I recently placed an order with my local dealer for a new Rossini Dac and a Rossini clock. I currently own a Bartok Apex and a Lina clock, which I have enjoyed for the last couple of years. I am curious, however, if there are any more differences between what I just ordered vs what I am replacing than what is already advertised. For instance, I know the Rossini comes with an additional power supply and a different case, but are there any other differences? The price difference between the two seem to indicate there are, but maybe I am underestimating these two differences. Are there more differences between the two that I have missed? If so, could someone either explain it to me or point to where this is already provided?
Additionally, I have the same question regarding the two clocks. I see where there are two dither options provided that may or may not be utilized by the user, and there is a different case. Are these the only two differences? Are the additions of two different dithers the main difference? If so, how do they impact the sound vs not engaging them? Is the Rossini clock, without the dither options engaged, fundamentally a better clock than the Lina?
Thanks for any replies to my questions. I’m just trying to better understand as I await my much anticipated order.
Regarding Bartók/Rossini you’ve covered most of it, chassis and dedicated power supplies for analog and digital.
The only thing you missed is the way the components are mounted in the chassis. In the Bartók, the PCBs and transformers are all mounted directly to the chassis using standoffs. In the Rossini, a more advanced construction is used with sub-chassis – plates made from internally dampened aluminium. The PCBs mount to one plate, the transformers each to their own plate, and each plate is then secured to the main chassis. This provides a level of mechanical isolation between the transformers and the PCBs as well as helping to dampen any environmental vibrations from reaching the PCBs. This makes the biggest difference in the case of the Control Board, as the VCXOs (like all crystal oscillators) are extremely sensitive to vibrations.
When comparing the prices of the two units it can be good to bear in mind that the Bartók was derived from the Rossini, not vice versa. The aim was to remove as much cost as possible to achieve a new price point while impacting sound quality as little as possible.
Regarding the clocks the main difference, chassis and internal component mounting aside, is that the Rossini clock has three outputs, allowing the connection of a Transport, whereas the Lina clock only has two. The switchable dither settings, while nice to have, are not something I consider a significant part of the differentiation.
Wishing you many hours of happy listening with your new Rossini combo. Please report back on your experiences.
All i could add to Andrew’s detailed reply is, in my opinion the Rossini is the sweet spot in the range. I had the Rossini before the Vivaldi 3 box system I have now, and yes obviously it’s better, but the compact form of the Rossini gives you a fantastic one main box system, that hugely reduces costs, not only in construction but also in cables.
Plus it’s front plate is so much nicer to look at, so if you can afford to do it then I wouldn’t hesitate.
Thank you both for your replies. I’m looking forward to hearing the differences in my own system. Hopefully they will arrive sometime in the near future.