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"Warm" vs. "cold" sound in Bluesound node 2 and Aries Mini with warm/soft amp and DAC

Fellow Listeners,

I was hoping some could shed some light on what is clearly an inadequate title.  I own the Arcam A39 and LS50s.  Arcam has been characterized as a "warmer" sounding line of Audio equipment.  The LS50s just sound good to me, so I can't find a label.   I want to get a streamer and an external DAC for Tidal.  I don't like using the computer.  Also I have NO audio files/don't want a server.  I have about 225 CDs and an old Rotel RCD 961 that has served me well.

A previous poster, lousyreeds1,  wrote this 18 months ago :

"I owned both and compared them directly over an extended period.  They sound surprisingly different.  The  BlueSound is considerably warmer, and the Aries Mini is faster and more incisive.  That basic difference was present whether using the internal DACs or not but of course using the digital out closes the gap slightly and highlights whatever you have downstream

I would like to get a Schiit Gungnir Multi as the DAC.  I am wondering how this combination would work with lots of "warmer" sounding equipment if that is in fact what I have, and I go with a Bluesound or a Mini.  I am not terribly concerned about money, but the important fact is I don't have access to lots of demo opportunities.  I did find a place that set up my Arcam and a Bluesound and compared it to CD and a Linn Sekrit ds. I felt the test was flawed by set up.  The Linn sounded terrible and that doesn't seem possible at that price point.

I've read and read, but need some clarification on these points from people with experience with some of these products and even the idea of sonic nomenclature when it comes to applying words to subjective impressions.

Steve
chemman
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,279 posts
 
I use an Aries Mini into a Gungnir Multibit DAC.  Am pleased with this combination.  I think it is well balanced and clearly portrays sonic differences in recordings.  I don't think I can tell you how it will sound with the rest of your gear.  I've never used or heard a Bluesound Node 2.

I may have the "heat spectrum" covered, however, since I use the  Aries/Gungnir with a Freya pre-amp and the pre-amp (JFET or tube output) into either a Class A (First Watt F7), Class AB (Hegel H200) or Class D (Taranis) amp.  Speakers are Totem Forests or Silverline Prelude Plus, depending.  The F7 and Hegel seem warm to me.  The Taranis less so.  The Preludes definitely convey more treble energy than the Forests, though the Forests have metal dome tweeters.

Very happy with the results from all the various combinations.  None or muddy and slow due to an overly warm presentation.  None are ear-bleed bright.  FWIW - I do freely admit to tweaking the various combinations with different tubes, cables, and positioning.   

Hope this is at least somewhat relevant to your inquiry.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

The difference in most digital sources is simply jitter.  If you reduce the jitter using a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh of any of these devices, this will make them all sound similar.  It will also reduce jitter making the presentation more clear, focused and with better imaging.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

chemman OP
15 posts
 
@ghosthouse 

Yes, that's the sort of thing in which I am interested. I received a post on CA that said the Mini with onboard DAC and Gungnir, when comparing their DACs, sound drastically different.  Would you be able to comment on this? 
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