Initially I was using Focal Diablo Utopia III speakers but lately I prefer the musicality of Harbeth M30.2. I still use Focal Diablo for multi-channel.
Active crossover changed to JL Audio CR1, which is more transparent compared to Bryston 10B-SUB and without any hissing noise of the 10B.
I don’t know how I missed your post. Thank you for your insights and feedback on the comparisons. I wonder why Marantz does not come out with a dedicated DAC that is in the SA-10. But I am sure they have plenty of competition now in 2024.
The Terminator I used before was the first generation. I also bought Aune S5 to try I2S into Terminator, but it never worked that well and the issues were not resolve. Long story short, both USB and I2S inputs of the Terminator were not really stable, even with the upgraded DSP board and firmware changes.
Terminator sounds thicker with PCM compared to SA-10, with SA-10 being more resolving. DSD really no comparison - the SA-10 is just too good with DSD. I believe different brands of R2R DACs may sound different with SA-10 when handling PCM.
Other than SQ, what I like most about SA-10 is its USB interface stability and quality - it has galvanic isolation. The past few months I developed my own music server with LPSU, playing music from internal SATA SSD using Win10 IoT Ent LTSC and JPLAY FEMTO. It sounds better compared to SA-10 playing CD and SACD (which is already good), and a lot better than any Linux-based free and paid software.
My suggestion if you want to try other DACs is to consider those with XMOS USB receiver. They are really great.
Can you share your comparison between the Danafrips Terminator Vs Marantz? I was considering a used Terminator as an upgrade from the Oppo. But recently found out that the Terminator internally converts DSD to PCM. So it is a no-go for me.
I really wish Marantz comes up with a stand-alone DAC version of the SA-10.
Sorry I realized I got your post while I was updating my virtual system. Anyway, we have our private thread so I guess your question has been answered. I have replaced the Denafrips Terminator with Marantz SA-10.
Hi Leeagc, I am using Organic Audio speaker cable (from Denmark).
Hi Lalitk, in terms of power, MC303 has plenty. Before purchasing the MC452, I was using the MC303 for the front speakers (L,C,R). In terms of refinement, the difference is too much. Maybe you should consider the newer MC301 monoblock as it is quad balanced and has better S/N.
Hello Anwar, I am contemplating MC303 for my center and rears with MC601's powering up the mains. Since you own MC452/303, do you experience any issues with 303 keeping up with your mains on movie playback?
What speaker cables are you using? I too have Utopia Diablo and paired with a Devialet Le200 I'm going around the speaker cable circus. I've tried some Verbatim ribbons, Nordost up to Frey and so far the best has been Analysis Plus Solo Crystal 8, ll with HUGE differences which leads me to believe there's much more to come!
Hello all, just to update that I eventually sold the Audio Research REF 5SE preamp as it does not like low impedance (15k) of the Bryston 10B-SUB. It was sold to someone who uses Audio Research VT150 monoblocks and I was very impressed how nice the REF 5SE sound when paired with high impedance amp. My new preamp is a semi-DIY Bent Audio Tap-X (passive) and it works very well with the rest of my system.
Lapierre, actually for most components except McIntosh amps, Focal speakers, and Ayon CD player, I've never heard them. I shortlisted my choice based on reviews, price, and availability in my country. The JL Audio importer here only has 13.5" fathom as ex-stock; the other models need to special order.
Truemaineiac, I only heard ARC pre+power (new Ref 10 with monoblocks, not completely broken in) at ARC importer showroom and hi-fi show with Sonus Faber speakers after I had my system. I like my system better.
Interesting insight on the Scala and Maestro. I was considering the Scalas but I recently re-voiced my system with new power cords. Great change without breaking the bank.
Thank you Anwar! I am in the middle of deciding what path to take with my next speaker upgrade. I really do love the Sonus Faber sound so I was considering the new Olympica Is, used Guarneri's or the Diablos. Its been a while since I have auditioned Focals. I remember a very clear, clean sound though perhaps a bit thin for my taste. I like a bit of weight in the midrange. I am sure it was the electronics. It seems the Diablos are a prime candidate for tubes. I am looking forward to auditioning these. Thank you again for the reply.
Tboooe, the strength of the Diablos (also all Utopia III series) is the ability to reproduce piano sound very accurately. I also feel it invites the listener into the music. The Beryllium tweeters were harsh initially, but after 500 hours they become smooth. I also feel it matches the McIntosh amp pretty well.
Anwar, just curious how you would characterize the sound of the Diablos? It looks like you may have a very well balanced system with your tube components.
Nice system...I've heard a few stand mounted speaker systems sound absolutely fantastic...they do have some advantages in imaging given the cabinet get's out of the way of the sound...congrats on very cool set up !
