My streamer doesn't have a good fantom centerDSP
All vintage analog system, Cambridge Audio streamer using built in DAC. Radio (yes, I listen to it regularly) and Vinyl both have huge sound stage, great image, it sounds like voices are coming directly out from my audio rack. However, when playing my streamer, it's more like just L/R speakers. That center image isn't always there.
My streamer software/firmware are up to date, cables are connected correctly, use Tidal Connect with MAX bitrate. It does sound great, very clean, clear, great dynamics, good sound stage, but the center is just not right.
My thoughts are that my speakers are setup correctly, due to the other sources working just fine. Not using any signal adjustments in the streamer (DPS, EQ).
Thinking might need to invest in a better streamer? Mine is a budget one after all.
- ...
- 49 posts total
@devinplombier Thanks, I do love the gear, after spending weeks doing a full restoration it feels like it's part of me now. In fact have a unrestored same setup in the garage. yes, I had already done what he suggested, also swapping cables. Also swapped in another set of speakers, same thing. It's not a phase issue, as I stated, I used Tidal to check phase with all the test tones. This is how/what I used to setup my speakers in the first place. As said, it's not always the issue, it comes and goes. My other sources are wonderful. No idea how setup is fine 80% of the time, the other 20% isn't. This tells me, that speaker placement and phase is good. The odd duck is the streamer, even odder (is that even a word?) would be the different streams. It might be time for a new streamer with a better DAC, or I just bite the bullet, getting a stand along DAC, that I don't really want to do. I'm out of outlets. |
This is a very non technical response but you are using vintage gear, try looking at non oversampling, R2R type DAC’s and or a Tube DAC. Those in theory will have a similar sound to your vintage gear, potentially get you closer to how the other sources sound. Do you have a CD player? If you do, you could play some CD’s, first stand alone, using the players internal DaC, then run the player through the Cambridge DAC. If both sound like your current streaming set up, points to digital sources not playing nice with the rest of your gear. If the CD player sounds good but when you run it through the Cambridge DAC it doesn’t sound good, then you have proven it’s your DAC. Synergy with your gear is key. Power Filters / conditioners also impact how your gear sounds, try plugging the Cambridge in the wall outlet directly, see if that changes anything. |
I agree with @mm1tt77 , There are great used R2R Dac's that have an analog sound. Your Cambridge may be the problem, and if it is the DAC module that is the issue then a separate DAC could be the fix, assuming the Cambridge allows for a digital out to a separate DAC. Look for a used MHDT Orchid or other model DAC in that line or perhaps better still an Audio Mirror Tubadour IIISE DAC. Both have tube output stages and from personal experience, produce beautiful full sound. If you feel you must have an all in one streamer DAC, then perhaps the newest BlueSound would fit the bill, getting great reviews. Good luck! |
- 49 posts total