I know this may seem like beating a dead horse, but I'm looking for the most transparent ADC possible. I'm not looking for "euphonic", "extra-musical", "thick" or "tape-like".

Please don't discuss Merging's additional features, DAC, preamps, more channels, etc. Also, I'd choose a Merging over a Prism (very close).

Thanks.

Not many have heard the QES, from Youtube demos it's filters seem to sound really good. It is transformed, so probably not perfectly transparent. IMO the new Mytek Brooklyn ADC is more transparent than Merging, esp with external power supply. Could be a different story with the next-gen Merging cards, though.

I have the first Qes unit and transparent is what i would call it. Like it preserves depth in recordings which has always been the main weakness of ADC. This unit is incredible. Notice the people who bought it really stopped commenting on it because its like reaching the pinnacle of conversion.

From what I've read, the Brooklyn sounds as if it has a tiny smiley curve (bass/trouble) boost, and its specs don't compete at the very high-end.

I've read what you've written about the Qes in other threads. Thanks for the input.

Have you tried a Merging?

This isn't my experience. At least, if there is anything going on in the frequency response it is really subtle. Out of curiosity, what/who is your source about it sounding this way? I actually haven't found anybody other me who owns one and has commented on it or reviewed it yet.

I haven't seen a frequency chart, but the dynamic range and distortion specs are far better than the Merging conversion (although specs don't always mean a lot). Mine is more detailed and dynamic than anything else I've heard, comparable with Horus, but a little more transparent and slightly less expensive/euphonic sounding.

I had the Brooklyn ADC here for a few weeks.next to a Burl B2 and QES PAD2.
the Brooklyn was very nice.I wouldn't have a problem using one.but not as linear flat as the QES which to my ears was the closest to the source coming of the console.
my mastering Friend Brian Lucey had the new Manhattan ADC next to the Brooklyn.said it was a step up.love to try that one when its out.

Interesting. These seem to be really different design topology. I got the Brooklyn because I wanted to do DSD/DXD and try out the 32 bit stuff (unfortunately firmware isn't there yet), but if it wasn't for that the QES looked really cool, esp with passive design and filters.

I've got to say though, the Brooklyn was significantly improved with an SBooster power supply. When I added that was when it really sounded like a high end converter. Would have been nice if they had put a big linear power supply in there to begin with, but I guess they had a price point.

Unfortunately I didn't get to try a higher end PSU w/ the Brooklyn.
I imagine it would improve it.
yeah puzzling they give you the stock "less than' power option.
if its that big of an improvement just make it right to begin with.

I'd love to test the QES..
Another contender should be the Acousense ADC (arfi adc2) with its separate pwr supply..
I've heard it by a GS friend who owns one, really good, very clean/open and the design topology appear to be similar to the QES (passive).



Cheu

I really avoid purchasing equipment that I'm sure will have lost value within 5 years. Although, if one wants the best converters, one has to swallow that pill.

I suspect Merging will replace their Horus/Hapi line within 2-3 years. As a non-professional music creator, I'd hate to sink $5-7k into a box that may lose significant value within 2-5 years.

I'm accustomed to buying equipment after it's lost its luster or after it's been accepted as a classic.

Yet, Merging could still be seen as a great value, with 8 or more serious preamp channels included.

Even with the preamp channels and more line inputs considered, if something is going to lose value, I'd rather spend $2-3k than $5-7k.

So, please show me a more transparent ADC for much less money.

Not so sure about that. The "boxes" contain only Ethernet/Ravenna management electronics in essence so are unlikely to become obsolete that quickly. The cards on the other hand can be upgraded for considerably less, Merging offer a 40% trade-in from the old cards to the new.

Yes, easily the best bang for channel buck out there. And with superb sound as well!

Hi, @ RoundBadge

Have you had a chance to try a Merging box in your studio?

Thanks.

Sounds like you are talking more about the brooklyn DAC rather than the ADC. The ADC sounds fantastic. The Manhattan II DAC is a step forward in DAC's as far as I can tell. I used bothe generations of mytek DAC and mytek ADC prior to my current set up and everything has come forward consistently.

As for smiley curve I don't hear much of that with the brooklyn ADC, and a small amount of that with the Brooklyn DAC.

Thanks for the input.

I'm very concerned about a company of a high-end product not providing significant specifications data. Dimensions and dynamic range information don't cut it for me.

Concerned or not you might just demo the stuff. Or not. Whatever brings happiness but in my opinion the stuff sounds fantastic, is a step forward and I did work others were very happy with with previous generations of their gear.

Best of luck.

ETA?

I don’t know.
Having been beta test units out there for a bit I would think reasonably soon?

Presumably this would be based off of the MQA converters they purportedly built for Warner Music. I find the Brooklyn to be excellent, but to have an ADC on par with the Manhattan II DAC...dear lord.

QES is offering an intro price of 15% off on orders for the PAD2 Mk2 until Feb. 6th. The LE version looks mighty tempting. Curious how that would compare to the Manhattan.

Just wanna share... if someone is interested.
I recently received my QES mk2 and really like this unit.

Can't comment on the sound compared to the others, but one extra advantage in my case, except from the astonishing sound, was the possibility to add extra WC and AES so that I can listen to exactly the same AES signal to my Genelecs (GLM with volumecontrol), that goes into my DAW through SSL SX (which also clock the unit). WC 1 to Burl MS 80 and an extra WC for the future (Eventide H9000).

Since I have some kind of monitorcontroller already in my Studer, with this setup I have no need for separate MC or ext. clocking unit.

Thanks for sharing. What options did you choose?

was on the same trip, ended up buying very 'outdated' converters from studer and euphonix (and rme for a 'modern' twist).

maybe of interest: when listening just to stereo tracks, my choice was mostly different than listening to a whole bunch of tracks...

Just std option with 2 AES and 2 WC.
Good enough for me and doesn't really wish for anything more.

When comparing Studer Console -> QES -> Genelecs AES vs Studer -> 8260's analog inputs, I can't hear any difference.

This is what makes this converter special, the ability to retain the space in the mix better than any converter ive ever heard.

Totally agree

The JCF latte AD is the most transparent I have tried by large margin... open and effortless.

Though I have not tried either Qes, or Prism.

I have a hapi with premium AD & DA cards and love it. I prefer it over my korg mr1000, tascam dvra1000hd, tascam da3000 for dsd128, and dsd256 is not possible on the older stuff. Looking forward to dsd512 from merging one day.

I am also curious about the QES, but have not heard it. Yes I know it doesn't do dsd, but that's just fine if it is accurate. The price is right on the qes, too. I wish they did a DAC.

Agreed. I have the Hapi here as well.

But the JCF Latte comes at much more than the price of a Hapi, especially considering the Hapi has more channels and other functionalities.