Upgrade Suggestions please

 

 

maprik OP

193 posts

03-07-2026 at 06:29pm 

@zavato The Eversolo A6 does not have AES out. The A8 does. Maybe worth upgrading? 
 

no it’s not. There’s no benefit in AES connection in a streamer if the streamer clock is worse than DAC clock. 
It’s worth cleaning up Ethernet (basic stuff) and use high quality Ethernet cable. A good USB and power cord on DAC will improve sound. 

I'm using the TP-Link battery powered wifi to the A6. No ethernet. Just the Supra Excalibur USB to the Merason DAC1 MkII. I don't think my digital side is noisy. Background is blacker than black. Imaging is deep and expansive. Tones are crystal clear. But its a little anemic compared to vinyl. I think i just need to accept that its gonna be that way unless I dump 5 figures more into my streamer which I don't really want to do. 

But its a little anemic compared to vinyl
 

I still recommend trying Audience USB. And experiment with different interconnects between dac and preamp. There are ways to liven it up. For example I have Nordost Tyr 2 interconnects between Meitner and amp. Great cables! Not as engaging sounding as the cheaper Kimber Carbon XLR that I use on phono stage but occasionally throw on DAC. Yes not as detailed as Tyr 2 but on rock music they’re more engaging and overall better than Nordost Tyr 2 that shine on acoustic jazz. 
You have to continue working on it. There’s definitely room for improvement. 

Two more things to try at no cost 

1. move the tp link away from your streamer if it still sits on top of it

2. Use cd player as a transport and compare it to streaming. Still not possible to know what master you’re streaming but at least you will get a feel for what’s anemic - dac or streaming. 

@maprik 

Probably the most significant issue with streaming to my understanding is the bit rate. Your provider can send you a stream that by all indications your equipment identifies as 16 bit or high res when in fact, you're receiving a compressed low bit copy. Your ears aren't fooling you.

I'm very much a physical media person, vinyl and silver disc as well enjoying our abundant local and high-quality local FM broadcasts. As far as parity between the sound of vinyl and digital silver discs they are about equal and I don't experience any audible transition between the two, I'm as comfortable listening to one or the other. It has mainly to do with your source components and them not having any significant sonic character of their own. Each has to be at least as good as the other.

Looks like your Mearason is as good as it gets and its probably what you're feeding it, Lumin supposedly makes great streamers and they're highly regarded. Follow both manufacturers' recommendations for the appropriate interconnections or interface and leave it at that.