Adding a Dac and Stresmer

@gilaad 

I seem to be heading down a similar path as yourself. Can I ask what I2S cables you are using (assuming that I2S is your choice) at the moment? What else have you considered? 

Thanks in advance! 

@soix   This is the exact digital front end I am using, Innuos Pulse Mini to Iris to Pontus II via I2S.  The Pulse Mini running the Sense app was a big step up from the Roon Nucleus I was using as a streamer with Roon even though I am a big fan of Roon. I also have a Keces P3 LPS powering the Pulse Mini.  Very resolving and hard to beat for the total cost I believe (especially used).  My next step is to install the Denafrips firmware upgrade for the Pontus II that is supposed to be another improvement in performance.

@tom2441 Nice!!!  Did you notice a big upgrade adding the LPS?  I know it’s a big upgrade for the Zen Mini but you’re the first I’ve heard who’s added one to the Pulse Mini so very curious about your impressions.  Careful with the Pontus upgrade — some say it adds detail but sacrifices some of the warmth they liked while others really liked it and not sure if you can switch back after the upgrade.  FWIW. 

If you can find one used, I would highly recommend the MSB Analog DAC and Power Base with their renderer.  It is a great DAC/streamer and fantastic 3D soundstage.  I upgraded to that from a Naim NDX which was also a nice DAC/streamer, but not in the same league as the MSB Analog.

@soix I never actually tried it without the LPS as I had it already set up and just plugged it in.  My guess is that it was an incremental improvement but my real surprise was with the Sense app and the quality versus using Roon.  I didn’t want it to be given how good the Roon interface is but the sound quality difference was obvious.

And thanks for the heads up on the Pontus firmware upgrade.  I read the string discussing the pros and cons on here and think I'll wait until the consensus is clear!