2. digital
  3. 157106-116587

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.

kishekar

Showing 1 response by jaytor

jaytor's avatar
jaytor
742 posts
 
As is indicated by the Stereophile review, any noise introduced on the USB bus will result in timing errors on the DAC since this DAC is particularly sensitive to jitter.

If the OP is happy with the sound from this DAC, then the best strategy would be to take steps to reduce noise and jitter on the digital connection to the DAC. Adding an LPS to the NUC will likely help, but more improvement might be realized by using a USB reclocker or streamer that is optimized to achieve the highest quality digital connection. 

The OP already mentioned the Uptone USB regen and the MicroRendu. Another option to consider would be one of the newly introduced Denafrips digital-to-digital converters. Since these are brand new, there are no reviews yet, but based on the high praise that Denafrips has received for their DACs, these will probably be an excellent value.

More to discover