Babybear's System

by babybear on All Out Assault

Description

My system has continued to evolve over the past 5 years with the one constant being the Rockport Arrakis 2 bi-amplified speakers. They have continued to amaze me that as my electronics have changed and continued to improve, the Arrakis have continued to grow with the electronics as well. Every time I thought I had reached their sonic limit, I have been proven wrong and I am very happy about that.

I have now completely eliminated all tube based components in my system. I have always felt that if I could get the sound that I wanted without tubes, that would be wonderful but I never thought that would be possible. The combination of the TotalDAC digital front end and the Steve Dobbins Beat SE turntable and LT tonearm paired with the CH Precision P1 phono stage, the CH Precision L10 line stage and the CH Precision M10 amplifiers (run in active bi-amplification mode) have achieved this for me. 
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 33’ × 20’  X large
Ceiling: 12’

Components Toggle details

    • TotalDAC D1-Streamer MK2
    I just had my TD D1-Streamer upgraded to the latest version TD D1-Streamer MK2 (November 2022).

    In my setup, I use the TotalDAC D1-Player with its silent NAS using solid state drives to store all of my digital music files. Both the D1-Player and the D1-streamer are connected to a Belkin router and I control music selection using an IPAD mini running Roon remote (The D1-Player runs Roon Core and the TotalDAC D1-Streamer is a certified Roon end point).
    • TotalDAC D1-Digital Reclocker MK 2
    I have just had my TotalDAC D1-Digital Reclocker upgraded to the new MK 2 version (November 2021). The Digital Reclocker MK 2 sits between my D1-Streamer MK 2 and the D1-Twelve mono DAC's in my digital front end.
    • TotalDAC D1-Twelve MK3
    I just had my TD D1-Twelve upgraded to the new MK3 version (November 2022).

    The TotalDAC D1-Twelve DAC mk3 is composed of two mono bloc DAC's and a specialized re-clocker, so it is a 3 box system. The D1-Twelve DAC mk3 in combination with the D1-Streamer can play 16 or 24 bit format and 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz, 176.4KHz, 192KHz, and DSD sampling rates.
    • TotalDAC USB Gigafilter
    I have upgraded the TotalDAC USB Cable that connects the TotalDAC server to its internal re clocker to the new TotalDAC USB Gigafilter cable.
    • TotalDac D1-Player
    I have just had my D1-Player upgraded (November 2021) with a custom Live Power supply by TotalDac. The linear power supply also does filtering and cleansing of the Ethernet signal. The connection path for this is an ethernet cable between the NAS and power supply and then another ethernet cable from the outboard power supply to the router. In addition, the NAS is running Roon Core and since the TotalDAC D1-Server is a certified Roon endpoint, I am now using Roon Remote on an IPAD mini and using Roon as my music player (replacing MPAD). The D1-player can also be used as a upnp/dlna server. i am using a Nordost Odin 2 power cord on the D1-Player.
    • TotalDAC D1-Switch
    I just added the new TotalDAC D1-Switch to my digital front end. The switch connects to my Belkin router and now the TD D1-Streamer mk2 and the TD D1-Player connect to the the D1-switch instead of the router. This provides a very significant sonic improvement. I use a Nordost Valhalla 2 power cord for the D1-Switch.
    • Totaldac Live Power supply
    I just added the TotalDAC Live Power supply. This version can be used to provide power to my complete TotalDAC D1-Twelve digital front end - the D1-Streamer, the outboard reclocker and the 2 DAC's. I use a single Nordost Odin Gold power cord for the Live Power supply which is plugged into my Shuyata Everest power conditioner.
    • Nordost Odin Gold power cord
    I am now using a Nordost Odin Gold power cord for my TotalDAC Live power supply. This replaced the already wonderful Nordost Odin 2 power cord.
    • Nordost Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cables (2)
    I am using 2 of the new Nordost Valhalla 2 ethernet cables. The first one connects between the TotalDAC D1-Player and my Belkin router and the second one connects between my TotalDAC D1-Streamer and my Belkin router.
    • Audio Quest Diamond Ethernet Cable
    The AQ Diamond ethernet cable is used to connect the TotalDAC D1-Player to my TotalDAC NAS. This is used for the "dirty" ethernet connection.
    • Paul Hynes SR7 Linear Power Supply
    I have am using 2 of the Hynes Sr7 Linear power supplies. One is used to power the Belkin Router and the second one is used to power my network switch. Both of these replaced the stock switching power supplies that came with the Belkin router and the network switch.

    Both of these power supplies have had the grounding update done to them and are connected to one of my Telos GNR ground noise reducers.
    • Nordost Valhalla 2 Power Cord
    I use 4 Nordost Valhalla 2 power cords in my system.
    I use one of them to power the Beat SE outboard power supply.
    I use 2 of them to power the CH Precision P1 boxes (not the CH X1's).
    I use one of them to power the Nordost QB4 power strip from the Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner.
    • Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
    Nordost Odin 2 Balanced IC's from the TotalDAC D1-Twelve mono DAC's to the CH Precision L1 true monaural preamp.
    • Shunyata Research Everest 8000 Power Distributor
    I am now using the Shunyata Everest 8000 power distributor which has replaced the Shunyata Triton V3 in my system for my front end electronics. I use a Nordost Odin Gold power cord for the Everest.
    • Nordost Odin Gold Power Cord
    I use a Nordost Odin Gold power cord with a 20 amp IEC connector from a wall outlet to power the Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner.
    • Nordost QBase QB4
    I am now using a Nordost Qbase QB4 power distribution box powered by a Nordost Valhalla 2 power cord from the Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner.
    • Shunyata Research Hydra DPC 6 V3 power conditioner
    I have now added the Shunyata DPC 6 V3 power conditioner for my computer based audio gear. I have my TD D1-Player, my network router, my network switch plugged into the DPC 6. I was very surprised by the improvement the DPC6 V3 made in my system sonics.

    The DPC 6 V3 is powered by an Echole Omnia power cord from a wall outlet.
    • Steve Dobbins The Beat SE
    I have recently replaced my wonderful Steve Dobbins The Beat turntable with Steve's latest turntable, The Beat SE. The Beat SE is a complete and thorough re-design of the original Beat turntable with about 99% of the table different from the original Beat. I have had the original Beat in my system for 8 years and it has undergone several upgrades during this timeframe that always further improved the sonics, but nothing prepared me for the improvement that the Beat SE has made in my analog playback.

    June 29 2021 Update: I just replaced the umbilical power cord connection between the Beat SE power supply and the Beat SE turntable with a new umbilical power cord that Steve worked on with Nordost. The results are simply amazing.

    October 1 2021 Update: Steve has now done further modifications to the Beat SE external power supply with internal wire upgrades with wiring from Nordost as well as adding an external grounding connection that enables me to ground the Beat SE power supply to my CAD GCR reference ground box.
    • Minus K BM-8 Vibration Isolation Platform
    A BM-8 Minus K vibration isolation platform placed underneath
    • Nordost Valhalla 2 Power Cord
    This Valhalla 2 power cord is used on the outboard power supply for The Beat SE turntable. This is plugged into the Nordost QB4 power strip. The QB4 is powered by a Nordost Valhalla 2 power cord which is plugged into the Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner.
    • Schroeder LT Tonearm with Magnesium arm tube
    I had my previous Schroeder LT tonearm with wood arm tube modified to the even better LT tonearm with Magnesium arm tube. It has the Lyra Olympus SL cartridge mounted on it and it is truly amazing to hear this combination. This arm has replaced the Reed 2A tonearm on my "Beat" turntable. The Olympus SL has never sounded anything like this.

    June 29 2021 Update: I have upgraded the LT arm cartridge mounting plate for my Lyra Atlas SL Lambda to a new one that consists of a carbon fiber top and bottom plate with a copper plate in the middle between the 2 carbon fiber layers.
    • Lyra Olympos SL
    The Lyra Olympos SL MC cartridge is now mounted on my second Schroeder LT tone arm with Magnesium arm tube. A truly great sounding combination.
    • Schroeder LT tone arm with Magenisum arm tube
    This is a new LT tonearm but now with an arm tube made from Magnesium instead of wood. It is a very significant upgrade in sonics. I plan to have my existing LT arm modified to have the Magnesium arm tube as well.
    • Lyra Atlas SL Lambda cartridge
    I have now replaced my wonderful Lyra Etna SL cartridge with the new Lyra Atlas SL Lambda cartridge. My previous experience was that the original Etna SL cartridge was the best sounding of all of the Lyra cartridges. But not any longer. I was fortunate enough to be able to compare the new Lambda versions of the Etna SL and the Atlas SL in my system and the Atlas SL Lambda is simply stunning to hear in my system. The new Lambda Etna SL is also wonderful and better than the original Etna SL, but the Lambda Atlas SL is superior in every way.
    • CH Precision True Dual Monaural P1 phono stage
    I have now upgraded my CH P1/X1 phono stage to the CH Precision True Dual Monaural phono stage. This consists of a P1 for the left channel, a separate P1 for the right channel and 2 of the optional CH X1 power supplies - one for each channel. As good as the stereo P1/X1 was, the true dual monaural P1 phono stage is something very special to hear.

    June 29, 2021 Update: I just replaced the umbilical power cords from the X1 power supplies to the CH P1 phono stage with a new umbilical that Steve worked on with Nordost. A very significant sonic improvement.
    • Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords
    I am now using two of the Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords to power the two CH Precision X1 external power supplies for my CH Precision P1 true dual monaural phono stage.
    • Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
    I am now using Nordost Odin 2 balanced IC's between the CH Precision P1 true dual monaural phono stage and the CH Precision L1 true dual monaural preamp.
    • Adona Zero GXT Turntable Rack
    Finished in black with a top shelf of 27" in width.
    • Telos Ground Noise Reducer
    I have added two of the Telos GNR (Ground Noise Reducer) units to my system. One of the GNR's is connected to all of my analog front end electronics and the second GNR is used for my digital front end components.
    • Computer Audio Design (CAD) GC3 Ground Controls
    I am now using 2 of the CAD GC3 Ground Controls. One GC3 is used for signal ground with each of my CH Precision M1.1 amplifiers and the second GC3 is used for Earth Ground with my Rockport Arrakis external active crossover.
    • Computer Audio Design (CAD) Ground Control GCR
    I have added the CAD Ground Control Reference (GCR) to my system. This is used for signal grounds for my front end components (CH Precision P1 phono stage, CH Precision L1 line stage and my TotalDAC D1-Twelve digital front end) and also the earth ground for my Shunyata Everest 8000 power distributor.
    • CH Precision L10 True Dual Monaural LInestage
    The new CH Precision L10 True Dual Monaural linestage has replaced my long time reference, the CH Precision L1 true dual monaural linestage. As good as the 4 box version of the CH L1 linestage is, The CH Precision L10 True Dual Monaural (4 box) linestage surpasses it in every audio parameter.
    • Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords
    I am using two of the Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords to power the two CH Precision L10 external power supplies for my CH Precision L10 true dual monaural preamp.
    • CH Precision M10 amplifiers
    I now am using the CH Precision M10 mono block amplifiers. I have 2 of these and I run them in their active bi-amplification mode. These have just replaced (11/30/2021) my wonderful CH Precision M1.1 mono block amplifiers.
    • Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords (4)
    I am using 4 of the Nordost Odin Gold power cords on my CH Precision M10 amps. Each CH M10 amp outboard power supply requires 2 power cords each with 20 amp IEC connectors.
    • Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
    I use a 9 meter run of Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC's from the CH Precision L1 true dual monaural preamp to the Rockport Arrakis 2 external crossover.
    • Rockport Technologies Arrakis 2 External crossover
    This is the active external crossover for the Rockport Arrakis 2 speaker. It takes the feed from the preamplifier and then splits the signal for the bass drivers and all of the upper frequency drivers.
    • Nordost Odin Gold Power Cord
    I am now using a Nordost Odin Gold power cord on my Rockport Arrakis external crossover. This replaced the already great Nordost Odin 2 power cord.
    • Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
    I am now using 2 pairs of Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC's to connect the Rockport external crossover to the CH Precision M10 amplifiers.
    • Nordost Odin Gold Speaker Cables
    I am now using 2 pairs of Nordost Odin Gold speaker cables  to bi-amplify the Rockport Arrakis 2 speakers.These replaced 2 pairs of Odin 2 speaker cables.
    • Rockport Arrakis 2
    My speakers are the bi ampified version of the Rockport Arrakis 2 with the active external crossover.  I am driving the speakers with a pair of CH Precision M10 amplifiers run in active bi amplification mode.
    • Furutech GTX/NCF outlets
    I have added 4 of the Furutech GTX/NCF outlets with the GTX outlet Frames and the 105D NCF Carbon Fiber outlet covers. These are used for each of my CH M10 mono block amps and the Rockport Arrakis 2 outboard crossover.
    • Furutech NCF Booster
    I have added three of the Furutech NCF Cable Boosters after some extensive auditioning. I have one of them under the Odin Gold power cord for the Rockport external crossover (IEC end), one under the Odin Gold PC for the TotalDAC Live power supply (IEC end) and the third one under the Odin 2 power cord for the TotalDAC D1-Player (IEC end).
    • REL Acoustics G1 sub bass system Six Pack
    I am now using the REL G1 sub bass system in the REL Six Pack Configuration. The Six Pack Configuration is 6 of the REL G1 subs configured as 2 sub towers of 3 G1's each. One stack of three G1's for the left channel and one stack of three G1's for the right channel. The bottom G1 of each stack is connected to an M10 amplifier that powers the bass drivers of the Rockport Arrakis and the two G1's that sit on top of that stack are daisy chained together. I am using the REL designed Bassline Blue sub cables to connect all of the subs as required. Each of the stacks is located to the outside of the Rockport Arrakis 2 speakers and just about flush with the front baffle of the Arrakis using the same approximate toe in angle as the main speakers.

    To power all of the G1's, I am using 6 Nordost Tyr 2 power cords and 2 custom versions of the Furutech e-TP60 power distributor that uses Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) outlets replacing the stock outlets. I am using 2 Nordost Odin 2 power cords from the wall outlets to each of the Furutech e-TP60 power distributors.

    The REL G1 six pack replaced my previous 2 REL Studio III sub bass systems. 
    • Blinn Double wide component rack
    Blinn double wide component rack with 3" thick walnut stained maple shelving.
    • Silent Running Audio (SRA) Virginia Class amp stands
    I am now using the superb SRA Virginia Class amplifier stands under my CH Precision M10 mono block amplifiers. I also am using the HRS Nimbus footers (1.5" height version) under the M10 amplifiers.
    • HRS SRX with M3X2 isolation base
    I have added 2 of the HRS SRX amp stands with the M3X2 isolation bases with G7 footers, These are for the power supplies of my CH Precision M10 amps.
    • Nordost Sort Kones
    I am now using Nordost Sort Kones under many of my components. I am using a combination of both the BC and TC sort kones. I am using them under all of my TotalDAC digital components - both DACs, the Outboard Reclocker, the Streamer, the Live Power supply, the D1 player and the NAS. I also use them under my Beat SE turntable outboard power supply (not the turntable itself) and my Rockport Arrakis external crossover.
    • Isonic Ultrasonic RCM
    I have added the Isonic ultrasonic RCM. This is a wonderful RCM. I can do up to 10 LP's at once. It doesn't dry the records - but that is simple to do on my Loricraft.
    • Loricraft PRC 4 Deluxe RCM
    Loricraft record cleaning machine that replaced my Audio Desk RCM. I liked how easy the Audio Desk RCM was to use, but after having to replace it 3 times due to defects I decided it was time to replace it. The Loricraft PRC 4 Deluxe seems to do at least as good a job at cleaning and perhaps a little better using the AIVS fluids.
    • Custom LP Record Cabinets
    There are now 3 of these beautiful LP record cabinets that I commissioned a friend to build for me. Its so much easier to find the LP that I am looking for and to put it back than it was with more traditional shelves that I was using before.

Comments 694

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Arnie, Congrats! 
Could you describe the changes brought by the CH M1 amplifiers?

vn101606

Owner
Just bringing my system description up to date. I have made made the following changes:
1. Two of the Telos GNR units
2. A Shunyata Hydra Triton V3 for my front end components
3. A Shunyata Hydra DPC 6 V3 for my digital audio server based components
4. A third custom LP record cabinet
5. A pair of CH Precision M1 amplifiers run in active bi-amplification mode

I still need to update pictures. Thanks

babybear

Nice. The Furutech stuff is highly addictive, and additive. I have been slowly making all my power inlets on all my gear, as well as all my outlets Furutech. Each and every time, the sound improves. Great stuff.

paul79

Owner
I have added 4 of the Furutech GTX/NCF outlets with the GTX outlet Frames and the 105D NCF Carbon Fiber outlet covers. These are used for each of my VTL Siegfried Series 2 amps and the Rockport Arrakis 2 outboard crossover.

babybear

Owner
HI Vicente,

You're very welcome.

Please be sure to try the new TotalDAC USB Gigafilter cable. It's a superb upgrade for connecting the TotalDAC D1-Server to its internal re clocker.

Arnie

babybear

Hi Arnie,

Thanks for your answer.  It certainly makes me want one.
Cheers,

Vicente

vn101606

Owner
Hi Vicente,

That's a great question.

Here is what I have heard as the key sonic benefits of the going from the stereo CH L1/X1 combo to the full 4 box CH L1 True Dual mono configuration:

1. There is a significant increase in the sense of ease, effortlessness and flow to the music. Everything seems so much more relaxed but at the same time, there is no loss of speed, dynamics or energy to the musical presentation. I would simply say that the overall musical presentation that you would hear is at a level of refinement that is hard to describe.

2. Any hint of grain or glare or strain in the mids and highs are gone with the 4 box configuration (unless of course this was part of the recording itself). 

3. Lower Noise floor and an increase in resolution.

4. More authoritative bottom end to the music.

5. Even better imaging with a wider and deeper soundstage. Truly amazing.

Hope that helps.
Arnie

babybear

Dear Arnie,

Since you had both configurations, could you please compare the sound of the regular L1+X1 vs. your 4-box CH L1 True Dual Monaural?
Thanks,

Vicente  

vn101606

 This system is outstanding. WOW

gpgr4blu

It is like I'm on another planet looking at Babybear's listing of his system. My present system makes me hear nothing at CES or shows that I want.

The principal manufacturers are High Fidelity cables, H-Cat amp, linestage, phono stage allX12s, Tripoint Thor SE and the SE grounding cables, Star Sound Tech Audio Points and Rhythm platforms and racks, and BMC Arcadia speakers.

These are my associated equipment., 2016)

Digital Front End


 

Avari All FET Class A Balanced DSD DAC, playing quad DSD and even some recordings in

   quad DSD

AVM Music Server

 

Analog Front End

 

Nantais Lenco L78 with Ikeda 407CR1 long tone arm and 9TT cartridge

The BMC MCCI phono stage has a Cardas binding post with special Tripoint grounding wires to

   the transformer, the power supply and to the circuit.

Star Sound Record Stablizer

Dalby D7 Record Stabilizer

 

Amplification

 

H-cat P-12 X10 linestage

H-cat DF-100.2 X10 Mk IV stereo amplifier

Robert Koda Takumi K10 preamp

BMC M2 Monoblocks

 

Loudspeakers


 

B.M.C. Arcadia speakers

LSA1 Statement speakers

 

Cabling

 

High Fidelity Pro (treated) full loom

High Fidelity Pro power cords (2) and Ultimate Reference (Helix) (5) power cords, (treated)

High Fidelity Pro 1m ICs (treated)

High Fidelity Ultra Reference Din to RCA tone arm cables (treated)

Exemplar Audio Silver Portal balanced & single-ended ics

Avari double lead USB cable

 

Accessories

 

High Fidelity MC-0.5 Conditioners (11)

High Fidelity Magnetic Adapters (14) (treated)

TriPoint Troy Signature with Troy power cord and Thor SE grounding wires (4)

High Fidelity Cables Magnetic WaveGuide power filter ac filter (helix)

Star Sound Tech Rhythm racks and platforms under the amps. Also Apprentice Platforms (5)

   under the speakers and their crossovers. Star Sound Tech. Audio Points 2.5AP-1AINT and

   1.5AP-1A.5 under racks and under components on the rack.

StillPoints ESS Rack with Grids and Mini isolation feet

strongarm

Owner
Hi Jeff,

I have auditioned the MSB Select DAC II in my system but with only one power supply. I had here for a month so I was able to get a very good handle on how it sounds. Its a very good DAC.

Arnie

babybear

Arnie, I'm surprised you didn't try the MSB Select dac with dual power supplies. The best Jeff

jwm

Owner
Hi Sunseekerespana,

Thanks very much.

Those are very good questions so I will do my best to answer for you.

I have auditioned the CH C1 DAC in my system. This was about 2.5 - 3 years ago. It is a wonderful DAC and I really liked it. I did not purchase it because in my system, it sounded best without any preamp. When used with a preamp, it was just a very good DAC but when used without a preamp it was truly wonderful and the best digital sound that I had heard at that point in time. I have heard many dac's, but the CH C1 is the only one that really sounds better to me without a high quality preamp. But since I also play vinyl, I do need a preamp in my system and at the time, there was no CH L1 preamp available. 

I have heard the Aeries Cerat Kassandra DAC in my system. I am certain it was the Reference version. I have also heard it in a full Aeries Cerat system - preamp, amps, speakers. I think it is a good DAC but it wasn't for me. 

Since I do listen to vinyl, I am always looking for a digital front end that makes me want to listen to digital and not just use it to warm up my system before I listen to vinyl. That is one of my key digital evaluation criteria. 

The TotalDAC D1-Twelve is for me, in my system and my musical preferences the best digital front end that I have heard in my system and I have heard a fair number of the top digital performers. They are all good but its so important to hear them in the context of your own system to be sure you know what you are getting. If it was me, I would certainly try to audition the D1-Twelve in your system - it is a fairly significant step above the Di dual. You still may prefer your Audio Note, but its certainly worth giving it a listen.

Hope that help,
Arnie

babybear

Hello Arnie
I heard about your amazing system via LL21 who I have lots of PMs with (he has the Zanden 4 box CD). Anyway, please can I ask your opinion?

I heard to had a demo on the Aries Cerat Kassandra DAC. Can I ask was it the Ref (1 box) or the Signature (2 box and significantly more expensive)? How was it compared to your TotalDAC 12? I have heard the TotalDAC dual, but not above that level. The reason I ask is I was considering a move to the Kassandra. I currently own the Audio Note UK DAC5 which is very good and fits my tastes / system well. But as we know, we want to know if there is 'more' out there!

The Kassandra has some ideas from Audio Note such as transformer I/V state and output transformers, plus the use of the AD1865 NOS and no filter like Audio Note, but in the case of the Kassandra 16 chips per side.

I only listen to rebook, and don't upsample. I use a custom music server stripped back just for music and use Ethernet output to SPDIF or AES to my DAC.

BTW fantastic system you have amused there! Can I also ask why not the C1 DAC with the X1 PS. Was the TotalDAC more to your liking?

Sorry, some questions there, I hope you can help.

Thank you in advance.

sunseekerespana

Owner
Hi Vicente,

Sorry for the delay in responding as Laura & I have been traveling. 

It was great to finally meet you and I so happy that you were able to make it here despite all of the airline delays.

Thanks so much for the wonderful words about my system. It gives me great pleasure to listen to it as I am sure your system does for you as well.

All the best and keep in touch.
Arnie

babybear

Hello Arnie,

Thank you for the opportunity to meet you and listen to your system!

It is certainly the best system/room that I have heard so far in my life. Your digital sounds like great analog and you analog sounds like live music.  Really amazing!

Cheers,

Vicente

vn101606

Owner
HI Vincente,

Yes, I understood what you meant. 

I'll just stay with my TotalDAC server for now. But I am happy to talk with people in Asia and better understand what they did and what they heard in comparison to the TotalDAC server. 

babybear

Hello Arnie,

I meant using the SGM 2015 instead of the cubox of the Totaldac server, so the USB output of the SGM would feed the Totaldac reclocker.  I read that some people did this in Asia (SGM feeding Totaldac) with great results.  So this is probably worth trying if a dealer can let you test the sgm 2015 in your system. 
Cheers,

Vicente

vn101606

Owner
Hi Vincente,

Thanks so much. 

I have not heard a system with the SGM 2015 music server in it so its difficult to comment on its sonics. I did go to their web site and it does read like it should be a very good music server. I tried to see what type of digital outputs it has but I did not see them listed. Looking at the picture of the SGM from its side view, I did not see an AES/EBU digital output. The TotalDAC outboard re clocker does have a USB input, but Vincent prefers the AES/EBU digital path for TotalDAC. So the TotalDAC server has an AES/EBU digital output which feeds an AES/EBU digital input on the outboard re clocker. The re clocker then uses two AES/EBU digital outputs - one for each of the mono Dac's. 

As for the choice of NAS, I think with any high quality NAS the things to consider are:
1. Make sure it does not have a fan so that it is silent.
2. Use solid state drives - again to eliminate any noise
3. Try to avoid using the supplied switching power supply that they all come with. Replace it with a high quality linear power supply.

babybear

Hello Arnie,

Congrats on your new upgrades!  I am sure your system sounds even more realistic now.

If you care to try at some point in time, I wonder how your Totaldac Twelve would sound if either:

a) You used a SGM 2015 (with 2TB or 4TB SSD upgrade) to feed the Totaldac reclocker, instead of the Totaldac Server.

b) You used a Melco N1ZS/2 as NAS instead of the QNAP

Cheers,

VPN

vn101606

Owner
I've made a few upgrades.
1. I upgraded my stereo CH P1 phono stage to the true dual monaural P1 phono stage which is a separate P1 for the left channel, a P1 for the right channel and 2 of the optional X1 power supplies.
2. I have added the new Echole Limited Edition power cords to power the dual monaural CH L1 preamp and the dual monaural CH P1 phono stage.
3. I have added the new Echole Limited Edition balanced IC between the phono stage and the preamp. 

babybear

Owner
Hi knghifi,

Thanks very much.

I have given some thought to auditioning the CH M1 mono block amps but I am really enjoying what I am hearing at the moment so perhaps further down the road I may listen to them in my system.

babybear

Now your preamp and phono have been replaced with CH Precision, any plans to replace the VTLs with CH Precision?

Congrats in building THE Agon SOTA system!

knghifi

Owner
Thanks again Zephyr,

babybear

"Thanks zephyr,
If you are ever in Texas let me know and perhaps we can do some listening."

You know it! Thanks, I do get to TX sometimes for work (DFW, Houston, San Antonio, Austin mostly); will definitely let you know! 

Your room and system are insane(ly great)!!!

zephyr24069

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