Bitzie, Majestic, Solo, headphones, and sources
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Digital Audio
Forum Name: CD, DVD Audio, DACs, ADCs and Digitizing
Forum Description: The existing (and obsolete?) digital formats
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2310
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 4:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Bitzie, Majestic, Solo, headphones, and sources
Posted By: habitullence
Subject: Bitzie, Majestic, Solo, headphones, and sources
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 11:40pm
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Currently I have the Voyager which I'm very happy with and listen to several hours a day but now I have a bit of extra cash I'd like to get more serious. I'm a freelance programmer and use my Voyager the most when I'm working at a client's office. At home I use my studio rig but would like to try the higher end GS units. So I'm looking at the following rigs:
My initial questions are:
Willing to spend to get the most from the music but not just for the sake of it, looking for good practical advice. Looking forward to hearing everyone's suggestions, thanks in advance. |
Replies:
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 10:32am
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Welcome to the forum Rick! You may - or may not - have seen that the forum operates a loan scheme for Graham's kit and this is undoubtedly the best way to evaluate its performance in your own system. So you could see for yourself how the Bitzie and Majestic compare. I had a demo of a Bitzie and was mightily impressed; it compared very favourable with my then DAC of choice (an £800 Dutch model). The Majestic is the same only more so! Aside from a slightly bigger smoother sound the Majestic offers multiple digital inputs and an analogue input just right for a phono stage - so it works fabulously as a pre-amp (mine feeds a pair of active speakers). You ask if the Naim is the best option for hard disc streaming? I'd say it depends on what you need. Personally I run Asset uPnP server on a Windows Home Server box to serve up music to multiple devices, but if you really only want one source component maybe Naim would be a good solution. No doubt others here will chip in about this; and also about the ATH-ES7 headphones, as I know nothing about them. I have had a pair of HD595s though, and very nice they were! The Majestic/Solo combo though will take you for a trip up towards the "high end" (that ill-defined nirvana that's never reached). I use my M/S with HD650s, Denon 7000s and more recently LCD-2s. The detail, depth and clarity from the system is simply stunning. So I'd say while your current headphones will sound great, it's these that would be holding the sound back . . . ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 11:21am
Thanks, good to be here.
I think I'm going to go ahead with the Bitzie just need to figure out the cable issue. How would I go about borrowing the Solo UL and Majestic? Should I also be looking to borrow some better cans or will the 595s do for auditioning?
Yes, I'm a very much in the dark on this issue. I'm not sure whether in the digital context the source makes a difference like it used to, especially with a separate DAC.
I was thinking if I was going all in then the HD800s might be a good choice but looking at the LCD-2s they could be a good option. Would like to get some opinions on this and where would be a good place to audition in the London area. |
morris_minor wrote:Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 11:51am
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If you are selecting a Graham Slee DAC and/or headphone amplifier, the headphone chosen will be the main limiting factor IMO. I would suggest that you try to select a headphone without its own sonic signature as signature is what gets in the way of the music. Good performing headphones are not always ultra-expensive either; some of my favourites are under £200. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 12:07pm
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Hi Rick, To borrow kit drop a PM to Jon (aka Fatmangolf), who runs the UK loan scheme. I'd suggest using your 595s for the audition as you already know them well. Using a different pair of headphones will introduce another variable and probably confuse things. In my opinion (and there are many others!!) providing your digital source gets the digits to the DAC ok, what that source is irrelevant as far as sound quality goes. In my study system I use the cheaper Cambridge Audio NP30 streamer to feed the Majestic (as well as my Mac). I see no need to go up-market on the source since the heavy lifting is done by the DAC . . . Choice of headphones is very personal. I found the HD800s a little clinical after my LCD-2s - and this as previous Sennheiser fan-boy! ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 5:17pm
Thanks, what would you recommend?
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 5:34pm
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If second-hand doesn't bother you, the HD250, HD540 and HD560 Sennheiser models all typically demonstrate excellent value for money, If you want something still in production that you can buy new, and you don't mind in-ear monitors then I recommend the exquisitely neutral Etymotic ER-4S. Or as a last resort, I would suggest the HD600 (not the HD650). Again, buy a used one in good condition. All the Sennheisers have a modular construction so you can restore them with new parts or earpads if necessary. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 6:27pm
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For hard disc source you could consider something like a NAS plus Raspberry Pi c/w HiFiBerry Digi running Volumio, Rune Audio or Squeezeplug feeding a Majestic by Coxial or Optical. Check out the HiFiBerry website. I'd be surprised if a Naim player would beat it. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 10:50pm
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Seconding Ifor's recommendation, I'm running currently my Squeezebox Touch into the loan Majestic via coax using a 3m Lautus. ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 11:45am
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think for the source:
I'm going to concentrate on the portable setup first. The only questions I have here are:
After I've got this sorted I'll move onto the home setup and headphones. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 12:32pm
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Rick, the Lautus only works at the longer lengths - something to do with nodes . . . The EMC filters would have no effect on shorter cables. The Lautus USB was in a different league to a generic USB cable when I demo'd the Bitzie. PM John C (who makes the GSP cables) to see if he could do you a shorter USB cable, but it wouldn't be to full Lautus spec . . . ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 12:40pm
Thanks Bob 
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Posted By: msphil
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 10:48pm
This is what I'm doing in both my speaker (In the lounge) and headphone(In the bedroom) setups. I have to say both sound really good!! Just at the moment I'm in love with the Squeezebox Touch through the Majestic, into the Proprius and from there into my vintage Mission 753s. Real audio pleasure!  ------------- 'You are, through your soul not your body, a human being.' |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2014 at 3:00pm
Mind you, there are no references as to where the "best practices" come from . . . .  ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2014 at 12:31pm
| I spoke to Jon, the guy that makes them, and he says they can be any length. Think I'm going to go for something around the 1m mark to use at home and on the move. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2014 at 2:05pm
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Placed order for Bitzie with 1m Lautus. Will keep it on me so I can pop into places and try it out with various headphones. Does anyone know where I can get a good education on headphone auditioning?
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Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2014 at 10:20pm
| Got the Bitzie today and at first was really impressed until I noticed that there's some noise coming through when turned up over 3/4, is this normal? Tested against my Komplete Audio (also a USB DAC) and no noise at all. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2014 at 11:52pm
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As there is a proper analogue amp stage some noise is unavoidable. If the noise is more than just a bit of background hiss we'll initiate warranty procedures. ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2014 at 12:07am
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Hi Graham, hope you had a nice break. I changed to my better headphones and it's all but disappeared. I think my ATH-ES7s just aren't up to it. With the Senn HD380/595s it sounds, quite frankly, stunning. Very, very happy. I'm demoing to some of my musician friends tomorrow to spread the word. Have a virtual hug *hug* Welcome back :)
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2014 at 1:01am
| The Bitzie is incredible. I was using mine this evening to assess the HD800 against the HD540 Reference I. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2014 at 12:09pm
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Agree 100%, I love that listening-to-something-I've-heard-a-million-times-before-for-the-first-time sensation. I think I'll feel much more confident auditioning new headphones with the Bitzie :) What was the verdict - 800 vs 540?
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2014 at 8:42pm
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Many would be inclined to say that the HD800 is better. In some characteristics, I would have to agree with them but the HD800 does have some flaws IMO. I enjoy music more with the HD540; the HD800 sounds a bit dull and out of phase with some listening material. However, its larger drivers demonstrate that sonic improvements are possible and these could be fully realised if Sennheiser were to combine the strengths of the two models; both good calibration and good design. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2014 at 12:43pm
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I'm thinking to get a pair of in ear monitors and some reference headphones to possible replace my 595s - think they're just to diamond for my tastes. My HD380s have come to life though with the Bitzie :) I've heard kind of mixed things about the HD800 - some say too revealing for most listeners, I can't imagine lol. The thing that scares me is that the general consensus seems to be they need the felt padding mod. Have been looking at Audeze LCD-X and HD700, would obviously like to audition the HD800s though. Do you have any experience with these? I'm also interested in any thoughts on any of these - http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-ear-monitors. I remember you said the Etymotics are good. I think you'd get on well with the guy that runs http://www.innerfidelity.com/ Work hard, make some good moves, and you never know. I'd be happy to listen to said headphones if you get them made ;) |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2014 at 10:23am
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The Etymotic ER-4S are excellent. Compared to my HD540II, the ER-4S had a bit less weighting on the bass region (linear bass response but with less impact), the upper midrange going into the treble region seemed very fractionally elevated and the stereo image projection was just as coherent but of a smaller size. I'd take an ER-4S over a HD600 anyday! In some ways, the HD800 sound is definitely superior to both HD250 and HD540 sound IMHO. However, there is something wrong with the way the HD800 drivers are calibrated IMO. HD800 drivers demonstrate more realistic bass weight, greater magnification of micro-details, larger projected stereo image, potential for more depth in the upper midrange and treble regions and also less distortion at higher volumes. With my HD540, once the volume goes above a certain level, its exquisite frequency balance is lost and it is "shouting" to be heard after that. Basically, the drivers lose intelligibility at this threshold and the frequencies lose their separation. Although the HD540 can go pretty loud before this threshold is reached IMO. This is due to the smaller, standard driver not being able to perform very loud without distortion. The HD800 is a different story. Basically, with the HD800, the ear canal distorts the sound long before the drivers do. They can play very loud without distortion but when this goes into the ears at the normal distances, it will overwhelm and be interpreted as distortion. HD800 sounds excellent at low volume; you still hear everything in the mix. What I don't like about the HD800 though is its very slightly dull and musically-withdrawn presentation; it doesn't have analogue purity and I hear it every time I compare it against the HD540. In fact, I hear it without even comparing. Sounds slightly off, out of focus, out of phase, I'm not sure but there is definitely something not quite "right" with it. It's a real disappointment for me because I have been considering buying a matched pair of HD800 drivers from Sennheiser and transplanting them in the HD540II headphone design to replace the older drivers. I have a love-hate opinion of the HD800. I like the physical drivers and their potential for stellar performance as well as the minimal earpad material (these are the strengths of the HD800 IMO) but I hate pretty much everything else about it. Only a HD540II/HD800 union with proper calibration will be enough to make me leave the HD540II. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2014 at 1:02pm
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Some very interesting points. I think in the HD800 altitude I'm quite interested in auditioning these against something like the Audeze LCD-X. Right now though I'm really loving the HD380, to my ear they sound absolutely fantastic with the Bitzie. Ultimately I'd like to compare this setup to a Majestic with HD800 and LCD-X just to see how much better, if any, things get and a six fold increase on investment.
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2014 at 2:17pm
 ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2014 at 2:50pm
lol I meant after a six fold increase in investment  I'm guessing it's not six times better, anyone want to hazard a guess?
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2014 at 5:15pm
THD is 8 times better... would that count?  ------------- 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: Ash
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2014 at 8:41pm
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Well when I auditioned the Audeze LCD-2 a few months back, I was significantly underwhelmed with them... Sorry, I simply cannot praise them at all. I have no idea how Graham preferred them with a different cable compared to his HD250II.
I don't expect much of modern "high fidelity" devices... Away from GSPAudio, almost everywhere else has lost the plot...
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Posted By: msphil
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 12:55pm
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I understand that many people who have an HD 800 get better results by changing the headphones cable. Have you thought of trying this? ------------- 'You are, through your soul not your body, a human being.' |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 1:40pm
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I have thought about it but is there such a thing as a "phase-changing" cable? HD250, HD540 and HD560 phasing is fine straight out of a laptop. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 6:02pm
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Headphones are a very personal item. I love my LCD-2s . . . . ------------- 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: Ash
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 6:15pm
Haha, I thought your D7000 completely decimates both your HD650 and LCD-2, which is somewhat counter-intuitive.  I guess we have very different expectations. |
Posted By: msphil
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 6:20pm
Couldn't agree more Bob. I happen to love my Grado PS 1000s. Everyone's taste is different and everyone is looking for different things in a headphone or speaker. ------------- 'You are, through your soul not your body, a human being.' |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 6:23pm
Both the D7000 and PS1000 seemed to be great performers when I tried them out. I had very little to criticise. 
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2014 at 7:00pm
).------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2014 at 2:41pm
My depth of knowledge in this area limits my response. The obvious question is, can the human ear tell the difference? *wallet starting to sob gently in the background* If it can, I guess I'll start planning a trip down Majestic lane 
I agree. My problem is I have a pretty good ear I think but I don't know anything technically. I think what I'm looking for is great performance and quite neutral as a starting point. Currently I'm looking for some portable headphones to go with my Bitzie - Audio Technica ATH-ES7 aren't up to the task. Initially I looked at HD25 but they're not that portable. Does anyone have any other recommendations for portable on-ear? My next step was to go to in-ear. I already have some Ety HF3 that I use when walking around, I'm looking for something for listening sessions at a desk. I tried some Shure 535 and wasn't very impressed - compared to my larger cans they sounded quite lacking in the lower end, piercing in the upper, and overall quite narrow in their soundstage (hope I'm using the right terminology).
There are the higher end Ety ER4 Ash mentioned but I'm worried these might also be a bit light on the lower end. It seems like there's more choice in the States. Unless you pay for import, would I be right in saying the best choices here are Ety, Senn, and Shure? Has anyone heard the Shure 836? Wondering if these might be better in lower end. I hear the IE800 are good but have some isolation problems. With the majestic I was thinking about the Audeze LCD-X but, again, you seem to pay a premium for these in the UK compared to the Senns. Ultimately I'd like to audition these against some HD800 with the Majestic but can't really see this happening. Bob kindly offered to let me listen to his Majestic, problem is the headphones.
It might be I end up with some Senns until my next trip to the States. So that begs the question HD800/700/600/something? Second hand, if possible, as Ash suggested. Maybe the Denons... ARGH! So many possibilities Really appreciate all the input from everyone
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. . . .Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2014 at 3:17pm
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I shall be reassembling some HD540IIs for sale within the next few days. I will also be willing to part with my like-new HD800 for £850 as soon as I've made my comparison video for Youtube. HD560II will also be sold after the video. ER-4S is a little light in bass quantity but extension is excellent. |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2014 at 3:55pm
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Hardly cheap but the Beyer T5p have getting some good press and could be worth a listen. ------------- Tony G |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2014 at 10:53am
Those look really nice, I'll do some digging. Currently thinking is IEMs just don't sound as good as bigger cans and you get less bang/buck. Senn HD26 might be worth a look, not that portable but maybe more portable than HD380. Full size, HD600 while I wait for Ash to make me some 540II Do most people pair the Majestic with a Solo? |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2014 at 2:41pm
| Hello, if you wish to buy a HD540II from me, I will get one reassembled shortly. It is very lightweight although its open-back design may make it less convenient for portable use. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2014 at 12:30pm
Thanks Ash, certainly would be very interested  I'd use these for my home setup, will put the HD600 on hold.I'm doing a quick comparison today between the Ety HF3, I already own, to the Shure 535. I was looking at the new HD26 Pro for my portable setup but don't think they'll be portable enough - they don't fold flat and cups are very deep so probably wouldn't make a difference anyway. From what I remember, the lower end Ety already sound better than the Shure anyway, might push me towards the ER4S. Another contender is the Westone 4R, has anyone tried those? I'm going to call Jon later to talk about Majestic options if anyone has any advice on that.
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Posted By: Drewan77
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2014 at 1:32pm
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I can understand the comments about Shure 535s. I own a pair and only
after I purchased some Comply brand replacement earbuds did I get well
balanced deep bass. The buds need to be a tight fit and these are soft
and expand nicely over the first few seconds. Using the standard Shure
buds or a smaller size, bass was too thin and unnatural ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2014 at 2:22pm
Comparing the HF3 to the 535 - not a very fair comparison I know - I'd say the 535 had a wider stage with better separation, the bass seems to go deeper but gets quite loose, the HF3 while narrower seem to resolve higher end detail quite well and have tighter bass. The seal on the 535 is definitely not as good out of the box, was improved by applying some pressure and forms the basis for my brief observations (EDIT - However, for a fair comparison would need to try both with similar tips, therefore seal. Just got a better seal with HF3 and has made a significant difference, most notably in the bass). Overall I'd say the HF3 are very good value, would love to compare the 535 to ER4S. It seems the physical limitations of in-ear mean they just don't do lower end very well, maybe the new Shure 846 improve on this but you're talking £8/900!! For my portable office setup, for now, I'm going to stick to HD380 Pro - at least they fold flat - and HF3 on the move. Next stop the home setup
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2014 at 4:14pm
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Will be a little bit of a delay whilst I sort out some earpads for the HD540IIs I have. I have decided to replace the foams in nearly all of them as the pads are too flat when worn IMO. I need to get on to Sennheiser for not making HD540II velour earpads an available spare part. I'm having to find alternative foam and then DIY it into the existing pads. I accidently ripped one of my pads today too; still annoyed about that... |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2014 at 5:20pm
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Today legend is spelt A S H
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 10:13am
For your £180 spend, the item will be clean but not absolutely cosmetically perfect due to reuse of some old parts (I don't have a choice). However, I'm confident that the sound will more than make up for this, especially if you'll be using a Bitzie. One is almost ready for you; I need to learn how to sew up the earpads first as they're currently held together with staples.  I have listened to them and I'm happy with the sound (I think you will be too).I'm still looking for a cheaper foam source. This is costing me a lot more than I had originally intended. I'm pretty much doing it off my own back now to break even with spendings. =/ |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2014 at 10:11pm
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Awesome Ash! Really appreciate it. If you need anymore to get someone to sew the pads, let me know. Really interested in getting the best result possible and I've heard good things about your work, no pressure
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 3:30pm
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I have now finished off sewing up the pad pair and I've removed the staples. I'm quite pleased with the result. I'll put up some pictures for you in a little bit to see if you're happy with how it all looks. Might look cheap (?) but as long as it's clean and sounds great, that's what counts. I will accept returns if you're not happy with them. Photos are now on my Sennheiser thread. Ready to proceed if you are. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 9:52pm
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They look pretty good to me, how do you mean cheap? I think if you accept returns, can't really go wrong. PM me the details and let's get the show on the road
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Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2014 at 9:57pm
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I don't think they look cheap but I guess that some may feel this way because they're not big and luxurious. Yeah, if you find that you really don't like them, refund is simple. I'll PM you now. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2014 at 12:30pm
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Hi everyone, thought I'd give an update on my little journey so far. The portable work setup has ended up being my MacBook Air 11", Bitzie, and HD 380 Pro. Keeps me going all day when I'm at a client's, absolutely love it The home setup has gotten a little bit out-of-control and over budget. I've decided to use the headphones I have for now until I can afford an upgrade and get the bigger, scarier, purchases out of the way. So basically I'm looking at the Majestic and Solo Ultra Linear. Can anyone advise on the best way to hook this all up and any options I should be thinking about? Also regarding the source, I will be using my MacBook Air initially, but would like to hear recommendations on this too. Thanks to everyone for all their support, really appreciate it
 |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2014 at 9:44pm
| Does anyone know if the 192khz optical is worth getting? |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2014 at 12:00am
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If it helps I have used the coax on the loan unit for my 192kHz music and been really impressed. Missed the OT, hope this helps... I connected the loan Majestic's fixed output (on the phonos) to my Solo UL so it was like any other source. That's how I intend to connect my own Majestic to the Solo. I will connect my Proprius amps using the Majestic's variable output which is balanced as you know. ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2014 at 1:58pm
Thanks Jon. The only thing is my current sources don't have coax, something I'm looking to remedy in future. Although I was wondering if I really need this mod on optical - Jon C told me, apologies if I've misremembered, that much of the extra info with 192kHz is noise.
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Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2014 at 5:24pm
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Just listened to Pearl Jam's Daughter for first time through my Bitzie, goosebumps. Thank you GSP Update: the remastered Vs album just sounds incredible, like listening for the the first time
 <--- tears of joy |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 12:48pm
| The last part of the puzzle, for now, seems to be the source. Does anyone have any recommends for something with a coax out? |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 1:36pm
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I've got a Cambridge Audio NP30 network player connected to the Majestic with a Lautus digital cable. And in the past have used a Squeezebox Touch. Both inexpensive transports that do the job very well (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: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 2:00pm
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I'm seriously considering an Oppo BluRay player. One of the few that outputs full resolution on coax. Most other BluRay players fold everything down to 16/48, I believe. Which is DVD quality, right? I have an increasing BluRay music collection of concerts I'd love to hear at full resolution, to see if there's an improvement or just a difference. Anyone out there use an Oppo with a Majestic? Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2014 at 6:48pm
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Mine's cheaper than all of those. Raspberry Pi with attached HiFiBerry Digi running Volumio or Rune Audio. The HiFiBerry Digi has both coaxial and optical out. It streams from my iMac but Ethernet over mains. It sounded really rather good through the loan Majestic. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: habitullence
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 11:11am
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I'm really torn atm between a homebuilt media server type solution or something like the Cyrus Stream X2, which is completely over budget so I guess that's sorted for now Does anyone have any experience or recommendations with the Cyrus units for future reference?
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Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 11:56am
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I think - and I wait to be corrected! - that you can't necessarily judge streamers in the same way as other products. A lot of the time the "streaming engine" is a third party device, and if you don't plan to use the streamer's built in DAC, the "badge value" of the unit is not as relevant as when looking at an amplifier or suchlike. Indeed, why pay for a good DAC in a streamer if you're going to use a better DAC (ie Majestic)? When buying a streamer, the quality of associated control apps is, I've found (the hard way) as important as the box relaying the digits. Also for non-proprietary uPnP or DNLA devices the server plays an equally big part - they are most certainly not all equal. This is where the late lamented Squeezebox system scored with its own tailored server and streamers; and no remote app I've found for a uPnP/DNLA device has come anywhere near the functionality and visual appeal of iPeng. ------------- 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: msphil
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 12:41pm
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A second-hand Squeezbox Touch in excellent condition can be bought on eBay for around £200. I can thoroughly recommend them as a means of streaming music from your computer to your DAC and amps. As Bob says iPeng (an application for your iPad or iPhone etc) is a great way to control your music and playlists. I use 2 Squeezbox Touches in the hi-fi systems I have in my bedroom and lounge. ------------- 'You are, through your soul not your body, a human being.' |
Posted By: Gary
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 1:04pm
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I had a Cyrus streamer and amp for about 6 months, Cyrus Stream X2 and a Cyrus 8 DAC/QX amp with built in DAC. The streamer was new and the amp was a factory re-pac. They only lasted 6 months because I couldn't get on with the sound. It all sounded fine in the demonstration room and initially at home but after a while I couldn't just listen to the music. This was mostly down to the amp. The streamer was okay but the software used via a iPad wasn't upto much and the Cyrus remote was very poor. I'm now using a Naim streamer and a pair of Audiolab power amps.
I also recomend the Squeezebox Touch and the Sonos streamers, however the Sonos streamers are limited to 16/44.1 files but I didn't have a problem when I had one. ------------- Solo ULDE, CuSat50, Spatia Links |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 1:52pm
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Maybe it's worth saying that there's a (reversible) tweak - called, IIRC, 'Extended Data Out' - to get the Touch to output 192kHz files on S/PDIF. That's if you have any, and can hear the difference (but let's not go there . . .!) ------------- 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: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 3:56pm
Its full title is "Enhanced Digital Output" or EDO for short. EDO works fine with my setup, and I know the Squeezebox Touch is passing 24/192 through because (a) my DAC indicates that it's playing 24/192 and (b) my server in incapable of resampling files on the fly, as the load on the server processor would be too much. It takes little in the way of processing to just dish out files - it's the resampling stuff that can cause things to grind to a halt. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 5:49pm
Once upon a time I thought I wanted this combo, but a home loan of the 8 DAC/QX quickly told me I didn't. I didn't like it all. Very detailed, but very, very tiring to listen to. Having decided against Cyrus DACs and amps I still considered getting the Stream X2 or the Moon 180 Mind streamer. They were the only two DACless streamers I could find. After a bit of chatting here I concluded that they probably didn't having anything more to offer than a Raspberry Pi plus HiFiBerry Digi with appropriate software (Volumio or Rune Audio). £50 spend was certainly more appealing than close to £1K. I'm very pleased having done things the Pi way. If I could connect directly by Ethernet rather than by Ethernet over mains I would be very happy, but it would have been mains over Ethernet even if I had gone the Cyrus or Moon route. Controllerwise, I'm quite happy with the Volumio and Rune Audio webUIs and also with MPaD and MPoD for iOS. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 6:05pm
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I think you have done really well Ifor. ------------- 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: ICL1P
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 7:31pm
And I'm looking forward to hearing how Ian gets on when Rune and Volumio updates are available for the newer + versions of R Pi B and HiFiBerry Digi. If only it could have been built into the Majestic case .... .... what a pretty and versatile bit of kit it would be, and it would be Apple AirPlay compatible. Having recently had a Majestic on loan I'm certainly looking forward to when I can pair it with a Majestic of my own.------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 8:51pm
I have a low noise power supply to my Squeezebox touch with EDO (seconding Bob's comment) and TT3.0, going into a very well reviewed Metrum Octave DAC. I was very happy until I connected the Touch to a Majestic DAC on loan, giving a big step up with the smooth 'analogue' sound and musical clarity. ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 9:07pm
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Well that seals it - R Pi it is. I'm a programmer so will be a fun project. Thanks everyone for all the feedback
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Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 9:20pm
www.hifiberry.com/hbdigi ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2014 at 9:45pm
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Wolfson WM8804 driving optical transmitter and coax direct... ? We're checking this out! ------------- 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: ICL1P
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 7:32am
I look forward to your hearing from you when you've checked it out. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 7:50am
Rune and Volumio are proving something of a challenge with the Pi B+ and the HiFiBerry Digi+. It seems that the software has yet to fully catch up with the "+" versions. Rune worked quite well with just the Pi B+ feeding the Majestic via USB. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 8:40am
If you can read me the chip number from the chip it would help ------------- 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: ICL1P
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 8:50am
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Ian, have you followed this thread? http://volumio.org/forum/volumio-for-raspberry-model-t1574-20.html ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 8:51am
I'll have a look tomorrow when I'm home, unless Ian can get you an earlier answer. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 9:22am
Graham From what I can see on the board. HiFiBerry uses the following chip: WM8804Gappears to use a 27.000Mhz "crystal", SPDIF is driven via resistors as is the optical output. Only active components on board are the Wolfson WM8804 and a voltage regulator. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 9:48am
The WM8804 is a transceiver chip. It would be interesting to know what it is being used for. For example, are pins 13, 14, 15 and 16 connected to anything? ------------- 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: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 10:25am
Looks like a standard implementation straight from the data sheet app notes. pins 13, 14, 15, 16 are connected via 220ohm resistors to the Raspberry Pi. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 12:20pm
OK, so that's the AIF, so what about the software control pins? Are any of these connected: 2, 3, 4, 5 ? ------------- 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: habitullence
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 2:00pm
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*over my head* Penny for your thoughts.. In non-tech On that note can anyone recommend a good book or place to start learning about this stuff?P.S. Spoke to John C earlier, will have order in soon for Majestic, Solo UL, and Lautus cables. Can't wait
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Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 3:23pm
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Basically audio comes from the RPi over I2S (we think). I2S is a standard audio interface and should be OK for 2-channel stuff (up to 24/192). It comprises the digital signal (D in) and its necessary clock counterparts (for left-right timing, bit clock, master clock). If that is all that is required the transceiver which turns I2S to S/PDIF can be operated in hardware (fixed) mode. However, in some circumstances the Audio Inter-Face (AIF) may not be I2S (inter IC sound), it may be PCM or something which I don't do, and the transceiver would then be operated in software mode, which I don't do. But the RPi may make the software mode very easy to accomplish, in which case it isn't a problem... er... maybe. This is the section under discussion at present... by me anyway. ------------- 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: Drewan77
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 9:59pm
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One of my Squeezeboxes died in the last couple of weeks and if/when the Touch in the music room expires I will want something else to replace it (I use the enhanced digital output on this one) I was quite interested in the Pi B+ & HiFiBerry Digi+ but I would want to output various FLAC resolutions into the Majestic and it seems the Pi software isn't up to the task yet When the software issue is resolved, could Ian/Ifor or someone using these please start a thread as I would like to follow up on this Many thanks ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 10:07pm
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If you got the non plus versions of the Pi B and HiFiBerry Digi you would be OK. I think the software for the + versions is imminent. http://www.hifiberry.com/guides/supportedsoftware/ ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2014 at 9:27pm
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A quick question for Graham. Does the Majestic have more available gain/volume than the Bitzie? I'm trying to decide if a Bitzie-ULDE combo with both volumes maxed out is driving my K1000 fully. I think it is. It's pretty close actually. I think I've got the Solo's PSU1 phasing right. Sounds purer this way around but the cheap cable between Bitzie and Solo might be upsetting the soundstage just a tad. Hmmm... If the Majestic has a bit more gain, both my laptop and Galaxy S3 should definitely go loud enough with the K1000. ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: suede
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2014 at 10:54pm
Are you maxing out your Solo's volume output and still have want for more gain?  What were the K1000 designed for, nuclear powered headphone amps?Also, if you have the need for a better cable to run from source to Solo I bet you know where to find one  .------------- Proprius, Reflex M, Solo UL, Bitzie, CuSats & Spatia --------------------------------- Johan |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2014 at 11:16pm
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Gonna order a 1.5m Lautus phono-phono on my next GSP order. I think the cheap cable I'm using is diminishing the sound purity and making it seem as if the Solo ULDE is struggling with the K1000 ever so slightly. Just sourced WAVs via Samsung S3 via OTG and it goes pretty loud. As the Bitzie is bus-powered, there is limited current available. The Majestic has a PSU1 so will provide a little more gain, I assume? ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 10:36am
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I've just come across a http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/585-sotm-sms-100-mini-server-review/ - SOtM sMS-100 Mini Server . What it needs is a snappy name, because for those want, or need, just a bit more than a R Pi, but not as much as a "Streaming solution"-type box give, this could be just the ticket. It's an ethernet-in USB-out streamer. No on board DAC. Connect to Logitech Media Server or DNLA server, control by iPeng or DNLA app. Airplay mode makes it look like an Airport Express. Also connects to Vortexbox and supports DSD. I wish I'd found this 6 months ago . . . ------------- 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: 21 Sep 2014 at 10:57am
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Bob, Interesting, but I'm not sure how it is "a bit more than a R Pi" other than in price and its ability to handle 384/24 rather than 192/24. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 2:18pm
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I guess that if you're a programmer you could get the R Pi to connect to LMS and act like an Airport Express? Maybe. I think the sMS-100 could be the device for those weaning themselves off Squeezeboxes and wanting a turnkey solution. What really caught my eye was that it was a "proper product" (no disrespect meant to R Pi here!) offering just the streamer, so you don't need to double up on DACs if you have a good external DAC waiting in the wings. These seem hard to find, as increasingly all-in-one "lifestyle" products are more visible - streamer/DAC/amp in one. [A suitable case housing the Majestic DAC, Proprius amplificaton and a streamer - with a Solo and the mystery phono amp thrown in! - would be a killer product. And probably kill Graham making it . . . ]------------- 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: 21 Sep 2014 at 3:14pm
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If you check out the Lincoln Binns website you will see that they do a nice case, to match Graham's stuff, for the R Pi. It would require a custom build to accommodate the HiFiBerry Digi, which doesn't include a DAC. I use Volumio and Rine Audio, but could use Squeezeplug as an alternative for the SBT/LMS experience. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Drewan77
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 3:31pm
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I am pretty sure I will jump on the Pi wagon when the + versions have new software. It sounds very interesting ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 3:58pm
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A (possibly) superior solution would be to take the I2S feed direct from the Pi (or similar processor) direct to the Majestic I2S DAC input. This would cut out some digital processing stages. The Pi B+ feeding USB to the Majestic using the RuneAudio interface is proving quite awesome. Runeaudio will be releasing the 0.3 beta software in the next few days which is intended to cater for the Pi B+ and consequently the HiFiBerry Digi+. The sound via USB is so good that I wonder how much better, if any, it will be via SPDIF or optical, bearing in mind that the berry takes the I2S signal to a Wolfson WM8804 transceiver to give the SPDIF/optical output, which the Majestic then converts back to I2S. in theory this alllows higher bit rates. Graham will surely comment on this aspect? ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 7:17pm
We can hope. I saw that promise Ian, but previously it was promised about six weeks ago. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 8:53pm
With transition times in nano seconds a cable carrying I2S would not only suffer propagation delays but timing mismatches between lines. Chip manufacturers warn against long PCB traces, but from what I've read up on the subject, it seems some audio equipment manufacturers think themselves immune... After last week's discussions we decided to order a few items to evaluate the possibilities of using a Pi computer for digital audio streaming including: two Wolfson audio cards ( http://uk.farnell.com/wolfson-microelectronics/wolfson-audio-card/audio-card-for-use-with-raspberry/dp/2347264?Ntt=2347264 - http://uk.farnell.com/wolfson-microelectronics/wolfson-audio-card/audio-card-for-use-with-raspberry/dp/2347264?Ntt=2347264 ), and two Raspberry Pi Model B (512MB RAM) There is some "tried and tested" software available for download to make the items work, and details for this appear on the Wolfson audio card data sheets. Rather than speculate I will reserve judgment until we get something working. ------------- 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: ICL1P
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 9:49pm
Am I missing something? I'm not sure why you've selected an audio card with a DAC. ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Posted By: BackinBlack
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 9:49pm
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By "direct" I meant very close, within the same enclosure, with short (max 5cm) mini coax to enable a degree of isolation between the "computer" and the DAC. Some shielding and perhaps isolation might also be prudent. ------------- Just listen, if it sounds good to you, enjoy it. |
Posted By: ServerBaboon
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 9:52pm
Me too, thought you would be picking the Digi Out Card ------------- Steve ------------- Various bits of GSP Kit ..well two so far, unless you count the cables that is. |