Re: DacMagic MK2 - Arrived
Okay guys, here is a very quick review.
DM version DM2 MK2i. Its the older one done by Pink Traingle with Philips TDA. This is not the latest version.
Listened to DM + CD 48, DM + CD63, DM + WDTV, DM + Pioneer, DM + Oppo, DM + PS2
DM + CD48: The difference btw this and a standalone CD48 was in gain (vloume), depth of instruments, and bass was more tight.
DM + CD63SE KI: Same as above though bass was just a little better than CD63 SEKI very mariginal so not a big improvement over a standalone CD63SE KI
WD TV + DM: WOW!!!!!!!!!! DM made the WD sound really so good. Played same flacs ripped from CDs, they all sounded a notch better than CD63SEKI. Now I am really going get another WD live or XT and make it as my dedicated Music PLayer in my bedroom.
DM+ Pioneer: It was okay, the sound was screeching and not that smooth or warm. I dont know the Pio model will let Venkat the honours. Till now I though transport makes little difference but realized its not. But I think I have to redo this test. So dont read too much into this.
DM + PS2: WOW!!!! I was stunned, bcos I never considered PS2 as a transport. We did play the DM with Pioner and the music was crappy but with PS2 it was better than SE63
DM + Oppo: Well not a night and day difference but never the less difference enough which lets you enjoy the music bcos of gain in volume, clarity, depth of bass. Infact, my wife and venkat's wife instantly enjoyed what played via Oppo and DM.
So quick last statement:
1. If you already have good CDP then DM is not much of a use for you.
2. DM makes a huge difference to WD kind media players, no there was no clipping etc, and the guitar in Varnam Aiyiram was heavenly. Even if you have a good DVDp like oppo etc this will take the music to mid range CDP zone.
More detailed review soon.
Venkat: Can you pls post some pics pls and your trademark detailed review.
P.S: one funny thing happened. When we played Oppo alone, it sounded pathetic and me and Venkat were totally lost how this could happen or after hearing DM did our expectation shoot too high. Then I removed the Optical Out cable from Oppo and then played it and Oppo was back to its normal. Looks like even a non-connected Opti Out cable cuts the sounds stage. So lesson was ensure you connect only whats required
