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Options to improve digital sound

Hi,

I am looking for some, hopefully, simple advice.  My current digital system is an M4 MacMini feeding a Holo May DAC into a PrimaLuna 400 preamp and amp.  My speakers are Devore Gibbon X.  I primarily listen to downloaded and ripped files with Roon and Audirvana.  I also use Qobuz, but not as often.

The sound quality is good, but I feel like it could be improved.  The options I'm considering are a Small Green Computer SonicTransporter i7 to replace the Mini, or a SGC UltraRendu to put between the Mini and the Holo May.

Which option would be better?  Is there a better option?  I'd like to keep the cost under around $2500.

Thanks

walt8489
knock1
373 posts
 

Definitely a good streamer is the answer.

@mihorn  are you OK?

jazzman7
372 posts
 

@walt8489

I second all of those that suggest utilizing a quality Roon endpoint as opposed to streaming directly from your Mac Mini functioning as Server/Streamer.

In my case Roon Core is a Roon Nucleus and principal endpoint is a Rose RS130 feeding a Rockna Wavelight via Tubulus Concentus I2S.  For Rockna Wavelight, by design I2S all things being equal is the best input.

However, you have a Holo May, and as I understand it, the Holo May folks consider USB to be the best input (good friend has Holo May, and this is what Holo Audio folks told him). So I suggest looking for quality endpoint that features USB output together with a quality USB cable. 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,110 posts
 

My 2c:

Do the Sonic Transport , great Roon Core host.  Then pair that with the Bryston BDP-3 on here for $1.5K.  The BDP makes a great Roon endpoint.  You can have your attached storage off the ST and have it integrated with ROON or Hang it off the BDP which will sound great. BDP interface is Spartan but it works for file storage.  The Switch from ROON endpoint to direct on the BDP is also a snap. Looks like you can match up the AES output/input as well which should be another +

 

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
1,051 posts
 


thishttps://help.qobuz.com/en/articles/307885-what-is-qobuz-connect

and a Aurender or InnuOs product is the best way for streaming. 
It allows you to use the native app from Qobuz. No need for Roon. They have come a long way in simplifying and making it sound fantastic. Take advantage of this situation it is truly the velvet path.

jerrybj
892 posts
 

I went from a MacBook Pro to a Project Stream Box S2 Ultra. Then upgraded the Project with a Teddy Pardo LPS. A very good improvement. I was happy. 

Last year upgraded to a new Antipodes K21 (on special). Darn. A big step up! Well worth the investment.

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