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AI vs Real Intelligence

I asked Chat GPT and Gemini to find the weak link in my system. As expected both said the WiiM Pro and after that the Schiit Modius DAC, also expected. AI also said bypassing the Wiim’s DAC (coaxial out) into an upgraded DAC would be a huge step forward. After inputting that I want to improve clarity (adding that I want hyper-detailed sound), imaging and sound stage, and with a budget of $1,500 new or used, a few DAC recommendations were given.

I would like to compare the AI with real intelligence. What DACs would this group recommend?

The rest of the system is Magnepan 3.7i’s; (2) SVS SB1000 Pro, a Wharfedale WD8 and JBL PS120 subs; PS Audio Stellar M700 amps; Schiit Freya+ pre. I am in the process of getting room treatment installed. 
 I listen to mostly acoustic folk/rock, jazz, female vocalists, classical and some pop/rock. 

nd1der
nd1der's avatar
nd1der OP
51 posts
 

@viridian 

That’s a valid point and I agree. Although I don’t post much I have been hanging out here pretty much daily for over five years. 

bruton
4 posts
 

The AI analysis at RateMyHiFi.com has been trained specifically for audiophlie systems and might do a better job than generalized ChatGPT.  Of course, as a LLM, it is only as good as the data that it aggregates, and AI can give different results on different runs.  AI isn't perfect, but, at this point in time, it is "entertaining".

I entered your system, your desired area of improvement and budget, and this is the result:

The Magnepan 3.7i are revealing, reference-grade speakers that will expose everything upstream. Your PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks and Schiit Freya+ preamp are solid matches for driving them. The WiiM Pro is a competent digital transport. The weak link is clearly the Schiit Modius — it's a capable entry-level DAC (~$200), but it's the most budget component in a chain of much stronger gear. Those Maggies are hungry for detail and air, and a better DAC will give you exactly the clarity, imaging precision, and soundstage depth you're after.  

Worth a look
  • Schiit Bifrost 2/64 ($900 — R-2R multibit, organic presentation, excellent synergy with your existing Schiit preamp)
  • Topping D90 III Discrete ($900 — reference-grade measurements, hyper-detailed, surgical imaging)
  • Denafrips Ares 15th Anniversary ($1,400 — R-2R ladder DAC, holographic soundstage, lush midrange)
  • SMSL DO400 ($1,000 — flagship performance, exceptional transparency and dynamics)

 

ajrepete
3 posts
 

I had a Geshelli JNOG3 DAC that I added a pair of Sparkos SS2590 op amps.  The JNOG3 is socketed, so the upgrade is easy.  The op amps are $126 each.  You only need one if you’re using the single ended (RCA) outputs.  Two if you’re using the balanced xlr outputs.  The J3 (with basic TI op amps + USB) is $580.  The AKM chip and sparkos op amps give this DAC a bit of a lean to the warm side of neutral but had plenty of detail and imaged well.

I recently demoted my J3 to a second system (fed by a WiiM Pro - pairs well) after picking up a used Pontus 12th.  The Pontus is better, but the J3 with the SS2590s was surprisingly solid in comparison.  Maybe there’s another choke point in my system that’s not letting the Pontus do everything it can.  Just saying the J3 with upgraded op amps is an excellent option (ymmv) if you wanted to stay under $1000 new.

For context, my setup was Bluesound Node > J3 + Sparkos Op Amps > Arcam FMJ A49 > Sonus Faber Lumina V.  I upgraded the Node to an Innuos Zen MkIII and used the J3 with the Innuos for several weeks before adding the Pontus.

Lots of good suggestions in here and given your rig, it probably deserves something in the Pontus range, which can definitely be had for under $1500 used.   

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