docwong's System

by docwong on CayinRevel 228 BeEversolo T8Cayin CS100 DAC
From my listening position
Cayin CS-805
Looking back from the speakers
Revel 228Be
Eversolo T8 Streamer and Cayin CS 100 DAC
Acoustic Room Treatment WAF limited

Description

Well compared to a lot of systems that I see on this board this is more of a low budget system.  ;-) Overall causing about $20 to $25K.  Everything is Relative right?

But still, I’m very very satisfied. The detail, holographic sound stage, musicality just has me listening for hours and hours.  

I came from a system that I had for over 30 years which I thought was pretty nice, quad 65 electrostatic speakers built in 1960, a pair of Dyna Mark three mono block amps, with a preamp made by Spectral Audio, Richard Fryer, and a connoisseur turntable. That lasted me through college and many years afterwards. 

It was time to rebuild the Quads so I sold it and got the Revels.  Although the Revels are a lot better and many ways, I don’t think any speaker will ever match the mid range smoothness of the Quad Electrostatic speakers.  

Then I went with a Nord amplifier, a very nice solid state amplifiers, but I would get listening fatigue, and then I didn’t enjoy that much even though it’s range and accuracy was so nice.  

Going back to tubes, I’m so happy. The Cayin I think does a very nice job of having enough warmth and enough distortion, lol and with amazing detail that I find the musical experience really satisfying. Female vocals seems like she’s in the room.
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Components Toggle details

    • Eversolo Eversolo T8 Streamer
    Overview
    The Eversolo T8 is a professional-grade streaming transport designed for audiophiles, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum chassis, a 6-inch touchscreen, and a quad-core ARM processor. It boasts an ultra-high-precision femtosecond clock, a super-silent linear power supply, and isolated digital outputs to ensure a pure audio signal. The device supports high-resolution audio formats up to DSD512 and PCM 768kHz 32-bit, and includes features like Wi-Fi 6, dual SSD storage expansion up to 16TB, and Roon Ready support. 
    Key features
    • Audio performance:
      • Clocking: Ultra-high-precision femtosecond master clock for bit-perfect signal delivery.
      • Power: Super-silent linear power supply and fully isolated outputs for a clean signal.
      • Resolution: Supports up to stereo DSD512 and PCM 768kHz 32-bit playback.
        • Decoding: Includes full MQA decoding.
    • Connectivity:
      • Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, with Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and AirPlay 2 support.
      • Wired: Gigabit Ethernet, and an SFP fiber network port.
      • Outputs: Multiple digital outputs, including USB, AES/EBU, I²S, optical, and coaxial.
    • User experience:
      • Interface: 6-inch LCD touchscreen with an intuitive EverSolo OS interface.
      • Control: Can be controlled via the on-screen touch control, dedicated mobile app, or included remote control.
      • Storage: Dual SSD slots expandable to 16TB (SSDs not included) and 64GB of internal eMMC storage.
    • Build quality:
      • Chassis: Premium, CNC-machined aluminum alloy chassis.
    • Acoustic tuning:
      • Includes a 10-band parametric equalizer (PEQ) for room correction and a loudness control. 
    • Cayin Audio USA Cayin CS 100 DAC
    The Cayin CS-100 DAC is 
    a high-end, dual-timbre digital-to-analog converter featuring both vacuum tube and solid-state sonic options. It uses dual ESS9038Pro DAC chips and supports high-resolution audio formats up to DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz via USB. Key features include multiple digital inputs (USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S), both RCA and XLR outputs for both line and pre-out, a 3.9" AMOLED display, and a chassis built with a special aluminum alloy for mechanical isolation. 
    Key features
    • Dual Timbre: Offers a choice between a vacuum tube and a solid-state output, allowing users to select the desired sound signature.
    • High-Resolution Audio: Processes high-resolution audio files up to DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz via USB, with fully asynchronous processing.
    • Dual DAC Chips: Utilizes two ESS9038Pro DAC chips for excellent conversion performance.
    • Multiple Inputs: Includes a wide range of digital inputs, such as USB-B, Coaxial (RCA and BNC), Optical, AES/EBU, and I²S/DSD (via HDMI).
    • Flexible Outputs: Provides both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs for both pre-amplifier and line-out functions.
    • Premium Construction: Features a carefully crafted chassis from sandblasted aluminum alloy with mechanical isolation for both the top cover and internal components.
    • User Interface: Equipped with a 3.95-inch AMOLED display for an intuitive graphical user interface and comes with a full-function remote control.
    • Dual Power Transformers: Includes two Cayin toroidal power transformers to provide separate and clean power to the analog and digital circuits.
    • Clocking: Features two high-precision femtosecond crystal clocks (90.3168MHz and 98.304MHz).
    • Dimensions: Measures 440mm (wide) x 392mm (deep) x 126mm (high) and weighs 12kg. 
    • Revel Proforma PerformaBe F228Be
    Overview
    The Revel F228Be is a reference-grade, three-way floor-standing loudspeaker known for its high clarity, neutrality, and expansive soundstage. It features a one-inch beryllium tweeter, a 5.25-inch Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) midrange driver, and dual 8-inch DCC woofers, all designed to work seamlessly for detailed and dynamic sound reproduction. It is available in various high-gloss finishes and comes equipped with high-order crossovers and a waveguide to minimize distortion and create a precise sound image. 
    • Cayin Audio USA Cayin CS-805A

    The Cayin CS-805A is a high-end, single-ended, Class A tube integrated amplifier designed for audiophiles, featuring an output power of 50 watts per channel and a premium tube configuration. It uses 805A tubes for power, 300B tubes for the driver stage, and WE6SN7 tubes for voltage amplification, providing a rich sound with flexible connectivity options and protection features. The amplifier can be used as an integrated amp or a power amp, and it offers selectable negative feedback to adjust the sound character. 


    Key features 

    • Tube Configuration: Uses a combination of 805A for power, 300B for the driver stage, and WE6SN7 for voltage amplification.
    • Power Output: Delivers 2x 50 watts in single-ended Class A operation.
    • Functionality: Can be used as an integrated amplifier or as a power amplifier via its pre-amplifier input.
    • Connectivity: Includes three pairs of line inputs and an additional pair of pre-inputs for external preamplifiers.
    • Sound Customization: Allows for a negative feedback adjustment from 0

    -3dB to alter the sound character.

    • Headphone Output: Features a high-quality headphone output.
    • Protection and Durability: Incorporates soft-start circuits, high-voltage delay, and high-voltage fuses to protect the tubes and components, extending their lifespan.
    • Premium Components: Uses high-quality parts like an Alps volume control, porcelain tube sockets, and a large toroidal transformer for a stable power supply.
    • Remote Control: Comes standard with a remote control that remembers the last operating status. 

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Nice room and nice simple system!

jond

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