Galion vs Luxman vs Advance Paris vs (anything else)

@macg19 if I had to guess it is likely my DAC.  A couple of thoughts (1) I generally use the DacMagic 200, however I’ve experimented with the Denafrips Ares II.  I found that was a big step up.  I’d like to find a used Pontus 15 at a price point that I’ve seen previously online   (2) I think my internet is ok as it is hard wired directly from my router   (3) I probably was I sloppy to have used the term bit rate   I have zero evidence as to what those numbers are or are not   What I should have said is my ears suggest the sound quality is not what other services offer  (4) I’ve always been interested in the Black Ice product line - did you try a different DAC before that one?  Any observations?  (5) curious as to the choice for the LPS on the dac vs the Node?  I suppose you could do both?  (6) I just add a Furman Elite 15 PFi into the mix - it replaced a power strip.  I believe it has improved the SQ of my turntable a great deal   I am still experimenting with streaming to see if I can hear any difference or if I’m creating it in my mind.   Thanks for the comments!

You’re welcome!

The BlackIce DAC is the only external DAC I have had in my system. I did quickly swap out the stock tubes and ended up with NOS RCA black plates after moving the pricey NOS Mullard’s to my phono stage. 

I have the luxury of being able to compare the DAC directly to an analogue source at more than 10X the cost and it’s astonishing how well it competes with the Node 130 as the streamer-only. I have a few other tweaks in the digital chain all listed in my virtual system but in all honestly I’d have to take them all out and add them back one at a time to provide any meaningful feedback.

The LHY LPS is used in the Node 130 not the DAC. The LPS was a meaningful upgrade and very reasonable. I had very good service from Alvin @ LHY/Vinshine.

All the best!

@ctlesq - I own a Denafrips Ares II and Black Ice Glass Tube FX DACs.  When I originally purchased the Denafrips DAC I chose it over the Black Ice DAC primarily based on the purchase price and the fact that the Ares II doesn’t have the headphone amp capability that is a wasted function for me. Eventually, curiosity got the best of me so I purchased one of the very last Black Ice DACs (after they listed them as not available).  I started with the upgraded Psvane tubes that I was told were essentially a copy of an Amperex tube  I have since upgraded the tubes and now have NOS Amperex Holland tubes that are identical to the famous Bugle Boy tubes with different labeling.  They improved the sound to my ear as it was a bit too warm for my system.  

I would consider the two DACs to be equals from an overall sound quality perspective, but they do sound different making it a personal preference.  The Denafrips seemed to have a blacker background (less noise) which I miss at times. The Black Ice has a more 3D soundstage.  It’s a bit of an apples to oranges comparison because I also changed tubes in my Pathos Classic One MKiii amplifier as part of the change. I had been using 1960s Mullard Great Britain tubes, but got a set of NOS 1960s Mullard Great Britain gold pin tubes. The gold pins resulted in a dreamy sound, but it was a bit too warm for my taste. Part of my motivation for trying a different DAC was to see if I could find the right balance with the gold pin tubes. It took the NOS Amperex tubes in the DAC to bring it all together.  I plan to keep the Denafrips DAC for the future as I anticipate that at some point I won’t be able to get the tubes needed to keep me happy. 

@macg19 That is a remarkable system that you have!  I appreciate the explanation on the LPS.  I think I will likely upgrade both my Dac and streamer in the next year, so I am not ready to pull the trigger on that upgrade for what I currently have but believe it will be a worthwhile investment when I settle for my next iternation.

@mceljo that is a great comparison.  I would like to try tubes but I am afraid of the expense - but I probably could swing a PrimaLuna amp.  I think for a Dac I am likely to stick with Denafrips or if I go the Eversolo T8 path, look into the Z10 Dac.  There are just so many choices...it is mind numbing....

I truly wished I lived in an area with more dealers to try things out with.  

I appreciate everyone's suggestions!

I have to laugh everytime I read one of these. First off, I personally do not believe the differences are as extreme as many would have you believe. Second Hegel sells quite a few units the last 10 years +, the H400 is something like 45 pounds of power, and even the remote is heavy enough to be used as a weapon.. The Advanced Paris is getting some good reviews, not a lot of places to buy so they show up to buy on EBAY, but Music Direct has a good price on the A12 right now, I even thought about it myself. Good Luck