I’m calling BS. I’ll bet dollars to donuts you’ve never had the Gungnir A2 in your system. The Yggy and Bifrost have a warmer presentation, sure, but the Gumby A2 does not. I regret selling it because I think it would pair well with some of my newer acquisitions.
(I’m not going to guess about how the Qutest compares - I won’t assume all Chord DACs sound alike, and seeing as how I’ve never heard it, I’m not going to contaminate the forum with potentially incorrect generalizations.)
From memory and DP’s comments on the TT2’s sound, my hypothesis is that Gumby would be 80-90% of the TT2 sound for pennies on the dollar. Unfortunately, I’m not able to shell out the $ for both just to find out. If I’m wrong, I’ll start pinching every penny until it screams for a TT2 purchase.
Anyway… That’s why I’m interested in a head to head by @TylersEclectic. His preferences generally align with mine, and I know he’s not deaf.
I would also have to say honestly I enjoy a slightly warmer DAC with the Pendant with the stock tubes lol. Maybe that’s just me but the Bifrost 2 sounds incredible with the VO which are highly resolving so the warmth of the Bifrost 2 really doesn’t hurt a thing and even a slightly warmer DAC I don’t think would be bad to my ears @ProfFalkin the Pendant isn’t a warm amp in my opinion but neutral, detailed, euphonic and punchy my 2 Cents. I am really interested now in the Gungir if that’s what Zach recommended with the Pendant.
Never heard it, but will take your word for it LOL.
Symbiotic is a great word/characterization. I realize more and more that it’s about building systems/setups, more so than swapping out discrete items/components.
I’ve had the Chord Qutest and the Gumby, although they were not in service at the same time. Gumby was a real nice DAC. Bought one used for around $800. I like the Chord Qutest better (office system). It is my #2 DAC behind a W4S DAC2v2se 10th anniversary, which is closer to the TT2 price point.
I think it’s really all about synergy @bpcarb I actually enjoy the Rad-0 Bifrost 2 Pendant combo with the new stock tubes but I am finding I like the Elise D90 Verite Open combo maybe a bit more for less critical listening with the OTL magic mixed with the VO and a bit less warm sound from the D90 vs the Bifrost 2. Ya I know @ProfFalkin topping… lol I need to check out the Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro maybe paired with the OTL to see what happens. Also the Aeolus does great with both the Pendant and the Elise, it’s fun to mix and move stuff around to see what sounds the most Symbiotic! What is your favorite pairing with your Pendant @bpcarb ?
I agree - it’s about synergy. And not all tube amps are created equal – OTL vs OTC, single ended vs push pull, feedback, rectification, hybrid, parafeed, directly heated, etc. I don’t think one is superior in all implementations and it depends on the rest of the chain (300B and 2A3 folk may disagree).
I believe the Elise is a single ended triode OTL amp - which generally pair well with high impedance, high sensitivity cans. The less warm and more resolving nature of the D90 probably plays well with VO’s beryllium coated drivers (where the BF2’s warmth may be too much of a good thing). Which filter do you like? I preferred short delay, slow roll off.
The RAD-0 is a lower impedance, slightly lower in sensitivity planar, that likely plays well with the transformer coupled and relatively more powerful EL84 pentode driven Pendant, where the stock neutral Pendant benefits from the warmth of the BF2.
The versatility of the Aeolus might be partly attributed to its more forgiving/relatively less resolving composite drivers?
It reminds me of blending different barrels of whiskey/beer/wine.
Sorry for the confusion, but I don’t own a Pendant. I got an offer for its ampsandsound sibling, the Leeloo stereo. However, I think I’m looking for a less neutral amp given that I already own the LTA MZ2. I’m curious how warm the Pendant can be bent with warmer/lusher leaning tubes such as Amperex and Mullard.
It’s important to make a distinction between the o.g. Aries and Aries II dacs. I understand, but can’t confirm, that Aries II is improved. I only know about the first version.
From my review of it:
Detail retrieval on Rebecca Pidgeon’s Spanish Harlem with the Aries was abysmal. There was almost no conveyance of room dynamics, percussion leading edges were as dull as a wooden spoon, and the rendering of back ground instrument sounds were nonexistent. Those background sounds and room dynamics are clearly apparent on the $99 Modi 2, so I definitely would not call the Aries a value in the audiophile market.
Now, I’ve heard other R2R implementations that sounded “soft” in their presentations (in a pleasant way) and tonally were much like what the Aries provided. The difference being, the Aries did not render some sounds at all. As in, listen to Rebecca Pidgeon’s Spanish Harlem, and listen for when the drummer picks up his sticks, or earlier when an instrument moves and makes a subtle clack sound in the background. None of that could be heard on the Aries. It was absent.
When a DAC cannot reproduce sounds I know exist in a recording, it has completely failed at it’s one and only reason for existing.
I truly, honestly, sincerely hope the Aries II is better. My experience with the first really put me off on Denefrips as a whole. My logic behind that is what kind of DAC company would release a DAC that can’t function as a DAC?
I think you are spot on with most of my audible impressions so far @bpcarb !! @ProfFalkin sent me some tubes to roll with the pendant so I can give you some of my thoughts! It’s a badass amp to be sure. I have been comparing it to a few others
Thanks for your views. I (maybe we) are trying to understand how you hear things based on your statements: Qutest is analytical; Pendant with Mullard/Brimar is plenty warm; ZMF are warm. We all hear things differently, but you may be sensitive to warmth. ZMF do lean towards euphonic/warm, but that can be tweaked with different pads.
In your experience, swapping out which tubes have had more of an impact on sonics: input, power, or rectifier? It tends to vary by amp. I would think the input tubes for the Pendant.
I need to check out the Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro maybe paired with the OTL to see what happens. Also the Aeolus does great with both the Pendant and the Elise, it’s fun to mix and move stuff around to see what sounds the most Symbiotic! What is your favorite pairing with your Pendant 
