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Digital Drive: REVIEW: C I Audio VDA-1 DAC Processors by JDT

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REVIEW: C I Audio VDA-1 DAC Processors

66.74.155.95


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Model: VDA-1
Category: DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price: $349.00
Description: 24 bit/96k Digital to Analog Converter
Manufacturer URL: C I Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by JDT ( A ) on September 24, 2003 at 22:55:04
IP Address: 66.74.155.95
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for the VDA-1


I purchased this DAC based on the promising reviews from the two previous reviewers. I can say that my expectations were met and then some. This DAC has a way of presenting the music in a most natural yet captivating manner. There is no obvious emphasis on any freq extremes, nor is there any extra sense of speed or attack. There is just a perfectly balanced quality to the music. Ambience and details retrieval is marvelous. Both instruments and voice come across sounding very opened and focused. Very impressive taming of bad vocal sibilances or edgy recordings for that matter. This DAC certainly help to eliminate that unnatural "digital" sound from the music.


Product Weakness: Just maybe lacking that last bit of HF or LF extension but definitely not by too much.
Product Strengths: Focused, smooth and refined presentation of whatever music that flows thru it. Really tames vocal sibilance yet still maintaining very good resolution.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Sim Audio I-5 Integrated Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony ES Carousel
Speakers: Totem Arro
Cables/Interconnects: MIT shotguns/Kimber KCAG
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, classical and some vocals
Room Size (LxWxH): 15 x 18 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 days
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: C I Audio VDA-1 DAC Processors - JDT 22:55:04 09/24/03 ( 6)