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Posted by John Elison ( A ) on June 27, 2007 at 17:57:23

I guess I haven’t said much about the challenge because I really don’t know what to say. I suppose I was hoping that the challenge would resolve the analog/digital debate, but that certainly didn’t happen. In fact, I’m not sure that it changed anyone’s beliefs about audio one iota. Of course, the only thing I know for sure is that my beliefs about analog and digital have not wavered in the least as a result of this challenge. I still feel that 16/44 Redbook has sufficient accuracy and resolution to transparently copy any LP played on any turntable with any phono cartridge so long as accurate electronics are used in the process.

The main problem I faced in this challenge was that Mike insisted that we could not deviate from his darTZeel electronics. Originally, I suggested we use an accurate Pass Labs X1 control preamplifier for its balanced interface and seamless switching capability. I told him that we could still use his darTZeel phono section and simply use the X1 for the line stage. However, his position was quite firm that we could not substitute any other components into his system. We could only connect my equipment to his preamplifier and I agreed to his rules.

One thing that was exceptionally helpful in this challenge was Stereophile’s recent test report on Mike’s darTZeel preamplifier. I was planning to use balanced I/O before reading the measurements section of this test report. It so happens that the balanced I/O on the darTZeel is simply transformer coupled add-ons with poor frequency response. Had Stereophile not published its test report just before the challenge, I’m sure I would have lost the challenge. In fact, when I informed Mike of this, he told me that I was very wise not to use the balanced I/O. As a result, I switched gears and used the unbalanced fixed outputs with XLR-to-RCA adaptors for recording to my Masterlink. Even then, my CD-R recordings still sounded slightly different from the LP.

I attribute those audible differences between my digital copies as well as any audible differences between Bruce’s high-resolution digital copies to impedance mismatches and frequency response irregularities in Mike’s darTZeel preamplifier. If you read the measurements section of the darTZeel test report in the June issue of Stereophile, you will understand what I’m talking about. Although Mike Fremer and Mike Lavigne are enamored with darTZeel components, it is clear from the measurements that darTZeel has impedance issues, frequency response issues, overload issues and a number of other anomalies not expected from a $23,250 preamplifier. In my opinion, darTZeel is nothing I would want in my stereo system if I had the money to buy it. Furthermore, it is nothing that could be used for an accuracy test of any kind.

To be honest, I am still quite surprised that I won the challenge. Personally, I cannot hear beyond 13-kHz, yet I could easily hear the difference between Mike’s Rockport Sirius III/Colibri and my CD-R. Furthermore, I could also hear the difference between Bruce’s high-resolution DSD recordings. When Mike emerged from the listening room and told me I had won the challenge, I was quite surprised. And, when others emerged from the room and told me they had also failed the blind test after Mike, I was even more surprised.

I will say that I have never listened to my CD-R recording to this day. I left my CD-R with my friend in Seattle knowing that when my Masterlink was shipped back to me I would have the recording on its hard drive to play in my system. I have never heard the CD-R that I produced for the challenge.

From a perspective of agreement, I don’t think there is anything that Mike and I agree upon regarding audio except that Mike’s stereo system is the most impressive stereo system that either of us has ever heard. In fact, all who listened made that comment.

My perspective is that Mike’s system is bigger than life. I would say it’s at least 10-times bigger than life. I’m not sure Mike’s system is accurate, but it is the most impressive stereo system I have ever heard.

I want to thank Mike for being such a wonderful person and such an extraordinary and gracious host for this challenge. I would also like to thank Ted and Joe for conducting all the blind tests. You two are my heroes. I really didn’t want to deal with the blind tests and you made that possible. Additionally, I also want to thank all the other North Pacific Audiophile Society members for being there and providing their support and their barbecue. It was exceptional. I can not say enough about the people involved in this wonderful weekend adventure. I was stressed, but I also had fun. Many thanks to Gil for his friendship and companionship when I was most stressed. This was truly an exceptional experience.

Best regards,
John Elison

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