Digital Processor Reviews

Digital Sources: Ayre C-5xe universal player; Benchmark DAC1, Bel Canto e.One DAC3, Assemblage DAC-1 D/A converters; E-Mu 0404 USB, M-Audio Transit USB, dCS 972 digital format converters; G4 Mac mini running OS10.4.11, Dual-Core Pentium PC running Windows XP SP3.
Preamplifiers: Simaudio Moon Evolution P-7, Parasound Halo JC 2.
Power Amplifiers: Musical Fidelity 750K Supercharger monoblocks, Simaudio Moon Evolution W-7.
Loudspeakers: Revel Ultima Salon2.
Cables: Digital: Kimber Illuminations Orchid AES/EBU, Stereovox XV2 electrical S/PDIF. Interconnect (balanced): AudioQuest Cheetah, Ayre Signature Series. Speaker: AudioQuest Kilimanjaro. AC: PS Audio Lab, manufacturers' own.
Accessories: Target TT-5 equipment racks; Ayre Myrtle Blocks; ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; Shunyata Research Dark Field cable elevators; PS Audio Power Plant 300 at 90Hz (preamps), Audio Power Industries 116 Mk.II & PE-1, APC S-15 AC line conditioners (not power amps). AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6' from the breaker box, a power amplifier plugged into each.—John Atkinson