some1x

Isn't that thing like 15 years old? Can't believe an I2S standard still hasn't be developed yet

I bought a pre-production version of the Legato, which also uses Wavelength's Streamlength firmware. Differences between Legato and Wavelink: - cost is $500 for production version, I got my preproduction version for $400. Difference is the preproduction version has a generic Hammond case... its pretty big... about 1.5 times the size of Wavelink. - restricted to 44/16 (I guess GR did this to segment the market) - Legato uses its own power supply, Wavelink uses battery power references: Computer Audio Asylum - I bet Mr. Rankin could make a real nice usb-spdif converter - Dynaudio_Rules - September 06, 2009 at 15:06:47 Legato USB-SPDIF converter is ready

I just got one ... kinda :D

I believe it is a custom R2R DAC. One of Lavry's cool features is that it uses "oven" to calibrate the resistors. If I understand it correctly, the Lavry will dynamically adjust the resistors on startup. From the manual:

MSB Platinum DAC, MSB Power DAC, and Lavry DA924 come to mind. They use discrete R2R DACs.

I'm not aware of any cheap (say under $500) USB/Firewire to SPDIF converters that have clock input. Wouldn't such a unit also need to be async? You'd also need a DAC with clock output (not exactly common either), or a separate clock unit and a DAC with clock input as well (not common or cheap)...

Looks like you're right on, according to RMAF 2009 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest Show Event Coverage

Yeah, that is unfortunate. I meant that it is possible to connect some I2S components together using standard RJ45 terminated cables. For example, I believe the North Star DAC and Transport can be used with a standard RJ45 cable; same with the MSB DAC and transports. edit: It appears from show reports that the final version of the Wavelink will come with Nirvana Audio's new T0 BNC-to-BNC digital cable and BNC-to-RCA adapter.

I don't know anything about modding though ._. Asked Steve N. about an I2S configuration for the North Star, and it comes out to $699 + $100 (5V I2S option) + $389 (Digital Cable) ... the last part was a deal breaker, so I'm giving up on the North Star in I2S config. Supposedly, the North Star's I2S input isn't "standard", and the digital cable needs to be wired differently :-/ Guess I shoulda done my research before buying the North Star.

Which sound cards would be good enough? Besides expensive ones like the Lynx AES16. I'm looking to upgrade SPDIF from my motherboard's integrated sound. The Wavelength at least offers isolation from computer power supply.

Well, this is supposed to be better than the Squeezebox. It is meant to compete Empirical Audio Off Ramp ($700), Sonicweld Diverter ($1000), Lynx AES16 ($700), etc...

Its supposed to be around $900. There will be an *ahem* 44/16 version made by 3rd party, for $500.

It'll be a miracle if Weiss priced it under $1000.

Just picked up a North Star M192 DAC (Mk. I ) I AM SHOCK!

How well does it function as an SPDIF converter? Also, it seems to not exist on focusrite's site anymore. Is the Saffire Pro 24 supposed to replace it?

ah ok. On a somewhat related topic, does anyone have experience with the Focusrite Saffire Firewire->SPDIF unit mentioned in the TAS article? It seems to be a promising alternative...

Was that the reference system in the TAS article? Why does he need four Model 2 DA?

Recently upgraded my DAC from Stello to MSB Power DAC (no USB, but with remote volume control). Some basic ergonomic gaffes: - No volume indicator - Volume setting isn't saved after unplugging the DAC, and the default seems to be minimum volume - No mute button - Remote control's power button doesn't do anything (the DAC's power button switches between pure battery to battery + charger) Also, the volume control is digital, so I have it at max whenever possible. Tested using either HP-2 + ECSS or Tetra 120U + Gainclone. As of now, I only have my integrated sound card's digital out (waiting for a decently implemented and priced USB->SPDIF converter). Sound-wise, the MSB is a bit better than the Stello that I've owned for a while. MSB's bass has more finese but less impact. With my 120u especially, timpanies sound more defined and doesn't drown out the rest of the spectrum. Stello's seems to boost mid bass a bit, and this generally sounds good with my headphones. The other big difference I hear so far is in the treble. Stello's treble can be airy but somewhat rough (bypass mode), or smooth but less transparent (upsample mode). MSB's treble is very smooth, and doesn't have Stello's glossiness in upsample mode. I don't find any area of the MSB that draws attention to itself; it may even be too polite sounding in my system. However, it is should be a good platform for the tube amps that I'm planning to get. I have no idea how to stitch photos

Can we count classical pieces? Beethoven - String Quartet No. 14 in C# minor Beethoven - Symphony No. 7 in A major

Can't wait to get mine Suggestions for further research / improvement : 1. Replacement ear pads (leather?) + cloth grill to protect the driver. 2. Full metal rod holder.

But what is the benefit of this, if all you need is single ended output? Just higher output?

Isn't it just a matter of checking once that your XLR->RCA cable/adapter is wired correctly? Why add a transformer into the signal path?

Beethoven String Quartet Op 131, Takacs Quartet. Like the RS1, the HF2 really excels with string quartets. Violins sound really sweet and cellos have realllly nice body. Strings also sound a bit sharper with more bite / growl (in comparison with HP2). Lots of fun. One thing that the HP2 does better is the pointicello passage (end of 5th movement) sounds more crystalline pure and delicate. I still prefer the HP2 even for string quartets.

A couple of pictures (all Grado needed was a flash )

Not gonna give up on the HF2 yet. Maybe after I get my MS2 Magnum I can let these go