Suggestion Box 2013
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
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Forum Name: Graham Slee Blog [sponsored by Cadman Enterprises Ltd]
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URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1674
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 12:35am
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Topic: Suggestion Box 2013
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Subject: Suggestion Box 2013
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2013 at 8:44pm
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------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Replies:
Posted By: Baconrind
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 10:52am
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Would you ever consider adding a DAC into the SOLO UL Diamond Edition , this would be a brilliant compact all in one solution for me. I saw a competitors tube amp with integrated DAC and its something I think would sell. Not sure if I can link so left if out. Regards Dean
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 10:55am
Dean, my thoughts were very similar if not the other way up... I thought about including a headphone out to UL spec in the big DAC I'm designing. ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Baconrind wrote:Posted By: less
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 11:26am
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I like the sound of that Graham! Les ------------- I don't do mediocrity! Les Sutherland |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 11:28am
 ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 1:53pm
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This would be brilliant! ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 2:05pm
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+1 ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: AlieN
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 4:03pm
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Graham I like your suggestion but I would also see a benefit in Dean's (Baconrind's) request. I do a lot of my listening in my "office" while at a computer, so a USB DAC headphone amp would be fantastic. Even better if it also had line level out. Neil
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Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 4:10pm
Isn't that the Bitzie? ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: JamesD
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 4:17pm
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Having a top notch headphone out on the big DAC is OK but what happens if someone also wants to listen to vinyl through headphones? Do they need the big DAC with its own headphone amp plus another headphone amp just for vinyl? Or am I not understanding this correctly? |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 4:22pm
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Can always put in a line input.
------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: JamesD
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 4:39pm
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Mmm... being someone who listens mainly using loudspeakers rather than headphones I'd prefer the headphone amp to be built into the Aria (if anything), i.e. like most amps/preamps... or just leave it out and use a line out from the Aria so the user can choose from one of your existing headphone amps based on budget and requirements. However, from the point of view of a headphone-only person I guess the argument could go the other way... plug a phono stage and digital source into the big dac with its headphone amp output and you're all set!
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 5:24pm
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DACs with a headphone socket are very common. DACs with a SoloULDE-quality headphone output are definitely not. In the past I've had a hifi rack full of kit, each with its own headphone socket. Duplication of sockets would be nothing new, but unless Graham can produce a completely modular product line, where you select what features you'd like in which item, I can't see how some kind of headphone duplication can be avoided. For my use, I'd love a combo unit - Aria (tone controls and all  ), SoloUL, Reflex M, Big DAC with USB input. A music centre without the source components. And you could put it in an even bigger case with a couple of Proprius amps. Think of the cabling you'd dispense with, and the GSP goodness the thing would have . . . . Dealers could do nice bundles with the appropriate loudspeakers and CD/turntable/streamer of the day. A turn-key GSP system not only for the discerning music-lover, but for the lifestyle crowd too. ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 5:50pm
+1, but without the headphone socket(s) and without the USB input to the DAC, for me. Can a DAC have an Ethernet input or is that only for "streamers"? I'm pretty well up there in terms of ignorance. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 6:01pm
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Phew Bob, think of the price tag? I could envisage 1U racking style cases...  Containing a) the Aria, b) the big DAC and c) a stereo power amp... And they could be stacked (or even racked), or even not have rack ears and use some bling stand... But a phono stage included? I doubt if we'd achieve Reflex quality sharing the same power supply. ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 6:10pm
Ifor, you've just demonstrated why this combo unit would be a nightmare to produce!  We all have our own preferences, and unless something is totally modular I don't see how Graham could contemplate building it . . . it was a bit of daydreaming on my part, TBH! As far as the ethernet socket goes, Graham would need to build in some streaming solution - maybe use http://www.streamunlimited.com/v3/en/Stream700.html - Stream Unlimited's offering like a lot of companies do. This would make it a MegaCombo.  (I can't see a little graphic of pigs flying . . . )------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 6:14pm
.(Ok, leave the Reflex out, but put in a Streamer . . .) ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 6:33pm
http://www.animationlibrary.com/animation/23900/Pig_flies_3/ I forgot to leave out the tone controls, but I would like the streamer. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 7:33pm
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I like the pig! Now, I'd like the tone controls included on my MegaCombo....but defeatable... ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 7:42pm
I hadn't realised, though I suppose I should have done, that companies buy these units in. Do the companies that use them produce products of different quality due to the way their implementation of the bought in component, or are they all the same? ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 10:33pm
------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2013 at 10:46pm
If that's the case it's definitely on my wish list. Graham? ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 14 Jan 2013 at 10:36pm
Bob, I was intrigued by this and have been googling it a bit. It seems that several, maybe all, of the big names in streamers use the StreamUnlimited 700. Are you aware of any other units that might be used by others? Do any manufactures make their own? I think we need to know more if we are going to persuade Graham to put this on the 2013 list.  maybe I'm just dreaming.------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 8:42am
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Hi Ifor, I don't know of any others TBH. For a manufacturer to make their own solution they'd need computing/coding skills for the firmware and expertise in assembling the computer components, displays etc. Even for the high-end boutique outfits it's probably not worth getting these skills in-house. I don't know what it would take to persuade Graham to do a GSP streamer, or MegaCombo music-centre-audiophile-life-style unit? Maybe he could tell us?  I'm thinking airborne  . . . . .------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 9:45am
I am not Lord Sugar and I don't like music centres which is all a lifestyle unit is or ever will be. We've been looking into a music server for a short while, or should I say John and Leo have. I'm encouraging them by authorizing a little of the R&D budget in its direction. They need to study what you've been talking about (that's Ifor, Bob and others who've chipped in) and come up with their ideas of a solution. I can then apply the D-A conversion and analogue circuitry and package it. They are the next generation of this company. Please support them by shopping for the Graham Slee brand whenever you can. ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 11:16am
Exciting news, Graham!  ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 1:46pm
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Very exciting. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 2:08pm
Ok, here's my feature list for a GSP streamer:
IMO a plain "streamer only" box would have too much competition; it needs to have added GSP analogue goodness to be distinctive. Edit: USB out to host computer with an ADC would be nice for the vinyl-rippers . . . What do others think
 ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 2:27pm
I think we need a poll. If t's just you and me interested maybe the R&D budget is best spent elsewhere. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 2:50pm
I think if Graham wants a poll he should start one, but at the moment this might detract from the Aria and DAC launches. John and Leo might have had time (maybe??) for a bit of research and then we could know what the parameters or expectations were . . . But I know of one close competitor with a network music player/controller for digital and analogue sources only a 'click' away, and I've seen it bundled with a matching amplifier too. The goalposts are constantly moving unfortunately . . . ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Gary
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 2:50pm
| I'd like a streamer that's just a digital transport. Leave the analogue stuff to a good DAC. The other thing to look for in a streamer is user friendlyness. The best in my opinion are the Sonos Connect and the Squeezebox Duet and Touch units. (I use a Sonos at present but have had a Squeezbox Duet in the past). |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 2:53pm
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Hi Gary, I'm a Squeezebox user and agree that ease of use is key to a streaming system. There are many ways to go with this - maybe we'll get a poll about it sometime? ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2013 at 6:11pm
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I agree about the streamer and DAC being different units. The Touch is really easy to use and a couple of long cables means it's in my hands when I am listening to music.
------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 1:45am
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So basically you want a micro-computer?
------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: Gary
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 9:01am
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Posted By: musicdude
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 9:01am
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Not an other poll .... I'll say no ...
------------- Andy ProJect Xtension 10 with Clearaudio Charisma V2, GA2 SE, Majestic DAC, CuSat50, Yamaha CD-S1000, Yamaha M-80, Revel F-52. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 9:31am
I totally agree. But a problem is that folk may not wish to go down the 2nd hand SB route - and Squeeze networks aren't always the easiest to get going. I've had one for about 8 years, and mine now has six players and 4 iDevice-based players on it - and occasionally it throws it hissy-fit. The new breed of uPnP streamers are hopefully simpler to get going, and the decision that Graham & co need to make is: do they follow the herd and join the rest in offering a streamer (but with markedly superior analogue stages etc), or sidestep this and provide DACs and other components for folk to add on to their existing streamers as upgrades? Following the herd is not a GSP trait, but market trends need to be watched carefully IMO. ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Gary
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 10:00am
| The only advantage of modern streamers over older Squeezebox's except the Touch is they don't need a computer or NAS running Squeeze Serve (Don't know if its still called that). In my opinion the ultimate streamer was and possibly still is a Squeezebox Transporter and a Squeezebox Controller, the big HiFi companies Naim, Linn and Cyrus to a large extent have only just caught up with it. If Graham can produce a streamer like the Transporter then I'd buy it. The other problem with streamers is the IT support that would be needed. You just have to look at the forums for Squeeze Box and Sonos to see the problems some people have, usually caused by their own IT ignorance. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2013 at 10:14am
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Squeezeserver is now Logitech Media Server . . . I use a Transporter in my living room system and it is a quality piece of kit. Recently it's been plugged into an Audiolab 8200AP - via both analogue and digital, and I still prefer the much older on-board DAC than the 8200APs shiny new one. And yes, IT ignorance is a major factor in folk not getting on with the SB players. If I hadn't worked in IT I'm not sure I'd have stuck with it in the early Slim Devices days. It's wishful thinking of course, but I wonder how the system would have developed if Logitech hadn't bought Slim Devices out? A much lower key product range, but I suspect it would still be in production and being developed . . . ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 5:01pm
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I've been away a few days and only just caught up with this. Should I understand from the last few posts that, excluding the DACs, whether built in or separate, there are no sonic differences whatsoever between streamers made by, L, N, MF, D, M etc, etc? If that is the case, what, if anything, do they bring to the party that my iTunes and Airport Express/Apple TV three room system doesn't? ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Gary
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 6:31pm
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I was relying on experiences I had just over a year ago when I decided I wanted to upgrade from a Sonos ZP90 through a MF X-DACv3 and MF X-150 amp. I listened to a MF M1 Clic with my amp, a Naim UnityQute and Linn Sneaky (last two through their built in amps). None of them could match my original setup for sound quality or ease of use. Now I'm using CuSat50 and Spatia the gap will be even greater. I've no idea what the streamers over £1500 sound like, and I've not heard the Cyrus streamers or anything made by Apple. I ended up replacing the DAC for a Rega.
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Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 18 Jan 2013 at 7:55pm
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In essence my Apple based system delivers ALAC files digitally to an Arcam rDAC which feeds my amp. Control is very simple either from iTunes on the iMac or via the Remote app on iPad and iPhone. So music files in iTunes are "pushed" to the DAC, whereas with a streamer they would "pulled" from the iMac. I suppose the question really is whether the software in a streamer would do a better job that iTunes. Maybe there's a lot more to it Han this. I haven't a clue and maybe the Airport Expresses and Apple TV have limitations I don't understand. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2013 at 8:28am
The more I think about the more I think that what I want is a single unit containing the streamer and the complete Biggus DACcus. (A streaming DACcus might be called the Pee.). So if such a product were to follow on after the Biggus DACcus I might be very interested. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |