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Are all R2R dacs slow and soft?

I've tried a few.
Border Patrol, Sonnet, MHDT, Mojo, and a few others I can't recall. 
They all seem to have a slow, soft rolled off sound that lacked detail. The Mojo being the exception, but was still on the softer side. 

I'm now interested hearing the LTA Aero and the May Audio Spring. 
If anyone is familiar with these 2, is it more of the same, or do either one of these stand out from the rest of the crowd?

The reason I'm looking around is I have a PS Audio DirectStream MK2 with the Airlens, and it's very nice and super detailed, but on some recordings, it can be pretty unforgiving and bright. I'm looking to take the edge of without the sound turning soft and mushy, and lacking detail. 

traudio
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,948 posts
 

Had DSD Mk1 DAC. Not bad but not jaw dropping. Was never harsh or unforgiving or bright though.

Brightness can be a product of jitter, suboptimal network setup, cables, synergy between speakers and electronics, room acoustics, etc.

Do you experience brightness with your vinyl playback when playing the same exact albums you are having issues with streaming?

yyzsantabarbara
5,562 posts
 

The R2R Schiit Yggi+ OG is very dynamic, and the bass is super strong. You can find these discontinued models with the A2 design designation (under $2k).

Selling the OG was a real tough decision, though it was no longer needed.

traudio OP
184 posts
 

audphile1

No, the vinyl set up is great, no issues

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,948 posts
 

Ok. 
If you have a cd transport or an old dvd player try to compare streaming to CD and see if CD sounds better. I’m pretty sure you can fine tune the setup to get rid if that harshness. Unless you’re really moved past that and just focusing on getting a new DAC. I’m afraid that any revealing and detailed DAC will give you the same type of presentation and you will discover the issue is with network or cables. 
 

Just as a data point can you list your network configuration (router, switches, cables) and power cord and interconnects you are using on DAC?

traudio OP
184 posts
 

Just as a data point can you list your network configuration (router, switches, cables) and power cord and interconnects you are using on DAC?

Not much to tell. DZS Fiber modem/router from my internet company (That I'm locked out of, so not changes). SGC Sonic Transporter music server. PS Audio AirLens with an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable to the PS Audio DirectStream MK 2's i2S input. Roon for music management and Qobuz for streaming. 

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