Hi Guys
Rawl just completed my Killer and have just returned from hearing it over his place.
When I arrived Rawl had his uber transport running via I2S into it playing Dianna Krall - Girl In The Other Room. Before saying anything else I want to emphasize this transport is wild - really low jitter custom modified Trichord clocks and other stuff that is quite likely even above the uber stuff in an Off-Ramp. This is no ordinary bit of gear.
The amp was an upgraded VAC and speakers ML3 Reference, the same as mine.
Very full harmonically rich enveloping sound. This type of thing is what Rawl and other Killer DAC guys refer to as detail - for me its a fuller richer sound - not extra detail - I like it - but its different terminology than I use. I thought, yes it had the signature of other Killers I had heard and I liked it right off.
Next up was via my Off-Ramp using I2S. My Off-Ramp also uses a heavily upgraded custom built power supply that makes a big difference over the switching supply Steve supplies with it. It has a switch that engages and disengages the earth - and we found one position significantly better than the other - much cleaner clearer sound so that's what we stuck with.
The difference was the Off-Ramp had greater detail, and better, tighter bass, but it lost a significant amount of the harmonic richness. It was a whiter, more bland sound. I preferred the transport, but I am not sure that would be everyone's preference. Knowing Killer DAC aficionados they would prefer the transport. Certainly Rawl much preferred it.
OK - I also took on over my Playback Designs, which, prior to the Phasure, was the best DAC I had heard via DSD. First up we played Harry Belefonte - Sylvie via PCM - OK - but to my ears the Killer was obviously better. This was expected - the PD is OK via PCM - but a number of other DAC's I pitted it against were better. Its real strength is DSD. So next was Sylvie via DSD. Immediately better - very live real and present. Now we are talking. Ok - what about the Off-Ramp via PCM into the Killer. Sorry PD guys - we have another DAC other than the Phasure that is better. It simply sounded richer and more life like.
We played a number tracks including some classical. But it was all basically the same - the Killer was clearly better than the PD - and the transport had a fuller, richer more enveloping sound - but the Off-Ramp better detail and bass..
The DAC shootout should prove very interesting.
And if anyone want to hear it simply drop me or Rawl99 a line.
He will have it for the next few weeks.
Thanks
Bill