On 2011-06-19 05:43, mykyll2727 wrote:
Third I use my 9kES combo thru iLink where I've found it to sound it's best on both CD and SACD. Do you feel that with these tweaks to the XA9kES it sounds better thru analog than iLink with HATS? BTW my analog connections were thru the 2ch outs (as I realise these use the "Tri-DAC" configuration as Sony calls it) to the MCH ins on the DA9kES._Mykl
when i first discovered the sonic improvements that can be had after removing the iLink power supply cable, i was using the scd-xa9000es and ta-da9000es combination.
in my experience, the xa9000es (with my proposed changes) using its dedicated 2-ch analog outputs into the ta-da9000es' multi-channel analog inputs sounded better (more musical and dynamically robust) than using the iLink connection between them. of course analog cable choice also plays a part.
a few things you have to watch out for:
1. iLink cable are highly directional.
when i was using the sony supplied iLink cable, they sound correct, when the iLink cable was connected in the reversed direction to the printed words on its cable jacket. this is the correct signal flow direction. i check several samples and they all sound correct this way. maybe the cable you get may give you different results....
never hurts to try both ways to find out.
the correct signal flow direction is when the projected soundstage is taller, wider, but more recessed into the behind of the speaker baffles.
2. when you are using the ta-da9000es' m-ch analog inputs, you can further cut down on board digital noise by first selecting one of its analog inputs, then engaging the "analog direct" button, before selecting the m-ch analog inputs. this will give you quieter results. when you select the m-ch analog inputs straight from any of the digital inputs (like DVD), the background is less quiet. i suggest selecting the PHONO input first, then engage the "analog direct" function, before selecting m-ch analog input.
3. when you are doing sonic comparisons, always connect only 1 type of cable at a time. there is potential noise being radiated from digital cables that might disadvantage analog audio cables.