I would think in terms of bang for the buck an LPS for the NUC would be the way to go. Barring that perhaps replace it with a better streamer so option 1. However if you like the sound you're getting now the LPS should really improve it.
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.
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- 10 posts total
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 |
Thanks, the LPS into the NUC is an interesting idea, and something I hadn't really considered. And honestly, I don't really have complaints about the NUC -> Border Patrol setup, I was more curious if there were 'more veils to be lifted'. As a very happy Border Patrol owner, I'm super familiar with those Stereophile measurements. I'm *also* a Benchmark DAC owner, and I've spent a year with both DACs in the system (going back and forth), and honestly, I just like how the Border Patrol sounds better. What's wrong with some sweet lies, when enjoyment, not scientific measurement, is the end goal :) |
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. |
- 10 posts total