Description: 18-bit, 8x-oversampling D/A converter. Inputs: one coaxial (RCA jack), one optical (Toslink jack). Outputs: one unbalanced stereo pair. Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.5dB. THD: <0.01%.
Dimensions: 17" W by 2.5" H by 7.25" D. Weight: 11 lb.
Price: $499 (1992); no longer available (2019). Approximate number of dealers: 160. Warranty: 3 years parts and labor, transferrable.
Manufacturer: PS Audio Inc., Grover City, CA 93483 (1992); PS Audio, 4865 Sterling Drive, Boulder, CO, 80301 (2019). Tel: (720) 406-8946. Web: www.psaudio.com.…
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Sidebar 3: Specifications
As the sides of the slim-line Timbre Technology TT-1 DAC are radiused rather than flat, it's elegant compared to its typical boxy competition. While the TT-1's handsome shape stands out more than your average audiophile device, its curved sides help create a stronger, less resonant shape than the usual box, and serve as just one of the many elements contributing to a high degree of mechanical integrity and damping.
There are no fasteners showing except those on the bottom and backplate, and the hefty unit feels solid as a rock. The faceplate—finished in black or silver—and bottom are…
Another killer CD which we love was sent to us by my sister-in-law Martine, who lives in Paris: Michel Jonasz's La Fabuleuse Histoire de Mister Swing (MJM 2292-42338-2). Golden String Imports can get you this CD, but this German-pressed but oh-so-French double-disc isn't too difficult to find—they had 'em at Tower. We seem to always come back to "Le Temps Passé" and "Si Si Si Le Ciel," on "Disque" 2.
Slapping on a set of Harmonix RF-11s once again cleaned up a touch of sssssibilance on this recording, oddly more apparent on Disque 2 zhan on zuh Disque 1. But what a great CD! You don't…
Robert Harley takes a listen
I auditioned the Timbre through the same playback system described in my review of the Exposure XVII preamplifier elsewhere in this issue. I listened to the Timbre on its own and in direct comparisons with the Sonic Frontiers SFD-2, in both balanced and single-ended modes. The following observations were made by listening to both processors' balanced outputs.
From the outset, I was impressed by the Timbre. Although the TT-1 sounded very different from the SFD-2, it had some appealing qualities. The most salient of the Timbre's strengths was its…
Sidebar 1: Jonathan Scull's System
I consider it my stunning good fortune to have auditioned the Timbre Technology TT-1 DAC with three Totally Drop-Your-Sox transports: the Forsell Air Bearing, the C.E.C. TL 1 Belt-Drive Gold Robbie the Robot (well, it looks like a Japanese robot to us), and the "Champagne Wishes, Caviar Dreams" Esoteric/TEAC VRDS P2S, $7k the pop. In many ways, the Tale of the Timbre was also the Tale of Three Transports. One of the more amusing pranks I've enjoyed playing on acquaintances, both audiophile and otherwise, has been to play a CD on one of these benchmark…
Sidebar 2: Measurements
The Timbre had a low maximum output voltage, measuring just 1.36V from the single-ended outputs marked "Main." The single-ended outputs labeled "Buffered" produced a whopping 6.7V, a result of the additional buffer amplifier driving this output. The balanced outputs had a maximum output voltage of 2.7V. Source impedance was a low 52 ohms from the "Main" outputs, 500 ohms from the "Buffered" outputs, and 104 ohms from the balanced outputs. The much higher output impedance from the buffered outputs is incongruous; Timbre suggests the "Buffered" output should be used…
Sidebar 4: Specifications
Description: D/A processor with 1-bit DAC and up to four inputs. Maximum output level: 1.5V RMS unbalanced, unbuffered; 7V RMS unbalanced, buffered; 2.7V, balanced. Measured output impedance: 52 ohms, "Main" outputs; 500 ohms, "Buffered" outputs; 104 ohms, balanced outputs.
Dimensions: 18.5" W by 3" H by 12" D. Weight: 22 lb.
Price: $3895 balanced; $3295 single-ended; factory upgrade to balanced configuration costs $800 (1994); no longer available (2019) Approximate number of dealers: 10.
Manufacturer: Timbre Technology, PO Box 566, 1600 Gypsy Hill…
Thursday, November 14, 6–9pm: Join Denver, Colorado's Soundings Fine Audio Video for an evening of Hi-fi awesomeness as they host friends and representatives from Boulder Amplifiers, Rockport Technologies, and Nordost Cables. Boulder's Rich Maes will present the worldwide debut demo of the Boulder 866 integrated amplifier. Come hear the debut and ask questions, and talk cables and Qkore technology with Mike Marko of Nordost. Come out and meet Josh Clark, the new owner of Rockport Technologies. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
On Thursday, November 14, from 5–9pm, the Innovative Audio Video Showrooms at 150 E. 58th St, NYC, will host Richard Fryer, the Founder and President of Spectral Audio, to celebrate their more than 40 years of producing state-of-the-art music components with the East Coast debut of the DMA-300SV Reference Standard Stereo Amplifier. We will be playing the complete Spectral SV system, including the DMC-30SV Reference Preamplifier and SDR-4000SV Reference CD Processor.
Visit the Innovative Audio website for more information. RSVP (required) by email or by calling 212-634-4444.
Please join Suncoast Audio in Sarasota, Florida, for the MBL X-treme Roadshow on Saturday, November 16th. Jeremy and Tara Bryan from MBL North America will present the 101 X-treme Radialstrahler loudspeaker system driven by MBL’s Reference Line Electronics. Call (941) 932-0282 for more information.