Just received the DM-650 today. Thanks to your review and contemplating how to insert it into my system I went for it and I'm not looking back. Sounds wonderful. It replaces a Topping D90.
Looking into this Cay streamer cuz I just got a Cary amp to pair with my Audio Research multichannel preamp. I was wondering what the difference between their previous 500 / 550 / 600 versus the new 650 series is... and mainly it's NAS features. In other words, any SD or USB connected to the unit can be reached by any PC device on the network. Also the 650 adds the pure audio mode @ Vol +8=Steve mentioned, as well as being able to handle DSD through the digital connectors. I also heard the front panel LCD clarity was improved.
I'd like to see someone with a lengthy audiophile resume and access to all this high end equipment demonstrate the delineation between products in a blind test conducted by a capable third party.
@@saturdayboy4454 It's highly dependent upon which part of the audio chain we're talking about, because speakers are much more distinctive than a dac or cables. And "most of the time" leaves a significant margin for monetary error. In fact, it's up to 49% by that definition. Other than the rare anomaly that happens to choose luckily, audiophiles in general would fail badly in a blind test of DACS or cables.
When I had the 805C and SLP-98 I remember the sound. Was airy, yet warm. Detailed yet a bit romantic. I loved the set and over the last few years toyed with the idea of the new 805's and that same old SLP-98!
Their CAD 211FE tube amp defionitely catches my fancy. Dont see many amps that operate in Class B. Id likely not mind buying anything from this brand w/o hearing it first, it all looks very "next level" .
Ive owned the 805's back in the late 90's and they were pretty serous and gorgeous sounding amps. Ran them with an SLP-98P preamp from Cary. Great stuff. Those 805's were HEAVY though!
So what level of decoding is MQA running at? First unfolding, which decodes at 88.2 KHz, or full decoding? Cheapest solution with minimal license fee is first unfolding. Have yet to read your online Web pages..
I owned the DirectStream DAC with Bridge streamer. Yes. It's being phased out now, and a new one will be replacing it soon. It's a good DAC and Streamer. Compared to the new Cary, the PS Audio has a thinner more lively sound. Cary delivers on bass and midrange, the PS audio has amore recessed midrange. At these levels, there are differences for sure, but most all at this level are fantastic. Thank you.
Well, true, lol. I was really referring to a streamer and DAC one box, not a full one box. Usually, those pieces with a preamp (like the Chord DAVE or Weiss 501) usually fail to impress me. The Chord DAVE, when used as a pre is way to thin and leans bright. The Weiss was also thin when used as a pre. Too many compromises when adding in a preamp to a DAC IMO. For my ears I prefer a nice preamp in the chain. I do see the desire for that though, for savings of space and cash. There would always be compromise to the sound though, IME. Thank you.
Ive owned some Cambridge pieces a few years back. NAD as well. The Cary is above Cambridge for my ears as I have never enjoyed the Cambridge sound, though did love one of there CD players. NAD has some good stuff in this price range but all comes down to personal preference.
I had zero issues connecting. I connected via WiFi, Ethernet and gave Bluetooth a try. I had not one issue. Even with spotty WiFi where this system is, the WiFi stayed locked on.
Apple does not provide APIs for integrating streaming Apple Music into third party hardware, with one exception to our knowledge, Sonos. You can use Airplay to playback from Apple Music app, or perhaps use third party Apple Music Server software, if available.
You get a GOLD STAR 🌟 Just for the intro music!!!
Do u know what track it is?
@@backrack01 I'm not sure, but will find out
Just received the DM-650 today. Thanks to your review and contemplating how to insert it into my system I went for it and I'm not looking back. Sounds wonderful. It replaces a Topping D90.
What happened to your end game Dynaudio Heritage speakers?
Looking into this Cay streamer cuz I just got a Cary amp to pair with my Audio Research multichannel preamp.
I was wondering what the difference between their previous 500 / 550 / 600 versus the new 650 series is... and mainly it's NAS features. In other words, any SD or USB connected to the unit can be reached by any PC device on the network. Also the 650 adds the pure audio mode @ Vol +8=Steve mentioned, as well as being able to handle DSD through the digital connectors. I also heard the front panel LCD clarity was improved.
Nice review. Retro 90s remote too :)
i am using a NAD D1050 DAC in conjunction with a Bluesound 2i sounds gorgeous. about a grand for both.
All that matters is that you enjoy the tunes, so enjoy! That's what it's all about.
I'd like to see someone with a lengthy audiophile resume and access to all this high end equipment demonstrate the delineation between products in a blind test conducted by a capable third party.
You’ll never see it happen 🤣 I love the gear, the technology and the music but the reality is that it’s 80% subjective BS.
Why not organize it yourself?
I’ve got bad news for you, most of the time (not always) you get what you pay for.
@@saturdayboy4454 It's highly dependent upon which part of the audio chain we're talking about, because speakers are much more distinctive than a dac or cables. And "most of the time" leaves a significant margin for monetary error. In fact, it's up to 49% by that definition. Other than the rare anomaly that happens to choose luckily, audiophiles in general would fail badly in a blind test of DACS or cables.
Like that, I much prefer the old CARY sound! Very musical
When I had the 805C and SLP-98 I remember the sound. Was airy, yet warm. Detailed yet a bit romantic. I loved the set and over the last few years toyed with the idea of the new 805's and that same old SLP-98!
Their CAD 211FE tube amp defionitely catches my fancy. Dont see many amps that operate in Class B. Id likely not mind buying anything from this brand w/o hearing it first, it all looks very "next level" .
Ive owned the 805's back in the late 90's and they were pretty serous and gorgeous sounding amps. Ran them with an SLP-98P preamp from Cary. Great stuff. Those 805's were HEAVY though!
So what level of decoding is MQA running at? First unfolding, which decodes at 88.2 KHz, or full decoding? Cheapest solution with minimal license fee is first unfolding. Have yet to read your online Web pages..
It is a full MQA decoder and will fully unfold up to 768kHz.
Have you heard the streamer from PS Audio? If so, how does it compare? Thanks.
I owned the DirectStream DAC with Bridge streamer. Yes. It's being phased out now, and a new one will be replacing it soon. It's a good DAC and Streamer. Compared to the new Cary, the PS Audio has a thinner more lively sound. Cary delivers on bass and midrange, the PS audio has amore recessed midrange. At these levels, there are differences for sure, but most all at this level are fantastic. Thank you.
4:44 "Caryeo Audio"
A “one box solution” would have included a preamp circuit and a headphone amplifier with a 1/4 output jack… 😏
Well, true, lol. I was really referring to a streamer and DAC one box, not a full one box. Usually, those pieces with a preamp (like the Chord DAVE or Weiss 501) usually fail to impress me. The Chord DAVE, when used as a pre is way to thin and leans bright. The Weiss was also thin when used as a pre. Too many compromises when adding in a preamp to a DAC IMO. For my ears I prefer a nice preamp in the chain. I do see the desire for that though, for savings of space and cash. There would always be compromise to the sound though, IME. Thank you.
Vs NAD or Cambridge similar models?
Ive owned some Cambridge pieces a few years back. NAD as well. The Cary is above Cambridge for my ears as I have never enjoyed the Cambridge sound, though did love one of there CD players. NAD has some good stuff in this price range but all comes down to personal preference.
Has Cary fixed the connectivity issues on the DMS series yet?
I had zero issues connecting. I connected via WiFi, Ethernet and gave Bluetooth a try. I had not one issue. Even with spotty WiFi where this system is, the WiFi stayed locked on.
I've also had no connectivity issues with the DMS-700.
@@jimstiteler2041 excellent, delighted to hear that.
I’ve had a cary DMS 700 for 5 months. Not one issue with connecting. Love the sound. So glad I got it.
@@jimstiteler2041 My DMS-700 has been rock solid for connectivity
Unfortunately not easy to get it from Germany, no direct buying possible. I'd love to test against Lumin and Meitner!
Does it play Apple Music?
Apple does not provide APIs for integrating streaming Apple Music into third party hardware, with one exception to our knowledge, Sonos. You can use Airplay to playback from Apple Music app, or perhaps use third party Apple Music Server software, if available.