Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners music streamer

I see. Thank you.

I'm particularly interested in what a "high-end" DAC offers vs. the Transformer. Perhaps published performance specs which the Transformer is missing?

Looks like I should’ve read this post first. ( I just posted a similar question about the transformer. ).

I’m wondering about how the volume control works as a preamp? Is it via the app and the buttons on the transformer face?

Is it always a preamp? or is it used as a thru and thru to my receiver at a fixed line level if that’s what I want? Trying to wrap my head around that feature.



How much am I really missing not being able to do 32 bit mqa? Is 24/192 plenty? ( I’m guessing it is).

Is it a single DAC for both channels?

Sounds like you could mirror the app to onto your tv screen too if wanted. Does the transfer app display album art etc?

Thanks all!

Volume can be adjusted either via the buttons or app. You can adjust how many ‘steps’ are changed per click/button push.

You can use it either as a pre or pass-through. You can configure the default volume on startup. Simply set that to 100 for pass-through and you’re good.

I’m of the opinion 24/192 is plenty.

Not sure on the DAC configuration. Would need Andrew’s input there.

The app does display album art. You can also. Customize the background. Can’t say I’ve mirrored it to a television but I can’t see why that wouldn’t work.

Thanks Curved. Appreciate it. Sounds like it does everything I want it to do. The way you describe the
“steps “ in the volume control you are basically saying you can adjust the “ gain sensitivity “.? Is that the right terminology ?

Sounds overall like a great device.

Is the ethernet connection reliable? I’ve read about done other more economical streamers and even done on-board Ethernet connections in intergrated amps that are less then good. The main reason I’m buying this is to stream 24/192 on Tidal and get maximum enjoyment and SQ out of Spotify.

Right now I’m streaming Spotify via my Apple TV on the Spotify app to my old non smart tv via HDMI. Then using a 3.5mm out to rca into my receiver. Guess I’m utilizing whatever DAC is in the Apple TV? ( or is HDMI delivering a digital signal to my tv then tv is using an internal DAC)?

Point being , I’m not getting quality DAC from my streaming this way I don’t think. I’m new with the streaming and DAC stuff, but learning. I’m trying to find the balance of good SQ without spending $1000 or more on a DAC.

Exactly right regarding gain sensitivity. Volume is 0-100 and you can choose volume adjustments of:1,2,4,5,10,20 per click or button press. You also get to choose a natural or linear volume curve.

I have not had any issues with the Ethernet connection. Although I use that one a lot less than the one that is connected via WiFi.

You would be using the DAC in your tv the way you are describing your connection.

Thank you so much CA, you've been answering Kodiak's questions perfectly!

Kodiak, with regards to the DAC in the transformer, it's a single stereo DAC handling both channels. It's not R2R, MQA-capable, dual/balanced/current output/non-oversampling, or whatever is the current flavor of the month. It's an incredibly good sounding DAC and has specifications that are pretty much beyond reproach. If you're interested, it's a PCM5122:

http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm5121.pdf?&ts=1589558809648

One big benefit of this device is the integrated output stage, meaning no external buffers OR coupling capacitors are required. It's a straight shot from the DAC output through a precision Susumu thin-film resistor, to the RCA jacks.

Thanks,

Andrew

Curved Air, Andrew,

Thanks so much for the great info. Looks like I should buy one. Sounds pretty much like what I want. With the bonus of it it being a pre amp as well. ( I’ll need to get my head around there being no dial! Although I won’t be using it as a pre just yet anyway. )

Andrew thanks for the sarcasm there with the flavour of the moment DAC. (I’m assuming it was ) While researching and reading about DACs it’s easy to get caught up in the hyperbole of bit rates and quality unfolds and airy transients. I have no doubt that 32 bit mqa may sound better or different but in all reality, I’m DACing thru my ancient tv into “ old “ m60ti. So I think I’ll be happy with 24/192 via a modern device. I’m also one step closer to adding some more power to my setup.

The one thing I’ve found is that the recording quality REALLY matters. I have songs I play over and over bc they sound great vs others. I’m always searching for “ the good ones. “. I can turn the SPL up and up on good recordings. It’s just incredible. Andrew I tried out your recommended ones from your video the other day. Brubeck Quartet was great but I didn’t get the separation you talked about. So. I’ve got some work to do. I pulled my speakers out into the room and have been playing around ALOT with placement and adjustment. Super fun. I’ve got a bunch of other ideas to run past you guys but I ll leave it there.

I’m loving streaming music and keep finding new to me artists and albums. Or reading equipment reviews or ideas from this forum I just look it up and listen. It’s great!

Ok that went off topic but thanks for listening to my coffee induced ( west coast ) morning rant and comments. Music and my axiom speakers and this forum reading / posting has been a great diversion from everything else and calming. All the best to you guys out there enjoying tunes!

You can't beat the taste of a Shashimi thin-film resistor that mates the DAC to the RCA jack!

Sashimi resistors - made in China but taste like Japan.

Seriously though, anytime a resistor costs 22 times what a run-of-the-mill one does, it ought to be good!

I want one but have no need for it.

Eventually I will have a need and I will buy it.

I feel bad not having one.

Of everything Axiom I want one.

Only a pleasure Andrew.

You guys have been great to work with and I’m happy to help out where I can.