Digital Drive: REVIEW: Monarchy Audio DIP Classic DAC Processors by Adriel

Model:	DIP Classic
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$249
Description:	An update on the DIP with an optimized 44.1 Khz output
Manufacturer URL:	Monarchy Audio

Review by Adriel on May 02, 2009 at 13:59:15
IP Address: 75.60.98.38 Add Your Review
for the DIP Classic

The existing reviews available on the internet are not as accurate as they could be. However, using an external cd player as a test control, we can more accurately determine what the DIP does.

All we need is any dac with at least two digital inputs. One such dac is the CI VDA2. It has coax and toslink digital inputs. They are switched between in real-time, using a toggle switch on the front of the dac.

Then there is the matter of two playback sources. This is accomplished with a PC and a cd player. The PC is placed in a separate room to eliminate fan noise, and is configured for bit-perfect digital output via coax. On the other hand, the cd player supplies toslink output; note in this case we use a glass toslink cable for optimal transmission.

To sync playback between both transports, we use a bluetooth keyboard and remote.

Personally I have always considered DIP'd music as "more refined" digital sound. Now, using the VDA2's toggle switch, we get a more accurate description of the changes:

-DIP reduces resolution in the midrange. Timbral texture is smoothed out.

-Disabling DIP, resolution is suddenly gained and additional focus is immediately apparent.

-DIP decreases high frequency extension. The last high frequency "snap" in percussive instruments is eliminated.

With "reference" recordings of the highest redbook quality, it does not make sense to DIP the music and reduce true recording detail.

However, with modern "pop" recordings that are "fatiguing" to listen to, DIP reduces listening fatigue and the level of aural bombardment.

Ideally all digital music is on SACD or 24/96 or 24/192, but most of us under 30 are stuck with our favorite music on a very compressed 44.1 digital format.

Most of my time is spent listening to "indie" music, but for the sake of comparison here are a few "mainstream" albums for comprehension purposes:

Digital nasty pop albums:
Avril Lavigne
Sara Bareilles
Taylor Swift

Surprisingly digital clean pop albums:
Tatu

The popular solution spouted today is to "just have a good enough DAC that a jitter box is unnecessary". Unfortunately that does not work for a lot of people who cannot stand listening to their transport "naked" no matter how good the DAC is. And it assumes that everyone listens to audiophile classical, which is not the case. Lots of people are screwed and that's just the way it is.

Product Weakness:	loss of clarify, loss of resolution
Product Strengths:	euphonic jitter envelope

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Sophia Electric 300b monoblock SET
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Primaluna Prologue Three
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony SCD-CE775
Speakers: Omega Super 8 XRS alnico hemp, Omega hemptone subwoofer
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest Copperhead, VDX-M
Music Used (Genre/Selections): pop, indie, hifi demo albums
Room Size (LxWxH): 16 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Auralex
Time Period/Length of Audition: 5 years
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Sophia Electric 300b monoblock SET
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Primaluna Prologue Three
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony SCD-CE775
Speakers:	Omega Super 8 XRS alnico hemp, Omega hemptone subwoofer
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Copperhead, VDX-M
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	pop, indie, hifi demo albums
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Auralex
Time Period/Length of Audition:	5 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner