Sorry forgot to mention about $3000 budget
Digital system upgrades
Some of you may have read and or responded to my post about adding vinyl to an all digital system. I am not planning to add vinyl at this point, so if I were to put some of those funds towards updating my current digital system, what should I look at? I’m currently running
Innuos Zen mkIII streaming Qobuz and ripped CD and some DSD files.
The Zen is feeding a Chord Qutest via Shunyata Alpha USB which then feeds my PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated via Purist Audio Venustas RCA. Also using Shunyata Venom NR V10 power cables.
-should I upgrade the Qutest
-add something like an Mscaler or Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker
would love to hear some thoughts.
Innuos Zen mkIII streaming Qobuz and ripped CD and some DSD files.
The Zen is feeding a Chord Qutest via Shunyata Alpha USB which then feeds my PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated via Purist Audio Venustas RCA. Also using Shunyata Venom NR V10 power cables.
-should I upgrade the Qutest
-add something like an Mscaler or Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker
would love to hear some thoughts.
7 responses Add your response
I’d do a trial of the Audio gd R8 DAC from Underwood HiFi that’s $1000 under your budget. Not sure how you’re getting the signal to your Zen, but with the remaining funds I’d consider adding something like an Optical Rendu that also can also provide the benefits you’re looking for especially if you’re currently using a simple, wired Ethernet connection. Best of luck. |
I think you already have a very good digital setup. I’ve heard the Qutest and it’s an excellent DAC. I’m not sure swapping out the streamer or inserting a reclocker would net you anything since the DAC’s USB interface measures well. If you’re dead set on adding to the digital chain, the M Scaler would be my choice among the options you listed. You might also want to experiment with EQ if you can. There’s s a slight dip in the on-axis measured response to the Sonetto that’s centered in the middle of the presence region (~2.7 kHz). Boost that maybe around 4 dB and see how that sounds. A Hi-Fi News review also showed a large rise (~5 dB) starting at 6.5 kHz all the way past 20 kHz. You can cut that region and see if that changes the sound for the better. https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/speaker/floor-standing/sonus-faber-sonetto-viii-speaker-review/ https://www.sonusfaber.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/reviews/2018/Hi-Finews_Sonetto%20Review_Nov2018_UK... |