Improving on the stream of a combined streamer dac


I recently (foolishly) compared the streamed sound of my Electrocompanient

ECM 1 Mk II to internally stored digital downloads on the same ( ie not stored in my Small Green Computer server).  I was surprised how much better the downloaded files sounded.  Perhaps, I was naive to think otherwise.  So, I started looking at old audiogon threads to see if I could figure a quick and easy fix to up the sound of the streamer but found little that made sense or was affordable.  My question is whether I should continue to search, or if I should take it for what its worth and just listen to the music.  The rest of my digital front end:  Small Green computer server,  a Trendnet unmanaged switch and the ECM.  I use a Luna Orange ethernet cable from switch to ECM and a Purist Audio cable to the SGC.  Thanks for your advice and happy holidays to all.

rivinyl

A good schmann generator with good LPS power supply

On eBay $399 , much better then cheaply made 888 audio revive

2 even better, not snake oil  I borrowed 1 for a week 

Before purchasing  they lessen all the noice , magnetic fields 

This one by far the best one I have found and excellent 

Linear power supply which is essential !!

You might try a DDC as I and many here have found it can provide very significant improvements in streaming performance.  I bought a used Denafrips Iris for $400 and it made a big difference so this may be something you can try that won’t break the bank.  Best of luck. 

Good advice so far. I would invest in the best Ethernet filter you can afford. I have had good luck with the Stack products, having recently upgraded from the Smoothlan to the Regenerator, I can vouch for their effectiveness. I run mine before my server, but you can try moving it between the server and streamer. If you are looking for a Canadian Ethernet cable, I like and have the Audio Sensibility OCC silver cable. WireWorld is a great option as well.

While it may have only a small effect, a good shielded power cable, and maybe power filtering if you have a noisy line, might make a difference. Noise is the enemy of digital. 

Sounds like your electrocompaint is a bad product....Are you outside the return window? If so, quietly sell it off and cut your losses.

 

 

I recently (foolishly) compared the streamed sound of my Electrocompanient

ECM 1 Mk II to internally stored digital downloads on the same ( ie not stored in my Small Green Computer server). I was surprised how much better the downloaded files sounded.