What OS is on the NUC?
Next step in improving digital chain?
I'm looking for suggestions on the next logical step to try to improve my digital chain in. I know I've got a few opportunities, but there are multiple ways to begin and looking for advice.
Today: Ethernet -> Intel NUC running Roon -> USB Cable (Audioquest Forest) -> iFi iPurifier 3.0 filter -> Border Patrol DAC (and from there via Chord Shawline RCA -> DIN to SuperNait 2)
I could audibly discern a difference adding the iFi Purifier, as well as when I upgraded from a generic USB cable to the Audioquest, but I know neither are the be-all, and also that the Intel NUC isn't the final word in USB sources :)
Thoughts/Questions:
1. Take the Intel NUC out of streaming and go with a lightweight streamer/Roon end point such as microRendu + LPS?
2. Keep the Intel NUC, but investigate something more heavy to improve the USB coming out, such as the UpTone USB Regen and a LPS?
3. Keep it simpler and just upgrade the USB cable
4. Add a LPS to the Intel NUC so it's a less noisy streaming source (but not sure how much inherent noise in just the PC design itself)
5. None of above, try something different...
Anyway, it's one of the rare instances where the number of choices available has me a bit stumped on next step to try.
Today: Ethernet -> Intel NUC running Roon -> USB Cable (Audioquest Forest) -> iFi iPurifier 3.0 filter -> Border Patrol DAC (and from there via Chord Shawline RCA -> DIN to SuperNait 2)
I could audibly discern a difference adding the iFi Purifier, as well as when I upgraded from a generic USB cable to the Audioquest, but I know neither are the be-all, and also that the Intel NUC isn't the final word in USB sources :)
Thoughts/Questions:
1. Take the Intel NUC out of streaming and go with a lightweight streamer/Roon end point such as microRendu + LPS?
2. Keep the Intel NUC, but investigate something more heavy to improve the USB coming out, such as the UpTone USB Regen and a LPS?
3. Keep it simpler and just upgrade the USB cable
4. Add a LPS to the Intel NUC so it's a less noisy streaming source (but not sure how much inherent noise in just the PC design itself)
5. None of above, try something different...
Anyway, it's one of the rare instances where the number of choices available has me a bit stumped on next step to try.
Showing 3 responses by djones51
I have a fanless NUC running ROCK and use a raspberry pi4 as an endpoint with USB into DAC. I have also used the NUC straight into DAC with USB and never had a noise problem. If you are noticing a lot of noise it's probably the DAC more than the NUC. Border Patrol doesn't measure to well in jitter noise rejection so no matter what you put in front of the DAC you will still get the same out of it. https://www.stereophile.com/content/borderpatrol-digital-analogue-converter-se-measurements |
My point was I'm not sure what " veil" could be lifted that you would find audible considering the inherent properties of the Border Patrol DAC. Some like the sound of R2R DACs nothing wrong with that. I assumed you had a noise problem if not I doubt changing power supplies will do anything since the point of switching them out is to reduce noise. |