The Monkey

Here's where I think the metal cage is soldered: Do I need to just wick that off and pull the damn thing up? I'm always afraid I'm going to break something.

Thanks Kevin. The metal can is proving to be a bit more difficult to remove than I anticipated. I think it may be soldered at one point. I'll post a pic. I'm kind of disappointed that it doesn't have 4 1704s. I was under the impression that it did. Still sounds pretty good, though.

I can't see underneath the damn daughterboards.

Yeah, I'm confused about the 2 1704s, too, as I was told there were 4. I will look underneath this evening. I'm also going to try to get a schematic.

Like the ones they use for teh internets? Cool.

Some internals. I'd appreciate it if you guys could help me understand what's going on inside. Let me know if you'd like MOAR/better pics.

I'm not sure, but I've read that the 217 can be upgraded to "85%" of the 218 with some tweaks. I'll try to find a comparison. The 218 is/was the most recent flagship.

Pretty sneaky, sis.

In the end, I sold the North Star. It was quieter with a balcker background, but it was a bit recessed in the mids. Conversely, the bass and mids of the ECD-1 were fuller and more satisfying--in some cases by a lot. The North Star had a better sound stage, but the ECD-1 was more musical and euphonic, especially with guitars and female vocals. The ECD-1 is a bit more congested than the North Star, which I attribute to longer decay and a higher noise floor with the ECD-1. In a way, I think the ECD-1 has more "flaws," such as some glare in the mids and the aforementioned congestion, but I found it to be the more musically satisfying DAC. However, I also could easily live with the North Star if I had to. I think it's a fine DAC. Now in-house are the ECD-1, the HR UDAC, and the Dodson DA 217 mkII. I'll start a different thread. I am now on to the

Had the pleasure of hanging out with Voltron last night. We ran into Dave Letterman and Billy Crystal, who were of course clamoring to hang with us, but Al and I had headphones to discuss. Sorry Dave! The Brandy Library is a cool place; one that I think this crowd would like: Brandy Library. Upscale lounge located in Tribeca featuring the largest selection of brown spirits in New York.. Acting on the advice of counsel, I had my first taste(s) of rye whiskey. And good lord, that's tasty! They sure do mix a nice Manhattan. A good night.

You shhh.

Originally Posted by The Monkey Went to Nobu. Stuffed my face and emptied my DAD's wallet. Fixed it MOAR.

hmm, I may have to retract my statement about the designer being dead. I can't find confirmation one way or the other...

A loud snort erupted from my nose when I saw kitty. Still giggling.

That comment thread is full of suck. Especially the guy who states that his Shures are better than the Stax/Woo rig. Assface.

Ok, so we all know that I'm DACrazy. I recently purchased a Dodson DA-217 MK II D, which is a vintage '90s DAC. I have yet to see a bad review of the unit, but there also is not a tremendous amount written about it. Also, the designer is dead. Regardless, after 1 hour, I can say that this DAC sounds pretty damn good. As many of you know, I have been very much in love with my ECD-1. Well, the Dodson may be better. I have a lot more listening to do, and I will post some internals here. But I think this is a pretty promising find. Oh, and I'm fully willing to admit this could be placebo...

Went to Nobu. Stuffed my face.

Woo is doing a great job getting this thing out for reviews.

Someone piss in your tea, little man?

I like. I like. I like.

I spent most of today (1) telling people how to do their fucking jobs; (2) marveling at how many marketers are as stupid as the day is long; and (3) thanking 1 & 2 for job security.

Piss all over them, then return them irate about the fact they smell like urine.

Heh. Looks like my KGSS will be shipping this week, too. We should start a thread to compare notes.