Digital Drive: REVIEW: Monarchy Audio DIP 24/96 upsampler DAC Processors by maxlorenz

Model:	DIP 24/96 upsampler
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$300
Description:	Upsampling anti-jitter device
Manufacturer URL:	Monarchy Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by maxlorenz ( A ) on May 27, 2004 at 16:28:08
IP Address: 200.85.203.86

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for the DIP 24/96 upsampler

This is my humble review of the Monarchy Audio's DIP 48/96 upsampler (maxlorenz' Best-Buy award).
Is PCM so bad? Is digital's sound so bad?
I don't think so. I only think engineers took a little time to get things OK. And there are many tweaks to try.
I've owned this unit for 18 months and every useful upgrade that I made makes me wondering if there is a limit to his capabilities. It is probably the cheapest outboard upsampler out there (and perhaps not the worst). It takes the 0.5V digital unbalanced output from my modified Sony-DVD and converts it to 5V (!) pp balanced digital format (pro), upsampled, dithered, low jitter, provided by an over-dimensioned, clean power supply. Wich of those is guilty of the tremendous improvement in sound? I don't know and I don't care. In essence you will hear much lower noise floor, and a more dynamically natural and detailed (analog-like?) presentation.
I recently upgraded to PS Audio's xStream Statement balanced digital cable (great, powerful cable) at the output and let me tell you that if you haven't heard balanced digital you're missing something. This combo confers an extraordinary channel separation, lower noise floor, better detail retrieving and much better dynamics. Instrumental timbres are more accurate and performers are more distinct and separated. Frequency extension increases. This translates into a wider and deeper soundstage and a more involving musical experience. Far better than unbalanced output from the already good enough DH Labs Silversonic D-75 coaxial cable.
Guilt is shared by my Bolder Cable modified M-Audio superdac 24/96 (about wich I wrote a seemingly unread review) wich is a powerful and natural performer. Believe me; this little flexible unit, with its 3 input and 2 output formats is a real giant killer bargain.
Yesterday I fed the cheap Sony transport with a Cryotweaks Bybeed power cord and I'm astonished: microdetails, naturalness of timbre, harmonics, blacker background, a frightening increase in soundstage and aparent bass source. A bit colder sounding but nothing to worry about.
I listened to Bartok's "Concerto for Orchestra" (Sony, 20 bit remastering; Bernstein) and was immersed in this punchy performance, seeing more into the score than never before, able to enjoy the artistry of almost every performer in the orchestra (again exagerating!). Bass drums emerged from the whole front, floor and roof: it's hard to explain (I made changes to my bass traps position so the room response is way better in the low register).
Conclusion: this affordable unit is worth having to most coleagues (unless you own a dCS or Meitner front end!) wich use an outboard DAC; and an interesting tool to convert digital formats and enjoy balanced digital capable DACs. Get good cables though.
What's next: I will try Bybee's slipstreams and transformers on digital ins of both DIP and DAC.

Product Weakness: mmmmmh...
Product Strengths: It makes you forget you're listening to "digital". Low $. Format conversion. Noise floor.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Monarchy's SE100delux monos
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	NAD T761 receiver.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Slightly moded Sony DVD-NS325-> DH LAbs D75-> DIP upsampler-> PS AudioxStream balanced digital-> M-Audio superdac 24/96
Speakers:	Tannoy Definition D500
Cables/Interconnects:	DIY hybrid interlaced Homegrown Audio-DH Labs BL-1 ICs. PS Audio xStream PC. SignaL Cable PC. Bybeed Cryotweaks' PC. Bybeed Jamo speaker cable.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	7 m x 3.3 m x 2.4 m
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY bass traps
Time Period/Length of Audition:	18 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Quantum electroclear modules.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	mmmmmh...
Product Strengths:	It makes you forget you're listening to "digital". Low $. Format conversion. Noise floor.