Muse
Model Eight is the 24-bit/96kHz DAD unit that was being used as a transport during the
WCES. In this system was also their Model Two 96 digital to analog decoder. This DAD
capable playing front-end was used with their Model 300 amplifiers, Model 160 amplifier
(used for subwoofers), Audio Artistry Beethoven speakers and was wired with all Cardas
Golden Cross cables. Are you ready for a review of DAD 24/96 vs. 16/44.1 vs. 45rpm vinyl?
Well, here it is! The very FIRST review ever! The DAD players/transports also play DVD
media too! Normal i've been told that normal DVD units can play the DAD discs, yet at a
20-bit resolution.Ok, all the source material was by Classic Records which is
supplied in their press kit i received during the show. The music was Sergei Rachmaninoff
"Symphonic Dances" movement 1 conducted by Donald Johanos and performed by the
Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The master tape was recorded by David Hancock directly onto
1/4" 2-track analog tape at 30 ips. (Said like the World Wrestling Federation's
Michael Buffer) LLLLLLLLLLLLLet's get READY TO RUMMMMMMMMMBLE!!!!!
The 16-bit/44.1 sounded, well, like a very good CD
(please don't send me flames about using this description). Basically the CD was good, yet
the highs weren't as smooth as the 24-bit/96 version and also the inner definition and
bass on the 24-bit/96 was excellent. The 45 rpm vinyl had better highs to my ears than the
24-bit/96 yet the bass wasn't quite as tight or defined. The turntable used was the Kuzma
Stabi table, Kuzma Stogi Reference (balanced) tonearm, Dynavector 17D2 cartridge, Jeff
Roland Cadence phono stage, and a Muse Model 3 line stage. Please remember i only spent
about 45 minutes listening to this system with various recordings too (including an 1812
recording, though the Rachmaninoff recording is the one used for this comparison). Here's
the basics my slammatocious friend:
24-bit/96kHz:
Better definition than all the other formats (esp. bass)
Just as smooth (maybe smoother) than 45rpm vinyl
Better bass definition than 16-bit/44.1 and 45rpm vinyl
Extreme high frequencies seemed a bit washed out when it came to the initial attack and
some of the sustain of the triangle in the Rachmaninoff recording. Better than 16-bit/44.1
but not better then 45 rpm. vinyl
Better imaging than 16-bit/44.1 CD
45 rpm vinyl:
Best upper octave attack/sustain than all other formats
Definition was very close to the 24-bit/96 but not equal
A better sense of ease and smoothness
16-bit/44.1kHz CD:
Worst in definition
Worst in realistic replay of upper frequencies
Worst sense of ease than all other formats
Pretty please don't get me wrong, the 16-bit/44.1 CD was
quite good, yet when you start hearing DAD and 45rpm vinyl... Again, please remember this
is a very very very preliminary report though my feelings were that you, my loyal and coolest of the
cool readers would be interested in my lame opinion of what my soul, ears, heart, and mind
told me. Once i get a player into my main rig more will be revealed. A most humble thanks
for your understanding. It is appreciated.
By the way, those tekkies, not trekkies
and no Quataloos accepted :-{)+ , who might wanna know what the cable for transmitting
24-bit/96 kHz is made of. The 13W3 I2S cable comprises of three coax and five twisted pair wires. Two coax are used
for the master clock running differentially. One each twisted pair is used for the word
clock, stereo channels data, and the emphasis flag.
High-Performance Audio Reviews
