Haven't had a rant about my Class D amps for a while (sensitive audiophiles can stop reading now!).
The pair of bridged Sabaj monoblocks are now well-and-truly run-in and the recent addition of the upgraded A20d 2022 DAC along with DH Labs Air Matrix XLR interconnects took the system to a significantly higher plane. It became time to get this installation tidied up and repositioned so that the amps could get a chance to really reveal what they are capable of.
Last year's vinyl fixation has now diminished (enormously) and Digital is back to being my main music source. I can only think that after years (decades?) of trying to get my digi-rigs to sound as 'Analogue' as possible, now that the turntables are in place - the streamers and CD can just be themselves without having to try to sound like an LP. Certainly the experience has changed my listening tastes and altered my perspective on digital playback. Apples and Pears, Cheese and Onions - don't compare, simply accept.
Changes:
1) shifting the amps: The phono stage and NVA P50 go underneath and leave room on the middle shelf for the Sabaj kit. A20d DAC in the middle with A10a amps on either side. Room to breathe and less RF/EMF interference from each other.
2) DAC: The A20d 2022 is an exceptional unit, providing a clarity and versatility that competes with designs many time the price.
3) interconnects: DH Labs created the Air Matrix with a special foam surround for the conductors that is 60% air, this reduces capacitance to almost zero and these cables remain the best i/c that I have ever had. Short length (50cm) and their own chunky XLR plugs make these a perfect connection to let the amps shine.
4) USB streaming PC: The Acer PC was just too noisy with whirring disk-drives and a whispering cooling fan. The Frankenstein-PSU Intel i7 PC (far right on photo) from the lounge was swapped in and its silent operation was a big relief. The Acer is now in the lounge and in a spot where it is completely inaudible. Win-win. I'll do a post soon about that setup with the upgraded Denafrips Ares II.
5) USB cables: The one annoying feature of the Sabaj 2022 DACs (A10d & A20d) is that USB input is via a smartphone-sized USB-C socket, this severely limits your options about high-quality audio-grade cables (or you need an adaptor with possible SQ consequences). The only 'good' USB-C-equipped link I could find was the AudioQuest Carbon. Although this version is very different to the thicker and heavier USB-B version. The lesser shielding became evident as the system sounded somewhat dull and subdued - until I spotted that the Carbon USB-C lead was lying across other cabling. Allowing it to run free and clear of other wires put the sparkle back in the sound. Also, running from the PC to the Oehlbach USB Masterclock is a DH Labs Mirage - probably the best USB link that you will find without having to pay silly money for an esoteric, boutique-made example.
Also took the opportunity to generally tidy up the mains cabling and leave the speaker leads free of interference.
I've said it before - but I'll say it again; this setup is stunning, just breathtaking with the right music. The forward and highly-detailed character makes if unforgiving of rougher, edgier recordings though. The new XLR cables bring a space and sweetness to the soundfield that allowed me to switch the DAC's PCM filters to run at the highest frequencies without sounding overly bright.
There is a different perception to the lounge system, with the Denafrips DAC and NVA amps (running pretty well the same cables) being 'rounder' and more forgiving. Which is better? Can't say - won't say. Different, certainly. The Upstairs setup has me hooked at the moment with its astonishing resolution that is revealing so many new layers in favourite albums.
It would seem that Class D amps have matured, certainly with newer generations of processors, and these models from Sabaj prove that high-quality sonics can be had at a modest price.
Rant over - as you were.