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Any holes in my streaming rig?

Though I'm relatively new to streaming, what I've put together in the last six months is very enjoyable. I'm just wondering if there's something obvious that I'm missing.

I started off with a Cambridge Audio MXN10, and it was better than I expected. But... I soon added a LAiV Harmony DAC and used the Cambridge Audio as a streamer. This was a major improvement. Then I bought the LAiV Audio micro DDC for even better performance. (Most recently augmented with the LHY LPS25VA linear power supply.)

Realizing that the streaming mechanism built into the MXN10 may not be the best, I replaced it with a PS Audio AirLens. This was another significant step up. All I stream is Qobuz, via Qobuz Connect.

I have a mesh network for Wi-Fi. A Furutech Ethernet cable is plugged into the nearest mesh pod. That cable leads to the AirLens. From the AirLens, I have a Furutech I2S cable to the Micro DDC. From the Micro DDC to the Harmony DAC is a DH Labs Silver Sonic I2S cable.

If you think there is something that I've overlooked, or any suggestions/advice you have, please let me know.
Thank you.

gita
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,478 posts
 

@gita Like chasing the ultimate, penultimate or anti penultimate tip top vinyl rig (the 20K needle, the three tone arms, etc,) getting to the next little bit of clarity and soundstage in digital comes at steep price and a bit of a learning curve. Smallish gains percentage wise are the result. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I have not followed my own advice but keep at it (till the next bright and shiny thing jumps).

However a great sounding room trumps all. And kudos to modest @fthompson251 who's room/set up must sound fantastic. 

gita OP
76 posts
 

@mclinnguy All my CD racks are full.

So are my LP racks. 

But thanks for caring. 

lanx0003
1,967 posts
 

@gita After receiving the AirLens, it occurred to me that there was some duplication of functions between it and the micro DDC. I removed the DDC from the system. But not for long! The stage became flatter and the timbre was less realistic. Back in it went!

So the Micro DDC enhances the soundstage and delivers more realistic timbre with the PS Audio AirLens. I’m curious—before the AirLens, when you added a DDC to the MXN10, what improvements did you notice?  Thx.

gita OP
76 posts
 

@lanx0003 Hello

Though I credit myself with a good audio memory, it's been well over six months since I added the micro DDC. So please forgive the generic answer: it made everything better.

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