a MP200 stylus on it, boron cantilever, nude elliptical, is not embarrassed by 1K+ carts. Herb Reichert did this last summer and I had to pull my 110 out of a drawer to try it. He was correct. Bang for the buck winner. You got me eyeballing the piggy bank over that Black Ice amp😊
Great tip my friend. The Black Ice is very special. Thank you so much.
What a treat! Thank you for playing my favorite game of "build a system under $X". Love to hear your recommendations. Wish I could demo the proposed setups at your store.
Thank you. I don't have a store. Just a friend with one.
Good stuff. I bought bookshelf speakers to save money and space, but, honestly, with stands they take up no more room than a slim tower, and adding stands and a sub, probably cost more than a good tower speaker. YMMV
I actively search out your videos because you're totally honest...oh, yeah, I watch them too 😂🎉
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
@@OldGuyHifi I'm an older HiFi guy...read Stereo Review starting back in junior high, always wanted a Marantz but started with a Sansui 771
@@gearmeister I am sure it sounded great. Thx. Happy New Year.
Nice selections! Happy listening! 😊👍🏻🎶🎶🎶
Nice systems Ed! A lot of fun listening to this video.
Thx.
Thanks again Ed for another great video! I like the look and the all in one form factor.
Thx my friend.
Thanks Ed. Your depth of knowledge and passion for audio have rapidly put you high on my list of audio channels. Question - Can you make a video or at least comment on near field subwoofers?
I will have to look into that. Thx.
Any of those options would provide wonderful sound Ed. Thanks as always for the content. Happy Holidays to you and the family.
Thank you Daz. I hope your crew has a great holiday season.
Very nice video, Ed. I was late to this video party. Nice transitional music!
Thank you. I hope you and Bee have a wonderful New Years.
Very good choices Ed. Much appreciated. 👍
Thanks 👍
This was a blast Ed! All the best my friend.
Thx.
Some truly great choice there, Ed!
Thanks for the great video, I would rank it as one of your best.
Thanks for your work. I enjoy the videos and trust your virwpoint. All the best in the new year.
Thanks, you too!
Great video Ed!! Little bummed the Geshelli J3 didn’t make the cut - just ordered one along with ss2590s for balanced. Hope I made a good choice. 🤷♂️
Nice way to end the year! Congratulations on reaching 13K subscribers. Happy New Year.
Thank you my friend. Happy New Year to you.
I really enjoyed this video! Nice system builds!
Thank you.
Great summary! Thank you!
Some great setups & recommendations 🤘🤘
Thank you.
Great video really nice job. Lots of interesting items that's for sure. Really like the map in the back on the wall.
Thanks 👍
Thanks for the informative and helpful reviews, keep on the good work and I wish you a great new year, keep healthy. Greetings to you
Joerg, Thank you so much. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
I bought the AXN10 from Audio Geeks in San Antonio, TX. Let's just say "they gave me a offer I couldn't refuse". And Cambridge Engineering is working on some stuff for their streamers that you know about but if I leak it. Agent 007 will have to "take me out".
Great year end wrap-up Ed.
Great video,thank you so much!!!I am consider for my new set-up the cheaper model of Opera the Prima speakers with Advance X-I75.Happy and healthy New Year!!!
That should be an awesome sounding system.
@@OldGuyHifi thank you sir!!!
Thank you, Much appreciated sir
Great video! Thx!
I glad you enjoyed it. Thank you. Happy New Year.
Thank You!
I like your content. ❤ Greetings from Germany. 🇩🇪🎶🎵
Vielen Dank. Beste Wünsche für ein tolles neues Jahr.
Sweet rigs. I'm just thinking about the products that you'll be reviewing soon that you have teased us about.
There is some cool stuff. Happy New Year my friend.
No disagreements Ed. All of those systems are worthy of the required investment. I currently own my endgame speakers, Magnepan 1.6QR's with two Mirage subs, but still working on getting a Cambridge streamer and an Advance Paris A10 to replace my Yamaha gear. I'm not ridiculously wealthy, but luckily, nice audio gear is not unattainable so long as you're willing to save up.
👍
Great video as always Ed and great systems, but how about this for ultra cheap: Wiim mini ($89)-Fiio k11 R2R ($160)-Fiio Ft1 ($150)-Fosi ZA3 ($150 with sub out) and the Philharmonic true mini ($380) All for a great total of: $929 with headphones
And you can change the Fiio for the NeoHippo DC10(under $70) if you dont want the headphone amp, and save $90 and lose the Ft1's and then will cost you just $ 689 can even get the second ZA3 and under $850
The best for you and your family in the 2025. Greetings form Colombia.
Good suggestion. Thank you. Happy New Year.
Excellent
Thank you! Cheers!
Looking forward to transport review, I am considering Audiolab 9000 cdt, Jays Audio cdt, Teac or others, need one with i2S for Pontus15th
I have the Shanling ET3 here and it has I2S out. Very nice unit
I have enjoyed all of your videos this year Ed. I hope you have a Happy New Year and I hope your subscriptions keep growing at this remarkable rate!
Thanks Mike. Happy New Year to you and yours. I appreciate all your support.
Great systems. I noticed they were all missing a CD player. Any reason why?
Yes. The only CD player I reviewed so far, the Rotel DT6000, was a less than stellar performer so there was no way it was making the list. I do have the Shanling ET3 here but have not yet reviewed it.
The DBR 62 to me had a very weak and rolled off tweeter. The rest of the spectrum was very good. For the price I'd opt for PSB Imagine B50 or Polk R-100 and Emotiva XB-2 instead.
I haven't reviewed any of those yet so, I can't include them.
I have been very happy with the Nagaoka purple cartridge on my vintage Technics DD truntable. I also own three Black Ice components, the Tube DAC, FOS-SSX & Jolida tube CD player, before they changed thier name because of the Chinese Co. copies. The question I have is why you think the Fosi DAC is better than the one in the Advance Paris?
I don't think the Fosi is better. I was just offering an alternative as the Advance Paris doesn't have a USB input.
@@OldGuyHifi Oh, OK I misunderstood, thanks. I do have another question. You had a Short a while back about the Freya & Accuphase amplifier. Would love to hear more of what you think of both, thanks!
@@peterlundskow4061 Didn't care for the Freya much and the Accuphase is a legend.
@OldGuyHifi - Hi Ed! I noticed the Realistic STA-95 didn't make the list for this year . . . 😂😂 Seriously, are there specific cables you use between the components \ Amp to speaker for all $$$$ ranges or do those types change with the cost of the system as well ? An example would be for my modest system I use no thinner than 14 gauge cable for my amp \ 🔊🔊speaker connections and Amazon Basic RCA connectors (unbalanced) between the line components and my amps. Thanks Ed ! 🥳
OMG, I forgot the Shack! My goto cables are "World's Best Cables" and I prefer the ones made with Mogami wire. I do use some expensive digital cables for coax. I use Wire World USB and power cables. Nothing too crazy. I may do a video on accessories. I wish you and your family the very best for the holidays.
I totally dig your channell! and i recommend it to folks that i think would as well. But i am wondering if i am subscribed with notifications turned off does the algorhym still consider me as subscribed? or what?
You don't show up as a subscriber. No worries though.
@@OldGuyHifi that is big news to me!thanks for the info!
Out of curiosity, did you leave the Neil Blanchard speakers off any of these based on the DIY nature of it or just didn’t fit into any of these tiers?
Because they are intended as a DIY product I didn't include them. They are very good but not so much a main stream retail type of product. Thx.
What about Fiio S15
It is still in Beta as fast as I am concerned.
Enjoyed the review. I currently have a Blue Sound node with the Daisy's dac. Your saying the Cambridge streamer is much better?
I believe so. Cambridge developed all the software and hardware in house and has been doing it for more than a dozen years. As a matter of fact they still support and update all that old gear. The software is based on Linux not Android so, they are not at the mercy of Google. They also have far better clocks and jitter reduction circuits then any of the other units under $2k maybe. Good question. Thank you.
Hi, Regarding the dac in the Cambridge Audio MXN10, are suggesting that it also sounds better than the dac in the Bluesound Node ICON?
I did not say that the built in DAC was better. I said it is the best sounding streamer. I rarely use the built in DAC as I am not a big fan of ESS chips. Same issue with the ICON. It uses ESS chips. As a digital transport the MXN10 is the best sounding streamer under $1k and I use it to feed other DACs like the Laiv Harmony, Geshelli units, etc. I hope that answers your question.
@@OldGuyHifiTerribly sorry I misinterpreted you old chap. I'm not as sharp as I used to be as I am an old chap too, lol. Btw, I was hoping the Icon, dispite it having an ESS would sound liquidy, smooth with vocals and so to be devoid of producing those horrible harsh "S" sounds/ siblance that my ears are very bothered by and therefore distracting from my beloved music. Looking for the closest to natural presentation possible with no brightness. I need PEQ and sub out for my active sub plus bass management like high and low pass crossover settings so I was left considering the Icon which falls within my limited budget you see. I already have a Yamaha RXA4A avr (ESS 9007 Saber in it), a power amp hooked up to front lr preouts, an active sub crossed at 40 hz, and LS50 Metas. I listen to music 99 % of time the rest movies always in 2.1 channel. From everything I've gathered I need a better source and dac. Maybe minidsp instead of avr handling the dsp/sub crossovers, etc but I don't know. Regarding the Node Icon, the reason it looks hopeful for my purposes, dispite the absence of those silky AKM chips you speak of, is it is the only unit that has all the functionality that I demand, that new Qorono virus, I mean technology implimented which promises smooth frequencies from addressing clock timing issues, etc, and finally reviews from owners claim how it sounds very natural, harsh siblance free so no harsh S sounds and basically all else I want sonically. Also, I've heard some reviewers explain that the dac chip is only half of the sound the other half is using great quality parts and implimentation. But, all that said, do you believe this Icon will still produce glare/ hardness in S sounds (which, as I said, bothers me more than anything else) and upper frequencies because it's using an ESS? Harsh and sharp vocals are what bothers me - all else can sound as detailed and bright as it is in real live music. For example cymbals naturally sound that way but because that's it's natural sound I like it. Any advice from you would be very appreciated as I really don't have a clue about specific equipment thats best to solve my problem on a modest budget. I am not technically knowledgable enough to know what to choose including what synergizes best, etc, which is why I have an avr. I don't have the thinking for it all, I just have ears that want to enjoy beautiful sounding music.
I have not heard the latest Bluesound units other than at shows. I find ESS chips exhibit what I refer to as glare, in every implementation I have heard. Here are my conclusions:
ESS Sabre DACs:
• Widely used in studio and professional-grade equipment due to their precision.
• Found in high-resolution audio players, audiophile DACs, and some AV receivers.
• Often chosen for devices emphasizing maximum detail retrieval and imaging.
AKM Velvet VERITAS DACs:
• Popular in consumer-grade and audiophile equipment for a rich, non-fatiguing sound.
• Common in mid-to-high-end audio equipment, including CD players, DACs, and integrated amplifiers.
• Favored for musicality and tonal warmth, particularly in hi-fi systems.
Sonic Characteristics
ESS Sabre DACs:
• Crisp and precise, with a focus on micro-detail retrieval.
• May be perceived as slightly bright or clinical in some systems.
• Excellent for high-resolution material where detail and transparency are paramount.
AKM Velvet VERITAS DACs:
• Smoother, more natural sound with an analog-like warmth.
• Excellent at reproducing timbre and subtle harmonic textures.
• Preferred by listeners who prioritize musicality over absolute detail.
All of that said it is still a very subjective choice. I listen and don't measure. I base everything on sound and how it engages me and encourages me to listen longer. Pick the device that best fits your use case and then if you feel the need you can still upgrade the DAC. Thx.
Hi, do you think/know if the Topping E70 Velvet would be a good dac for reproducing smooth non-digital glare and harshness?
I honestly can't say as I have not heard or reviewed that unit. My guess is yes based on its use of the AKM4499 chip set. I find that to be my favorite sounding Delta-Sigma chip. The AK4499EXEQ+AK4191EQ, Multi-bit, switched resistor, Hybrid Delta-Sigma chip set for me is one of the very best sounding options for a DAC Mfr. to use. I own serval DACs with that chip set, and in an upcoming, updated review of the Geshelli Dayzee I will tell you it sounds better than the Pontus 12H I reviewed. Let me know what you decide to do.
@@OldGuyHifi What about this SMSL DO300EX AK4499EX+AK4191 DAC? I can spend up to about $1000 give or take and this one I can get for about 500 right now. Or SMSL D400PRO Dac MQA Decoder AK4191+AK4499EX Chips, S.M.S.L SU-9 Ultre AK4191+AK4499EX MQA High-Performance DAC SU9U Decoder, SMSL DL300 AK4499EX+AK4191, S.M.S.L D400EX DAC 1pcs AK4191 & 2pcs AK4499EX? Or can you offer other suggestions maybe that you are familiar with or have experience with in my price range?
I haven't heard that unit. Again, I do like the AKM chips. Sounds like you have some good choices. Thx.
I guess I just didn’t give the DBR62s the magic combination of gear to make them shine. I owned the DBR62s for a few months but they just didn’t satisfy me. Sold them.
If they don't do it for you then you have to move on. I totally understand. The best speaker in the world is the one you like. Thx. Happy New Year.
Nice lists. It seems to me that you are generally a "streamer" kind of Old Guy. I came late to the CD game and just got back into the vinyl albums after a couple of decades of not playing them. I have a Cambridge Audio CXN for streaming but don't really use it for that. I also have a CXC and a CXA61. So you can see I'm into Cambridge. But I play a lot of music thru my 2015 Mac. You don't really ever hear people talk much about a computer hooked up to the system. Why is that? Are they all the same?
I do listen to a lot of CDs. I just haven't done a review of a CD transport yet. That's why I didn't include one. I do have a Shanling ET3 on now so watch this space. Thx.
After market DAC clocking systems. I can't seem to find any
SMSL PO 100 is great DDC/Reclocker and only costs $70
@OldGuyHifi I have it but I want more power
Laiv is sending me one of their new DDCs soon. So we will see.
@@OldGuyHifi is there a Xmos 512 module I can buy because my eversolo a6 has p0100 integrated already
Not that I know of.
What do you got for those of us that want to hear a cricket sneeze over our music?
A doctor's appointment.
I continue to wonder why in the short time I’ve been watching your videos that you don’t recommend planar or open baffle speaker system. It puzzles me that you don’t seem to be a fan of these type of speakers
I can't make stuff appear out of the thin air. I can only review what manufacturers will send me. There are Maggies in the future. I don't have a bais.
I assume most TH-cam reviews are bookshelf speakers strictly because of logistics.
Yes. To a large extent that is true. That said you will be seeing some more floor standing towers from me soon. It is expensive and hard for the manufacturer to ship out big towers. Great question. Thx.
suffering snakes!-----------no cd players in these systems!
I do listen to a lot of CDs. I just haven't done a review of a CD transport yet. That's why I didn't include one. I do have a Shanling ET3 on now so watch this space. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi some audiophiles complain that their mcintosh players have cheap drawers.
Nicely Done.
Is there any chance you can request a pair of QAciustics 5040 to review or
The Dali Oberan 5's .
I was hoping with your suggestion of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers
you might be able to give us a side by side pro's & cons.
Especially at lower listening levels .
By the way on the Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers do they play just as good at lower levels ?
Thanks
I am trying. I am working thru the list. Not all mfrs. are willing to send stuff out to a small channel like mine. Fingers crossed. The 12.4s are a remarkable speaker. I listen sub 75dB all the time and they do an excellent job. Highly recommended. Thx for asking.