Yes I saw their post to users. Harman forcing them to refocus on their core audience, focus more on library management, playlists and less on their streaming content. Harman must have been reading user posts on the community forum. An encouraging shift in focus no doubt driven by Harman, their core is the same as RoonâsâŚâŚ audiophiles with a reasonable amount of disposable income who can buy their mid range and high end equipment
For me offline playback removes one of my objections. Now if they can just address the UI issues for people who use the app in multi-monitor setups with other apps open (they seemed to ignore every one of the UI guidelines set by Microsoft or Apple and designed for a full screen app on a dedicated device). Also if they can produce an improvement in SQ closer to what I get with AS, Chord DACs and Focal Utopia headphones then they could once again be a contender for my cashâŚâŚ.
By the way your comment on Tidal Max should read ânow been integratedâ not ânotâ. I have similar problems with autocorrect!
I looked at the review, and it seems accurate. Mscaler is a nice add-on if you are a Chord Dave Customer. When the input goes to Mscaler, Dave will have more isolation and will provide better (some harshness is removed). I am operating mscaler with an external power supply to provide some isolation. This takes Dave/Mscaler to a second level. Also Dave is powered with a custom Lab power supply.
I compared Dave+Mscaler FPGA setup to DACs with much higher categories like Esoteric D1X monoblock setup ($60K). Chard Dave+Mscaler, with the power updates I gave to both, are clear winners.
curious about the HD800s. I have the Arya Stealth and Clear MG and much different presentations. Clear upfront and intimate requires EQ to get tonality right on the highs IMO. Stealth more distant/spacious doesnât require EQ. How would you describe 800s? I am looking for variety in sound presentations and assume you are the same given your collection.
I tried one set of EQ on the clear , not impressed so comments are as is No EQ
The Sennheiserâs are HD800 (not 800s), about 11 years old . They have been my only serious headphone for all that time (retirement present) , they are open , massive soundstage maybe a bit light on bass, certainly when compared to the Focal. Detail is simply WOW !
My thoughts on the Arya are a bit like many years ago I moved from conventional cone speakers to Quad ESL 63âs . It is actually difficult to compare the 2 sounds . The Arya shine at solo piano , the Clears at Rock where bass is important . They are my first Planar design although I did have a pair of Stax SR3 way back around 1980 ish , I just canât remember what they sounded like now.
I am 73 so my hearing is not what it was so I am not the best critic. The HD800 fitted my mix of music all these years , I am 40/40 Rock/Classical rest is folk, jazz you name it .
Awesome!! thank you for the detailed response and impressions. Really think the 800s will fill out the line up!! Waiting impatiently for this yearâs black Friday deals. Thank you!!
I owned the HD800, then the HD800s. Incredible headphones. The S was for tuned bass. Those headphones need a good DAC and headphone amp. I use Chord Hugo or Dave. In fact I bought a dedicated headphone tube amp as well.
I upgraded the HD800s to Focal Utopia. The utopia is same DNA of the HD800s but âImrovedâ
I never use EQ. Audirvana here shines as you will hear the slight details depending on your electronics.
Now I use speakers but one day I will go back to headphones. Our brain cannot enjoy both or the shuffling. Headphones are special and speakers are super special but demand a proper listening room.
You may buy other headphones, but for the price of the HD800s it is still the best in my opinion. But an audiophile need to have a master to know how to enjoy it.
My HD800 was my wifeâs present when I retired in 2013, provided I didnât sing along
I tried the 800s but decided it wasnât such a change to warrant upgrading.
I did however upgrade electronics. I tested the 800s and my trusty 800 with the Sennheiser HDV820 amp and certainly spotted an improvement in my HD800. So I decided to upgrade from my Audiolab M-DAC
I even tried the Sennheiser Orpheus which the dealer ( the South African distributor of Sennheiser) had on loan WOW but the price
Ultimately I decided to reduce box count and got the Naim Unity Atom HE, It is superb. 1 server , 1 box, 3 headphones what more do I need, 2 more heads
I am virtually 100% headphones, my only speakers are little BT for the kitchen. I have a Samsung HW950 soundbar , superb for TV but not really up to audio
I have loved listening to music since I was 5. This is an amazing gift for a person to have.
Over the years, my perspectives towards so many things in life have changed. Only my passion and love for music are just constant. I am glad, as I feel we share the same passion. Enjoy like many others on this platform.
Just getting into Audirvana also have Roon, tidal,qobuz,appl etc. Love to go deeper into the sound however I posted an issue. My tracks change at random during playback . DCS Lina DAC is my streamer???
I used Roon for many years. The company was very active until its recent acquisition. Most updates were focused on improving the service interface and recent playback over your LAN. I always saw the companyâs focus as on business and perhaps the preparation of an acquisition.
As customers, people buy what they need and want. The Roon model has been about those Roon-ready ecosystems. So, device manufacturers license from Roon as Roon ready. I hypothesize Roon got stuck not being able to change their protocol between the server and the endpoints due to those legacy streamers in the market. Also, Kernal Streaming, offered by Audirvana, which seems to provide low latency and superior performance, is hard for Roon to implement as the software needs to run at the endpoint.
Therefore, the Roon model is different from that of Audirvana. The sound is very different among the two. Audirvana is about sound quality. Roon is about the ecosystem of streamers.
So, using Audirvana gives a lot of potential for superior sound, but we need to ensure the rest of the equipment matches. You need a good DAC,âŚ
I wish to receive more technical information on how Audirvana is doing differently.
Meanwhile, letâs enjoy the music.
Thanks to those who innovate and focus on excellence.
While doing my PhD in business, I came across two schools of business philosophies: in the US, a business is born when the capital is available, while in France, a business is born when the competency is available.
