DDC Sound Improvements???

@jjss49  

My impression of the BS line of streamers has always been ICON > Nano > Node X (or ES A6) > the older Node 130 or 132, based on the descriptive statements provided by Tarun about the sound of BS. There are also a handful of feedback reports and reviews stating that the older Nodes are beaten by the Wiim Ultra. That was why I never bothered to consider BS until the Nano and ICON arrived. Now your mention that the old Node (with an LPS mod) and the Nano (with LPS) sound alike kind of surprises me.

Anyway, my proposed upgrade path is purely based on the aforementioned notion. If I were the OP, I would not be content with achieving only about 60% of the target sound performance. If not the Nano, there must be some other higher-end yet still affordable streamer alternative that could get you there with the help of a capable DDC—perhaps the ICON or Rivo+. 

Maybe I’ll try the U26 myself and see how much it can elevate my system. This curiosity really drives me nuts sometimes.

@lanx0003 My system is pretty well sorted based on me and my wife's sound preference right now.  I have mesh network > OFC 22awg CAT8 > 2 Trendnet switches w/LPS & w/fiber > MonosAudio cryo sterling silver cat8 > BS Node w/ LPS (Monosaudio sterling silver DC cable) > AQ Carbon USB > Gustard U26 DDC > Veritas Optimus 50 i2S > Gustard X30 > Xangsane X-1105 sterling silver XLR > ARC Ref 6 > Xangsane X-1105 sterling silver XLR > Classe Delta Monos > DIY OFC solid core strands 10 awg true bi-wired feeding both the hi and low post > SF Sonetto VIII Gen 1.

I have a better USB cable but cannot plug it in with the larger ethernet plug.  Right now with this setup, the system is exceeding the normal BS Node's perceived or experienced sound characteristics.  I may test a Rivo + because it can use my current LPS powering the BS but I've found that to completely blow away the current streaming setup, I'll be spending some serious coin.  The Matrix NT-1 is very good but my next stop way down the road now in streaming is probably DCS with their built in module to see how that compares in the streaming and DAC perform.  

On the immediate wish list is the upgrade in speakers and no small incremental improvements in my digital.  Stepping up to Marten or Tidal w/diamond tweeters would truly raise my system greater than a better transport.

@stillbuyingtoys I may test a Rivo + because it can use my current LPS powering the BS but I've found that to completely blow away the current streaming setup, I'll be spending some serious coin.  The Matrix NT-1 is very good but my next stop way down the road now in streaming is probably DCS with their built in module to see how that compares in the streaming and DAC perform.  

I’ve come across some users reporting that the NT-1 sounds analytical to their ears. I take it that this is probably the main reason they perceive such great separation and a huge soundstage from it. Impressions of sound are so subjective, I’ve found—just like how I think the T8 sounds analytical and cold side of neutral, while others find it pleasant.

I like the way you feel confident about your digital front-end setup. However, jumping from BS all the way to dCS is a fairly bold statement in my opinion—no offense. Please try the Rivo+ and see if it can further elevate your rig. At least in my experience, it was a significant / huge sonic improvement when I upgraded from the MXN10 / Ultra / iFi ZS to the Rivo+, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.

Also, I’ve been learning from you and several others about the Chi-Fi silver cable, particularly the sterling silver one. After experiencing the silver XLR IC from Veritas, I’m convinced that silver does not necessarily lead to brightness. That said, relatively speaking, I can still tell it is somewhat brighter than copper (with everything else held the similar). However, the added smoothness and improved tonal balance across the spectrum tend to soften the perception of brightness. 

Until next time, enjoy your music listening.

My impression of the BS line of streamers has always been ICON > Nano > Node X (or ES A6) > the older Node 130 or 132, based on the descriptive statements provided by Tarun about the sound of BS. There are also a handful of feedback reports and reviews stating that the older Nodes are beaten by the Wiim Ultra.

we shouldn’t confuse comparisons of these various b-s units -- are you talking about at the analog outputs (using on the onboard dacs) or as streamers?... in my post i was referring specifically about the latter

as streamers the fact that they (the n130 and nano) sound no different once the poor/noisy internal power supply is removed from the n130 is not a surprise, they use the same (fairly mediocre) internal clocks and have very simple galvanic isolation 

tarun is a good conscientious reviewer but we must take all reviewers with a grain of salt... like us he is just a guy with his system and his ears, trying to hear the differences best he can