Guest scumbag Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 That looks smashing Clay. Any thoughts on marketing it. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raffinator Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Thanks Cafad, no the HT Bypass sockets connect directly to the main output sockets when the unit is powered off. Normally you would have the HT bypass sockets connected to say the line out of a AV receiver so you could share the power amp between two system if that makes sense. Clay,Just so I get this right...HT bypass will work with the unit powered off, but HT bypass will stop working if it is powered on regardless of the input selection? I know it sounds like a dopey question, but I just want to know how simple it would be for all family members to use.HT bypass is fine on my current Integrated, but involves lots of button pressing which drives others up the wall.Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gieseler Audio Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 Mark - haven't given it much thought but if I could automate pc production a bit & job out the case work it might be something to think about. John - HT bypass. This is as simple at it gets & totally automatic. Yes you are correct once the Konvertor is powered up the HT sockets are disconnected. Simple scenario. One power amp which is currently connected to the front channel line outputs of a AV receiver( for improved sound quality) Konvertor installed into the system & its line output is connected directly to the power amp line inputs for maximum sound quality. The AV receiver front line outputs are now connected to the HT bypass sockets on the Konvertor. Family member walks in & powers up the Konvertor for some high quality music listening - it automatically connects its self to the power amp disconecting the AV receiver in the process. Music session over & the Konvertor is powered off - AV receiver now re connected back to the power amp for movie viewing. The Konverter remembers all its settings (volume input ect) when powered off & on. eg - you were listening to some music via the USB input at volume level 75 & switch it off. Next time you power it on it goes back to those same settings. Phew! Hope that is crystal clear now. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raffinator Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 Phew! Hope that is crystal clear now. Perfectly clear answer and perfectly what I'm after [emoji106]Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest scumbag Posted February 20, 2017 Share Posted February 20, 2017 You have obviously put a lot of thought into the design. Any efficiencies in production would be good for you clay, regardless of scaling up production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerav Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Smart arse warning: Is it MQA compliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhobba Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 (edited) 2 hours ago, powerav said: Smart arse warning: Is it MQA compliant. No. But Clay is well aware of what is required and needs to wait until chips that work with his AKM DAC are available. Those that have it like the Meridian Explorer 2 use FGPA's that simply require updated firmware. Those, like Clay, that use DAC chips need to wait until chips that do the MQA conversion for that particular chip are available. I believe MQA is the future of audio, but its early days yet and I know Clay is investigating it, but unfortunately will not happen overnight. Thanks Bill Edited February 21, 2017 by bhobba Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhobba Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 (edited) Hi Guys Heard it. Very very good - up there with the 3 best DAC's I know. In no particular order because they are all diffferent these are: Konverter Killer Direct Stream. its impossible to order them because they are all different. The Killer is exquisitely beautiful on the right material such as what I listen to - Peggy Lee - Fever. On the wrong material like ACDC - not so hot. The Direct Stream is the most expensive of the lot but is continually being upgraded by software changes which each change better than the last. Its simply dead neutral with non edgy natural detail. But maybe a little boring with no Ah factor like the Killer. Works well on all music. Has the bridge 2 add on that will soon include MQA and operated via Roon or an Android phone over the internet. Clay's DAC is different again with different features such as a pre-amp and home theatre bypass. You cant get a handle on its digital signature because you have a remote control with configurable DAC filters so you can change its signature to be like the Killler or DS. Not exactly the same ie not quite as neutral as the DS or beautiful as the Killer but some were close and others different again. All sounded good. Was it better or worse than the others. Its not that simple at this level - its a personal preference thing. Now I like the Killer because it works so well with my music. I also like the DS - but maybe just a tad uninvolving. Clays DAC's allow you to choose more according to your mood and music - of course since its configurable none are 100% accurate - no DAC of course is - the DS would be closest. But is that what you want? Its entirely up to you. You should listen to all three and most certainly that can be arranged. It really is the only way to decide. Clay's DAC is that good. BTW the other two DAC's are both more expensive so value definitely goes to Clay. Also Clay told me a few technical; details. He takes the DAC output straight to Jensen output transformers then the pre-amp stage which also has Jensen transformers. They are very transparent but quite expensive and it uses 4. Only the highest quality components are used so its price is very reasonable considering parts quality and what went into it. It of course has my heartiest recommendation - but at this level do listen to the other DAC's mentioned - they are all a bit different with different features. The DS is quite a bit more expense at twice the price - a better match to compare against would be the DS Junior. Thanks Bill Edited February 21, 2017 by bhobba 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 10 hours ago, bhobba said: I believe MQA is the future of audio............. Bill, really? All music available as MQA only? IMO, this would be a nightmare. Matt 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhobba Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) 5 hours ago, matth said: Bill, really? All music available as MQA only? IMO, this would be a nightmare Yes - good point. I will qualify this - the future of streaming audio. I listen to Tidal pretty much exclusively these days due to it has everything I ever listen to including new releases. All for just $20pm. The issue is quality. I give the order as follows from a number of experiments I have done: 1. Lowest quality - normal Tidal. Despite that its what I use since its still very listenable. 2. On disk, usb drive etc. Better - but not as convenient and you have to buy it or put your little pirate hat on. 3. Streamed MQA - best of all. Gradually Tidal is converting everything to MQA - it has over 1000 albums now and growing. Warner Brothers are converting everything over, Universal just agreed and now the only holdout is Sony - but how long before it agrees - doubtful it will be long, it will likely eventually come on board, but we will see. Now as to quality compared to other formats - even DXD and 4XDSD - see the following and judge for yourself: http://www.2l.no/hires/ Here is what one person thought: http://www.2l.no/hires/documentation/2L-MQA_Comparisons.pdf That's correct - better than DXD. I can feel a GTG comming on. BTW Clay is fully aware of all of this and will 100% for sure be looking at incorporating it in future products. But as I said - its early days yet in the MQA 'revolution' if it happens - many a slip between lip and cup - so exactly what eventuates is anyone's guess. What I can say 100% for sure is 96k MQA from the Tidal application sounds glorious through Clays new DAC - I have heard it. Thanks Bill Edited February 22, 2017 by bhobba 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 IMO, Clays forum is not the right place to discuss MQA, but regarding streaming one must read this: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/blogs/miska/some-analysis-and-comparison-mqa-encoded-flac-vs-normal-optimized-hires-flac-674/ Technically the full MQA decoding could be made in SOFTWARE ( if Mr. Stuart allows it) and for me it would be fine to have a Gieseler DAC without MQA hardware decoding. Matt 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gieseler Audio Posted February 22, 2017 Author Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) Quick update. The final production digital & PSU boards will now be using state of the art Linear Technolgy ultra low noise regulators - 8uv so I'm expecting a subtle but definate improvement again in sound quality. I will be keeping the current prototype to compare against the final production model. I'm currently using at home the first prototype (AK4490) version & in terms of audio quality AK4497 version is significantly better. The current AK4497 model (pictured) is a special USB only version I did for myself so that may be contributing to sound improvement due to the direct I2S connection - no relay switching. Edited February 22, 2017 by Gieseler Audio 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhobba Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 51 minutes ago, matth said: Technically the full MQA decoding could be made in SOFTWARE ( if Mr. Stuart allows it) and for me it would be fine to have a Gieseler DAC without MQA hardware decoding. Of course it can and its quite possible Roon and other software will have it for common DAC chips like the AKM Clay uses. Again its early on in the cycle and Clay is well aware of whats going on which is all you can ask for. But please please know that the usual 96k from the Tidal application is great on this DAC. Thanks Bill 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suopermanni Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 One day, I will get one! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 27 minutes ago, bhobba said: But please please know that the usual 96k from the Tidal application is great on this DAC. This is good to know and Clay deserves praise for designing a DAC with AK4497 and excellent output transformers like Linn with the Katalyst DAC. Matt 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudioGeek Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 @matth have you bought one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhobba Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) 17 minutes ago, AudioGeek said: @matth have you bought one? I haven't - but would like to - however my supply of the green stuff isn't unlimited. If Matth gets one love to hear what he thinks - being from Germany he would have access to stuff we wouldn't here in Aus. I used to be the DAC guy around here and buy heaps of DAC's, including Clays, when they come out. Have toned it down right now - only got the Explorer because it was so cheap - but even that proved more expensive than I thought with a special RCA cable, regen, Clays supply on order. It never stops. Already own: 1. Killler 2. Klein 3. PDX 4. Direct Stream 5. Explorer And maybe some others I forgot. Just got the Bridge 2 for my Direct Stream to do MQA which PS Audio will be adding soon. The Klein and PDX will be up for sale soon - drop me a line if interested. Thanks Bill Edited February 22, 2017 by bhobba 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) 2 hours ago, AudioGeek said: @matth have you bought one? I listened to Linn Katalyst and it was great. The Katalyst is my benchmark. But it is expensive and not able to do DSD. If the Gieseler DAC comes close or is on par, maybe with USB only, then it is quite an achievement. Matt Edited February 22, 2017 by matth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) 16 hours ago, bhobba said: I listen to Tidal pretty much exclusively these days due to it has everything I ever listen to including new releases. All for just $20pm. It is a pity that Tidal and others do not release records of the german jazz label ECM records. Matt Edited February 22, 2017 by matth 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) 6 hours ago, Gieseler Audio said: The final production digital & PSU boards will now be using state of the art Linear Technolgy ultra low noise regulators - 8uv so I'm expecting a subtle but definate improvement again in sound quality. Hi Clay, LT3042/LT3045? Very nice:-) Matt Edited February 22, 2017 by matth 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gieseler Audio Posted February 22, 2017 Author Share Posted February 22, 2017 Yes Matt - good guess. They are a little tricky to mount but I think it will be well worth it. The power supply rejection ratio & ripplel rejection performance is spectacular so I will be using them in all the critical areas. Also I've found a new diode with really low RFI. They are all subtle improvements but I think the combined effect will be noticeable especially in the Konverter where I'm chasing maximum performance. Have you heard much about "Heavy load mode" with the AK4497? I haven't tried it yet but it is just a simple firmware change to turn it on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwertyqaz Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 The chassis looks very nice. One advise would be to find someone to do your branding in specific the fonts. Trust me it will make a huge difference in your product outlook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 24 minutes ago, Gieseler Audio said: Yes Matt - good guess. They are a little tricky to mount but I think it will be well worth it. The power supply rejection ratio & ripplel rejection performance is spectacular so I will be using them in all the critical areas. Also I've found a new diode with really low RFI. They are all subtle improvements but I think the combined effect will be noticeable especially in the Konverter where I'm chasing maximum performance. Have you heard much about "Heavy load mode" with the AK4497? I haven't tried it yet but it is just a simple firmware change to turn it on. I like your attention to detail, Clay. So far I found only the thread on diyaudio without an answer. I would ask the experts at AKM directly. BTW, IMO it would be the best to power the digital core with the LT3042. I have heard that the regulation of the digital power supply is even more important than that of the analogue power supply. Matt 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gieseler Audio Posted February 22, 2017 Author Share Posted February 22, 2017 OK I will call AKM re heavy load mode - good plan. Yes definately a LT3042 for the digital core & a LT3045 for the Amanero. Qwertyqaz - fonts - OK will look into it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matth Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 (edited) BTW, Clay, did you have time to compare software players with your DAC? There are reports that Daphile is superior to Roon. Any experiences with Audirvana? Matt Edited February 22, 2017 by matth 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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