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matth

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Posts posted by matth

  1. On 25/06/2020 at 8:53 AM, Gieseler Audio said:

    The current Klein III with that revised 2020 board is still $650 - that is a USB only version.

    Hi Clay,

    IMO, the revised Klein III is better than ever and such a minimalist DAC with a very good price.

    So after releasing the upcoming Klein IV will the Klein III be yet available or will it be replaced by the IV?

    Thanks

     

    Matt

  2. 15 hours ago, brhifi said:

    Matt,

     

    Nice to see you on here.  I've no doubt these guys could build the hardware.  But in my view the software needed to maximise the SQ of that build would be the major challenge.

     Brian, 

     

    thanks, you too. I came to this forum because interested in DACs from Gieseler Audio.

     

    If you look into the provided links you see that they spend "extreme" efforts to get the software right as well.

     

    It is a combo of a special stripped Windows professional server version and JPlay. No Linux at all.

     

    Best

     

    Matt

  3. 10 hours ago, krappo said:

    I purchased my first Klein about 3-4 years ago and was duly impressed then, But now and running the same setup connected to my New KIII am totally blown away from the warm depth and clarity that my ears are agreeing with. And will only get better.

    You've done it again, Mr Clay.

     

    Many Thanks   :)

    Thanks for sharing:-)

     

    Matt

    • Like 2
  4. On 14/02/2020 at 12:42 PM, cazzesman said:

    Sorry but that price is embarrassing.     I am sure there are many posters on SNA who could build something similar for a 10th of the price.

     

    $45,000 Aust for an audio PC is taking the P155.

    Please compare this price to prices of MSB DACs and you will see that it is not embarrassing.

     

    So far all failed to approach the SQ of the Taiko Extreme.

     

    There is a thread about it here:

     

    https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/

     

    A very good report about the Taiko Extreme is here:

     

    https://www.monoandstereo.com/2020/02/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-experience.html#more

     

    Matt

  5. On ‎2‎/‎12‎/‎2019 at 4:02 AM, Gieseler Audio said:

    Also it will require a custom aluminium case.

    In light of all that it will end up being a fairly pricey product.

    Minimum $5 to $6k price range & probably not ready until feb/march next year.

    Hi Clay,

    is there any chance to save some costs with the option of a simple case, like Klein III DAC?

    I must say I like very much this minimalist Klein DAC case, much more than the case of the Fein DAC.

    Thanks

     

    Matt

     

    • Like 1
  6. 16 minutes ago, Gieseler Audio said:

    Hi Matt,

     

    OK why the Gross was discontinued.

    The Fein was designed to be a more economical version of the Gross & both models were to coexist.

    It would give people a slightly cheaper option but with similar features.

    The Fein used the AK4493 which was the number two AKM chip at $13 vs $78 for the top AK4497 used in the Gross.

    The transformers were the other obvious  area to save money on in the Fein.

    The Fein transformers are $35.67 US$ each vs $80.38 US$ each for the ones used in the Gross.

    That worked to be roughly a $200 aus $ saving in parts cost for the Fein but I needed a bigger gap to seperate 

    the model range so I reduced the profit margin on the Fein.

    OK so I now had a sub $2k model with similar features to the flagship but with (supposed) slightly lower performance.

    Next move was off to Lenehan Audio to do some listening on a reference system. 

    $25k speakers + $25k power amp, fully treated room & power regeneration plus four experienced listeners.

    We started with a well run in Gross & everyone agreed that it sounded very nice.

    Then I said, can we have a quick listen to my new  model (the Fein)

    Well Mike Lenehan (the most experienced/critical listener) was shocked - wow - now that sounds better!

    Is that your new top model? - er, um no it is supposed to be the new number 2 model.

    OK I thought the only technical difference between the two models was the DAC chip & output transformers so

    why the better sound from the lower cost items?

     

    Transformers wise maybe the smaller sized ones in the Fein just match better to the tiny built in op amps in the DAC chip.

    In electronics bigger is not always better.

     

    DAC chip difference.

    Well there is a least a bit more of a logical explanation here.

    Even tho the AK4493 is down a notch compared to the AK4497 is it a much newer chip & has some technical improvements.

    eg auto DSD detection which the AK4497 does not have.

    The AK4499 uses the same auto DSD detection.

    My programmer who writes the DAC firmware code insists that the AK4493 is much better to work with  & has quite a few improvements which help with the programming.

    It is interesting too that Esoteric are now using the AK4493 in their new high end models.

     

    Anyway back to the question - why discontinue the Gross?

    Well it was a bit of a tricky situation as I really could not have a lower range model sounding better could I?

    Fortunately about the time the Fein came out the Kraftwerk PSU’s were being used to Enhance the Gross so that combination boosted the Gross ahead again.

    Then came the Fein II which intergrated the Kraftwerk PSU all in the one case & that pushed it ahead again of the Gross  + Kraftwerk combo so at that point it was a logical choice to discontinue the Gross.

    Phew! sorry for the long - winded explanation but that should make it a bit clearer.

    Oh the joys a being a DAD designer!

    Wow Clay,

    this is what I would call an explanation!!!

     

    Thanks,

    btw did you try AK4493 with the Groß transformers, so the better chip with the probably better transformers?

     

    Anyway I am curious what kind of transformers you will use for the AK4499 DAC.

     

    All the best for your work on the new DAC.

     

    Matt

    • Like 3
  7. 18 hours ago, Gieseler Audio said:

    Hi Matt,

    The first prototype used op amps (as per eval board design) but in IMHO I'm now getting better results with some custom transformers that suit current out DAC's.

    Hi Clay,

    nice  to hear that you can use transformers with current output DACs as well.

     

    Maybe you can answer the question why the Groß DAC has been discontinued?

    The Groß had the best and biggest Jensen output transformers with the best bass response and lowest distortion  while the Fein uses IIRC smaller transformers with inferior specs.

     

    So I think there is a gap which only a AK4499 DAC can fill but at a much higher price.

    Thanks

     

    Matt

     

  8. On ‎2‎/‎12‎/‎2019 at 4:02 AM, Gieseler Audio said:

    Hi Matt,

    well I’m making steady but slow progress.

    I’m on the third prototype now  & it is sounding pretty good.

    Unfortunately it is a very complex build with eleven discreet PSU’s just for the DAC chip alone.

    Currently lots of jumper cables on the pcb so the final production model will need a four layer board.

    Also it will require a custom aluminium case.

    In light of all that it will end up being a fairly pricey product.

    Minimum $5 to $6k price range & probably not ready until feb/march next year.

    Hi Clay,

    thank you for sharing the info.

    What do think about the SQ?

    Is the SQ worth the triple price of your existing top model?

    What about the output stage, AFAIK transformers are not possible because of the current output?

    Greetings

     

    Matt

  9. On 29/06/2019 at 8:53 AM, Gieseler Audio said:

    Hi Matt,

    I have been following that thread with great interest.

    The evaluation board looks massive! - I have a feeling it is probably $1000+

    AKM  referred me to Arrow Electronics for the evaluation board but it doesn’t seem to be showing up there yet so I don’t know where Markw4 got his.

     Anyway I finally got my own evaluation board  yesterday and and I’m just waiting for a few more parts to finish it off.

     It is a very basic evaluation board that I designed  mainly to get an initial operation up and running and test out control codes. 

     It was a bit of a challenge soldering the 128-pin HTQFN package - super fine pin pitch.

     Anyway I should have it finished next week so it will be very interesting with the first testing process.

     

     

    DB0BA794-ADE4-4131-86BD-E85498D859B4.thumb.jpeg.8cbb4812241efce67c80e8cef7f838dc.jpeg

    Hi Clay,

    what about the AK4499 DAC?

    Any news?

    Thanks

     

    Matt

  10. 21 minutes ago, Gieseler Audio said:

    Thanks for info Matt. Did you happen to get any photos?

    Also did the AK4499 demo unit look the same as the photo of the one I posted.

    I would say it is the same.

    I did not make any photos, I was happy that they did the comparison.

    They had two boxes in the same size, one with the 4497 the other with the 4499, they simply swapped the boxes.

    Both boxes were switched off before listening, not perfect!

    There is somewhere on the internet a story about AKM and the 4499 where both boxes can be seen.

     

    Matt

    • Like 1
  11. Just coming back from High End Munich.

    AKM had a booth and performed listening demos for manufacturers by appointment of the 4497 vs 4499.

    Though consumer without financial interests they did a comparison for me and my wife.

    First three pieces with 4497, then the same with the 4499.

    The 4499 is a clear step above the 4497.

    More musicality, better musical understanding, better musical performers.

    But Clay is right, it is a pity that he can not use the output transformers with the 4499.

     

    Matt

     

     

     

    • Like 4
  12. 20 minutes ago, shogo33 said:

    @pete_mac

     

    I have been experimenting running the Allo USBridge (5v 3Amp Battery powered) output to the Ifi IDefender, -> ISilencer, -> USB Cable -> IUSB3 Purifier -> Klein 3 dac at a member's place running SGR's CX4F MK2's.  The result was scarily good, It bettered my stock Auralic Aries (non femto version) direct to the Klein 3.  What floored me was the noisefloor..definately much lower than the Aries.

     

    Dont discount the Allo USBridge, it may seem cheap but with a little help, it can be improved quite a bit.

    Certainly the USBridge is a good device but you listened to it with three additional devices between it and the Klein. How does it sound alone and remember the replacement for USBridge is not far away.

    Matt

  13. 1 minute ago, reeza78 said:

     

    Thanks for destroying our dreams Matt... ?

    Haha,

    the Klein III is already a great bargain. Like DSD this would add more complexity and would end in a much higher price. Further a one input Klein sounds better than a three input Klein.

    Matt

    • Like 1
  14. 32 minutes ago, Jeddie said:

    @gieseler Audio

    Just want to add my interest to a 3 input Klein III. Don't need remote control or XLR connections.

    Keep up the good work Clay. 

    Guys,

    Clay answered this point at page 1 of this thread.

    Matt

    • Like 1
  15. 8 hours ago, pete_mac said:

    Sorry, I'm drifting a bit off-topic in Clay's Klein III thread, but I currently use a Squeezebox Touch via USB to the Klein III, but I'm seriously considering the Allo USBRIDGE in future, which is supposedly a sonically superior alternative:

     

    https://allo.com/sparky/usbridge.html

     

     

    The USBridge and Sparky will be replaced by an audiophile SBC based on the processor of the RPI this year. 

    https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/vendor-s-bazaar/294940-fifo-buffer-rpi-sbcs-305.html#post5678861

     

    Matt

    • Like 2
  16. 9 hours ago, Gieseler Audio said:

    Hi Matt,

    I would love to add DSD compatibility but to do that you need to run the AK4495 in software mode & to do that you need a micro.

    Lot more works & parts unfortunately.

    Cheers

    Clay

    +1

    Did not know that DSD runs in software mode only.

    Thanks for clarification.

    ATB

    Matt

  17. @Gieseler Audio

     

    Hi Clay,

    do you think it would be possible and make sense to add DSD playback via an internal pcb jumper to the Klein III like the switchable filters?

    IMO, this should not increase much the manufacturing costs of this great DAC.

    AFAIK, the AK4495 allows up to DSD128 so it would be a nice option to upsample via software to DSD128 and convert with the Klein III.

    Thanks

     

    Matt

    • Like 1
  18. On 28/05/2018 at 7:14 PM, bhobba said:

    Hi All

     

    Well the last post on the Magnesium's was a while ago and Mike was at very late prototype stage.   But since then has been very busy putting in more work to the ML5 design and building them so the final design was only done as a few bits here and there as time permitted.  Now its finalized and I heard the final prototype with just breadboarded very ordinary components.  He found it just as hard as George Short and had even more prototypes before the final one.   Just like George he found a trap wasn't the way to go - probably the double Q issue he talked about in what I posted in the Magnesium thread and ended up 4th order on the bass and third order quasy treble.  It has a 30db null.

     

    So Mike called me and said come and have a listen.  But I have some new gear I likely will be carrying - Grandinote which he had mentioned before that I should hear.   So I went on down - after reading overseas reviews of course.  Anyway here is the information:

    Dac: http://www.grandinote.it/volta - en.html

    Amp: http://www.grandinote.it/shinai - en.html

     

    This stuff is not cheap - its probably the most expensive products that are not speakers Mike sells - the DAC $13.5k - the amp $18.5k.  The BHK amp and pre together is more expensive I think,  and this amp has its own pre - so if looked at it this way maybe slightly cheaper than the BHK.  Either way it aren't cheap mate.

     

    I was not prepared for what I heard.  It is simply the most clean, clear, pure, transparent, detailed sound I have yet experienced - its like a window to the performance - transparency like you are there - its that good..   This is the system I want - I fell in love with it immediately.   What was the reason - well the speaker has a sound different to Mikes normal speakers.   His normal speakers has what Rawl99 calls harmonic resolution - they produce a rich full sound.   This speaker is not like that - it not harmonically rich, organic or adjectives of that nature - its simply uncolored transparency.

     

    We listened to a wide variety of music.  We played some Yello which I dislike - it is not to my taste and has this spity treble.   Was it in the speaker?  Well someone I know that can be sibilant is Louis Armstrong.   Played that - no spityness or sibilance - just Sachmo.   Now the real test - the music I listen to -  I listen to Sachmo a bit but what about things in a similar vein I listen to more.   My standard Diana Krall - A Case Of You - flawless with detail I  have never heard on other speakers - it really is a window.   Peggy Lee - Fever - beautiful.  Sammy Davis - he was there - that's all I can say.  Nat King Cole - well he started out as a Jazz pianist and played one of those he recorded - the piano was natural and very realistic.   But then we played his better known vocal stuff.  His voice just floated there - again he was 'real'.

     

    The only issue is what was the Grandinote contributing and what was the speaker contributing.   I don't know - further listening will be necessary with different gear.

     

    I have spoken to Mike this morning about what capacitors to use.   The ones in the tweeter that are in the signal path will be Jupiter Copper bypassed by Duelund silver bypass capacitors.  The ones not in the signal path will be Jantzen Superior bypassed by the Duelund.  Then what really floored me.   An audiophile on the Gold Coast called in while we were playing with my Magnesium's.   He had borrowed the DAC and Mike said he comes around all the time to here it - he was obviously smitten.  This DAC is expensive but IMHO is genuinely above the others.  Clay the maker of the Gross has heard it - I will not put words in his mouth but speaking to him he is looking into how he can improve his DAC.

     

    Another interesting thing Mike hadn't discovered, but I did is this has Bridge functionality like The Direct Stream built in and I was able to stream Tidal.  Normally I find non-MQA Tidal veiled - this was not.   It sounded exactly the same - me and the guy that called in said - I cant tell the difference.  Well this needed careful listening with the standard test track Case Of You.  So I blind tested it.  The Tidal version was just ever so slightly 'thicker' - but boy was it small.  This is the best Tidal I have yet heard.   I dont think it does MQA - but you cant have everything - maybe a software update like PS Audio did for the Bridge.

     

    Well that's it.   The best sound I have heard.  I have however set the rule - no more gear until I have sold what I already have.   I will not even think about the Gradinote until that's done.   But boy is it tempting.

     

    Thanks

    Bill

     

     

    Hi Bill,

    so the GN Volta is the best DAC you ever heard?

    Better than Killer and Chord M-Scaler + DAVE?

    Thanks

     

    Matt

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