David H.

I’ve been using the DBX-360 for a couple years now, and I love what it does to the music. I actually use 2 of them, one for tri amping of my Snell C-7’s, and the other to manage the two front R/L, TSI Emperior subwoofers ( Incredible sounding Subwoofers, which I plan to follow up with a post on them. By far the best and most natural sounding subs that improves the sound of the system from the highs to low’s that I’ve heard. ) and my the 2 back surround fill Energy V 1.8’s speakers. It does and manages everything, and then some. I’ve been told about all the above info on them and the negative factors, But each time I pull them out and try to go without them , it doesn’t last that long because it just doesn’t sound as clean, full and overall as great sounding when running my system without the DBX-360’s. I am now is the process of building a replacement Crossover board to be able to unplug the passive crossovers Board in the speakers, and replace it with custom built crossover board without anything other than new speaker post and wire connections to connect them together so I don’t damage the originals in any way, and can switch them back and forth if needed. My concern was that While I was using the DBX-360 crossovers to improve the sound, I was basically crossovering the passive crossovers within the speakers. Harmon/ DBX has a great technical support staff which have been incredibly helpful to me, that and among other issues had told me how to by pass the DBX-360 crossover section and use the passive crossovers within the speakers. After listening to it, and doing some basic adjustments, I still prefer the sound of the music including the DBX- 360 crossover section being used. But I would still like to hear how it sound completely bypassing the passive crossovers in the Snell’s, With these Snell C-7’s the better sound quality I throw at them, the improvements keep pushing the speakers to a higher level and have yet to hit there peak in performance. For me there was definitely a one learning curve on how to utilize the DBX-360 to it fullest potential, but it keeps getting better and better. The first DBX-360 I paid apx. $700.00 and $400.00 for the second one, Both brand new on Ebay. Just let me know if there’s any more specific that you may need to know, I give you my experience and knowledge on them and you can reach out to Harmon / DBX for more in technical details and abilities that it can perform.

I just wanted to add that what ever Music Streaming Device you may choose, expensive or not, It will bring back the excitement of new Music and also the Nostalgic of the older tunes. I love the Music Streaming world and what it has to offer in the endless library of Music, High Def and the Clarity of depth of the music sound. Along with the feeling of being in this “Huge massive open Library with Row’s and Row’s of endless music “ to go through and never being disappointed, Add the Music Software management of your music with “Roon”, I feel like I did as a Kid when I got a new Vinyl Album opening it and seeing all the artwork, then putting the needle down and listening to the new music with such excitement. The added bonuses is the clarity and depth that was never revealed in the the analog world, but also it will give you information on the music and the Artist that wasn’t available on the old vinyl and cassettes. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the sound and excitement of opening up a new vinyl album for all the reason described above, But now I listen to vinyl album for just that feeling and sound of the album with it’s occasion “cracks or pops” from the old albums. But , If its clarity and depth, or Hi Res audio files, I go to the Music Streamer. Also with the music streamer come the ease of just listening to whatever your in mood for at the time, and letting it just choose that music your in the mood for and not have to go back to the source like the turntable to either turn over the album, or put on something new. This is all done by the music steamer along with it putting music on that you may forgotten or hearing for the first time. I’ve found such excitement and enjoyment in this new digitial world that when I hear something on the radio, I write it down so I can hear it in more detail at home on the music streamer. I still love putting on a vinyl album on the turntable and listening to it, But for me, If its clarity and depth in the music I want to hear, there’s no comparing to this new sound and world of the digitial Music Streaming and it’s high def library of music to choose from. Below is a quick pick of the Innuous Zen Mk lll and the L.K.S Digitial audio Dac. If there’s any I can be of help with inregards to Music Streaming systems or Roon Software, Just let me know and I’ll do my best to answer or find what you may be looking for.

I’ve always loved the sound from the Oppo’s CD players, and the Oppo 103/105 players sound good and can work with your Carver audio gear. Oppo uses the ES DAC chips and that’s one of the reason why I purchased the L.K.S. Digital audio dh-004 Dac for apx $1,425.00 which uses 2 of the ES3808 pro dac chips in mono combined to give stereo and used my Oppo 95 as a transport and loved the combo for the sound they both produced. I did a lot of research into the Music Streaming Devices out there, and again with the audio world , with quality of the sound and what they offer in abilities and dollars the Sky’s the limit. I ended up purchasing the Innuous Zen Mk III music streaming system which requires an external DAC W/ 2TB internal storage system and a built in ripper with it own software to operate it for apx. $2,400.00 or use 3rd party software like Roon , which I use and highly recomend . Hands down the Best Music software management out there, at least for me. Roon “ Brief description of “Roon “is a monthly, Yearly or Lifetime Subscription available which manages your Music Streaming, Music library either on PC or Mac, But it can manage your music library wherever it’s located on your network: on the computers hard drive, on a NAS Box or in folder on multiple networked devices. You can establish multiple user profiles so that each person in your household can compile their own lists of favorites and have their own unique play history and music recommendations.Roon installed on other computers (endpoints) on your network and you can use them as remote controls for the primary computers audio system, or you can stream your music over your network to those endpoints. In both scenarios . You can choose between the computers onboard audio subsystem and any connected outboard hardware. Roon is the Music operating software system which is setting the standards that music streaming companies and developers and building there’s hardware system to incorporate and manage the music. I did a lot research in the Music Streamers that were available at the time I purchased the Innuous Mk III and spent over double of what I was looking to invest, But I found at this time there were not a lot of high end quality Music streamers used for sale due because of it being still a New Medium and there are not a lot of used hi end music players available, so I went with a system which I can used for many years to come, and I absolutely love the quality of sound and what it has to offer. Other’s I liked and received great reviews: I purchased the Cambridge Audio 851 N music Streamer, and liked the quality of sound, The front display to see what is playing and operations for apx. $1,450.00 but returned it for the only reason that it upsampled everything it played. Though I liked the sound, I did not like not having the ability of not upsampling the music and it was missing a few things I was looking for and new that I would want in the future. Here’s a few Music streaming systems out there to considered-or get a feel for what’s out there and cost: One of the favorites for starting at Apx, $485.00 and up is the Bluesound Node 2i music streaming system, and it has received great reviews and I was very close in getting one for apx : $925.00 , But I havn’t had an opportunity to listen to with my system. But , I’ve read very good reviews for the Monies spent. Audiolab 6000N Play - review” Great sounding streaming solutions needn’t cost a lot” - Very good reviews in 2019 Apx. $650.00 Audiolab 6000A apx. $1,000.00- very good reviews Sono’s systems starting at apx. $350.00 and up/ Sony HAP-S1 high Resolution music streamer apx. $ 1.000.00 but had mixed reviews NAD C 658 : Unbalance and balanced RCA outputs- Hi resp support 32-bit/192 kHz apx $1,650.00 - good reviews Cocktail Audio X30 all in one Hifi audio system w/ music server/network streamer- apx. $899.00 -again very good reiveiws. Cambridge audio CXN (V2) reviews very good, “the best at this price range “ apx. $995.00 and up lumin M1 - starting at apx. $2,000.00 to there high end up to $14K, A very good Music streaming co with high Standards There’s Many Music streaming system out there, I feel you can get a nice system like the Audiolab 6000N for $625.. the Bluesound 2i used for less $500.00 and they both have very good reviews. I hope this helps, If there’s any more specific questions I can help, Just pm me, or post and I’ll do my best to answer or find out the answers. I researched for months back back in late 2018/ early 2019 before deciding, but it comes down to what specific needs or wants that may be looking for your system. I preferred having a seperate music streamer form my CD player, but there are some nice CD player /music streaming systems that can also work well with your system. For example, the Oppo 103/105, Marantz network music playerNA6006 refurbished for $479.00, Again, I hope this helps. I will do a seperate post on “Roon” music management software to show it abilities and eases of use.

I’m just a huge Bob Caver Fan, I love and enjoy his all audio Gear .. His vision and and what he has created to me is so inspirational.

Hey Guys, Sorry for being so quiet these last few months , It’s been a Crazy busy time for me through the Fire and floods, and repairing the smoke damage . I had reached out to the group asking about N.A.S Storage and Music streaming network and player some time ago and found that it seemed to be a topic of interest for some, and at the time not a lot of info so far was within the group. I felt that with all the great support and advice I’ve been given from all within “The Carver Site” , This may be a way for me to try a give back some with information what dI’ve found so far with hope that it can be of help to others. Again , I had no idea of how much there would be to learn and research in all those categories, so through all these months I’ve been doing my homework. I’ll do my best to be as accurate and detailed in what I have found. I’ve always been a little , or “ VERY” intimidated in doing a post because of how incredible sharp and knowledgable most of you are when it came to the world of audio. But everyone has always been so supportive, and giving of all there knowledge, and for all that I “ Thank all of you “. So, Here we go. I’ll touch base on: 1) external DAC 2) NAS Storage 3) Music Streaming devices 4) Network music players ( All in one System’s and individually Music players and network streaming devices together, examples , low $$ to High$ $$$) 5) ROON - Operating system for music that is hardware agnostic. One app that brings all of your stored music together with all your music streaming services, including. Tidal and Qobuz , high res music services in one search interface. ( This App will be the one that all will be using for there digital music world - IMOP. ) All new digital music streaming system’s are being developed for Roon, with some also having there own operating system. I can’t cover it all, cables, all the various system, etc.., but with a little help I’m sure in the end we’ll all have a good starting point, if interested in the digital world. N.A.S Storage and Network Music Streaming for HI Def audio I found when I really got into the Digital Audio world , it really wasn’t as complicated as I though it would be. But again as with everything in audio , it can be as simple or as complicated as one wants within there system. I think I’ll go in the above order, Because that’s how I entered it. First I wanted to improve my digital sound and to make it not just as good and warm as my beloved Vynyl world, and favorite albums, But better. Then I heard about storing my CD’s , and digital music in what was know as NAS music storage. After hearing how incredible my digital music was sounding, I wanted to enter the world of a Music Network streaming system , Pandora, Spotify, to Hi Res music services like Tidal and Qobuz , and the muisic streaming player that with some individual systems accompany the streamer so that so I hear it in the System. But What was this thing Called Roon that I found all these new high end Music Streaming / Player system were developed with Roon , the New universal Operating system for music That is hardware Agnostic. Please let me know any of the routes that you may have chosen or thinking of going with for your system. I will be adding to this as I go along, Please bear with me as I pull all my info together on each subject to best I can so as to give you a feel and hopefully route you may like to start. It’s wide open from very affordable systems to the point I always dream of, But to rich for me. When I say this in my own humble option, This is where Music has been on its way and heading in a Directions I feel will open up a New World of Music , With it’s depth in clean Hi Res , warm music and a huge Music library services when one can find and hear pretty much what one would want to hear. It keeps getting better and better. I still love my vynyl , But in my next post I’ll start off with the benefits of adding an external DAC. Below is a picture of where my system is now, I’m just now finalizing and getting my digital music streaming playing device. Pictures to follow when I get it, very soon.

Nice site for SCAD's, Thanks.

My follow up on the Cambridge 851n. I really liked this unit, But ended up returning it for a couple of reasons. One major for me was that I wasn’t able to take advantage of the DAC inside it while place SACD’s. Even though I don’t own a lot of SACD’s, the idea was that I wanted to improve my CD experience in any form that I played it. Another issue was for some reason I was not able to hook up the unit to My Oppo 95 via the hi def Co axial cable. The signal would fade in and out. I purchased this units as a refurbished unit, so there is a possiblility that is may have had some minor defect, But I’m sure that if I wanted to hang on to it I could of recieved another without having any issue’s. On the positive side, I really did like the sound and ease of how it played. It has a great look, and for the monies it comes with all the bells and whistles that you can’t find for that price range. It did upscale everything which worked out great when you were listening to Sirius, pandora or anything else less than the quality of Tidal, which is a HI Def streaming service, a must for us high end audio nuts. But, I was told that this upscaling , which there was no way of turning off is not nescessarly a good thing. I personally didn’t mind it, but can see where it may be an issue. I’m going back to my original plan of getting a new DAC, and using the Oppo 95 for the time being as a transport. After a lot of research on my end, I have settled on a DAC by the name of : L.K.S audio MH-DA004 , with dual ESS 9038 pro running in mono on each side , amanero USB Audio’s DAC , made in china which some may not perfer , for apx . $1,395.00. What I liked about it is the use of the two high end 9038 DAC’s by ESS, The various inputs including HDMI, which I understand is the only way to really transfer the SACD /DSD info back and forwth between the Oppo CD player and DAC, both optical and coaxial digital inputs, rca and balanced input with Balanced outputs. So Far, very good reviews on both build , quality control and sound performance for it price range. But my biggest project now will be my roomtreatment to handle all the issues of the reflections of the low ceiling, glass and hardwood floors. I hope you find some of this info of some help, please just PM me if you would like more detailed information.

From what I found out, that very nice unit that you are using. Free is good, I’ve been spending a fortune on Vynly and Cd’s/SACD ‘ s are hard to find locally. Cambridge from what I’ve read really stands out for the monies for network devices . Looking forward to the audition, and see how the DAC’s are for CD’s. Thanks for the info.

HI Guys, After researching and looking into Network Player, The Cambridgge Azur 851n really fit the bill in what I needed. It originally started with looking for a new CD/SACD player and that alone had big price tag inregards to any kind of upgrade from my Oppo 95 cd/SACD player. I also was looking for a new New Network server since the Polk 1 omni was driving me crazy. It was a pain in the ass to get hooked up to the network, and then it would just drop off. So I was basically not using it any longer. I am going to use this as a DAC, and use the Oppo as a transport. It's gotten great reviews, it was a little more pricey than what I originally was looking for, But I purchase one of these on ebay, through Cambridges site and got a "Refurbished" unit for $1,124.99. I should get it next week some time, so I'll keep you posted with my thoughts and more important how it sound. If anyone out there is familiar with the Cambridge Azur 851n, It would be great to hear your thoughts.

Very Nice, Makes it easier to keep up on the latest topic, Which makes it easier and quicker to keep up.

Yes, it does sound cool ...

That’s the plan, but help me out on the “NOS Telefunkens” , what’s that ? I’m going to be looking for a seperate Pre amp for the tubes, Not sure on whats a good fit right now. Thought about the Sunfire tube pre amp, but tough to find and expensive. But, Love the look!!

Yes, Two Carver fest 275’s. Very much looking forward to getting them and putting together a tube amp which I know I will love the sound.!!

Hi Guys, Been busy trying out new things out with my system, and I have added to it a pair of Snell’s C7’s . I now am Tri amping my 3 Carver - m500t’s, 1 stock, 2 others Dennis Miller’s increadable Mkll”s. It was Dom’s and Kevin’s idea to utilize my 3rd stock m500t to run the highs on both speakers, and to run 1 m-500t Mkll for the rt mid’s and low’s, and the other Mkll m-500t for the left mid’s and low’s. I love seeing those 3 Sexy M500t’s meter swinging with the music. I originally set it up with my Polks and loved it. The Polk Lsim 707 are bi amp speakers, but set up great with tri amp. I just got the Snells C7’s which are also a great sounding speaker. I was told by my Mentor’s, Dom, Kevin and L.T. To listen to the new set up for some time and then make a judgement. Right now it a close between the two speakers , But I’m leaning towards the Polks Lsim 707 as my favorite for this system with the Carver’s M500t’s. I’m feeling when I get the new tube amps, These snells might be the better fit. But for a side note to this, I am loving the DBX 360 venue for my speaker management. I really recommend it for those whom are curious about it. It’s can do a lot , and is amazing with how you can control your sound for environment and overall control of the sound , I love it. It’s does so much, I am still in the beginning stages of how to use and control the sound management for the speakers, but it made for me a hugh difference in sound of the music. Just PM me if you have any questions on it, I’ll do my best.