Thoughts on DAC option
Current DAC is the original Auralic Vega . This was a HUGE upgrade in sound quality from a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic.
And things are good right now. Well, mostly, it's not like we are generally blessed with freedom from the desire to upgrade!
And now I have an option of a Chord 2qute. My main issue with the current setup is the fatigue on some music. EDM is generally fantastic, however rock is often harsh. Voices are great.
So the question is whether the Chord could smooth off the sharper edges of things.
All feedback gratefully received.
System is:
Sources - PC and Auralic Aries Mini
Amp - Prima Luna Frank Hybrid Integrated
Speakers - Krix Harmonix 2
Interconnects and speaker cables are average but not the biggest factor here from what I can tell.
The Link is the latest Model Released of the Topping D90, which is similar monies to the Chord as a new purchase price. The user adjustable interface in the new D90, is going to receive much favour and might be the option that creates the success of its sales campaign. Time to come of the Gas a little, act in haste - repent at leisure. I strongly recommend when budgeting $1K, learning what is on offer from the D90 III is to be a worthwhile undertaking. |
Before spending on such tweaks as fancy cables and isolation footers, or even before spending thousands on new components, I'd take a close look at the acoustic properties of the room. Fixing slap echo, killing first reflections -- those are things proven by science and thousands of listeners to improve imaging and tonality and reduce listening fatigue. |
I am surprised no one has suggested your source is a weak link. I am a firm believer in the "garbage in is garbage out" in audio. I am not familiar with the Auralic Aries Mini but my internet search suggests it is dated and was never an audiophile component when it was new. I missed your price point in the discussions, I have an Innuos streamer and love it and the Sense app, but I know their entry products are getting expensive. A new or used streamer is where I would look to upgrade your system. If you can afford an Innuos or something similar I think it would punch the ticket for you. |
Yup. I agree @rikkipuu , once one has heard what a great streamer/player can do there is no going back.
He is in New Zealand, he has got to try Antipodes! Seriously @OP even if one of their streamers are out of your budget at the moment, you must be curious how it might change the sound you get? I would love to hear your impressions- I may incorrectly assume it must not be hard to demo one if you are in the manufacturer's country? Are you close to a dealer who carries them, or are you able to travel there and demo one in their listening room? And I also owned those Transparent Musicwave plus speaker cables a while back, yes, they were very average. |
I'm not sure how I ended up neglecting this thread, a peril of my job I suspect, but I did want to acknowledge the contributions on the use of AI, room treatments and a good quality source. The latter would need to be second hand, which restricts the ability to demo further. The search continues! All the while in the safe knowledge that any improvements can have limited impacts when the room issues cannot be addressed @mike_in_nc . The obstacles in room shape alone are significant but arguably the bigger barrier is general household approval as this is our main living area. |
