Have you tried other tubes in your preamp? I get a big variation in sound by changing tubes. They don't all sound the same.
Would an external clock “help” in this signal chain?
My system sounds quite good to my ear. But I did spend a lot of time battling a harsh top end which I seem to be especially sensitive to. It’s now pretty great but I can’t help but wonder ‘what if??’ when I think back to all these components I’ve added and how each added to the overall character.
Specifically I’m considering an external clock (or two?) in this chain. Also curious about using a grounding block. Maybe something else?
Here’s the signal chain:
iFi LAN iPurifier (converts signal to fiber optic and back)
RJ45 Cat8
Uptone EtherREGEN
RJ45 Cat8
WiiM Ultra (is this a bottleneck? Thought about Holo Red)
USB
Singxer SU6
I2S
Gustard R26
XLR
Tube Pre
XLR
Buckeye Hypex NCx500
Wharfedale Linton 85th
Everything is run through a Synergistic Research Power Cell (scored it used and it still broke the bank).
Either iFi Elite or chinesium linear power supplies.
Power cords are Viborg.
Interconnects AudioQuest Cinnamon.
Thank you!
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- 22 posts total
What XLR interconnects (the Cinnamon is digital) and speaker cables are you using? The SU6 is probably cleaning up lot of the issues of the Wiim, so to address the harshness you’re perceiving I’d be looking at the DAC and amp as the most likely places to change your sound for the better. Personally I’d start with the amp as your DAC is neutral but not inherently harsh or hard sounding, and a warmer/more refined sounding amp might be your best bet for getting the sound you want. Either way, what’s your budget and are you looking new or used? |
The preamp came with Sovtek 6922. I changed to JJ gold pin matched (but haven’t adjusted the bias yet. XLR from Gustard R26 to Preamp (Sonic Frontiers Line 2) is Viborg VA801. Equipment previously tried: Amp: SMSL PA200 x2 dual mono (Hypex is more revealing, spacious and less congested when pushed so it’s not my preference, I really like the Hypex) Speaker wire: Auvio 15ga (Viborg are a touch more revealing and slightly more detailed in highs). I have not tried them with the Hypex and might be a good place to start
So the SU6 should fix any hardness/edginess of the WiiM Ultra? That video has me nearly convinced it’s the Ultra at fault. Unfortunately if I lose the Ultra I lose EQ too as I’m not using Roon and Tidal Connect doesn’t offer EQ for some reason. I prefer to buy used and don’t have much to spend but do want to fix it - lets say under 1500?
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I just saw a review of the R26 which suggests it can be brassy. I think that’s what I’m hearing. Crazy because I love most of it, I think I’m just sensitive to treble and will have to spend twice as much. Looking hard at Venus 12th Anniversary. But is that weird considering my streamer is a WiiM Ultra? |
I don’t think that’s too weird mainly because you have the SU6 in there. I’d consider going with this Pontus 15th as it’s reputed to be on the level of the Venus 12th and is a bit cheaper. Just a thought FWIW. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbh16j-denafrips-pontus-15-da-converters |
- 22 posts total