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DAC = thin sound


Hi guys. recently jumped to computer audio wagon. I have searched and read the web but I can't find any solution.

System:

DYNAUDIO 52SE -- speaker

EXPOSURE 2010S -- int. Amp

PS AUDIO DLIII -- DAC (not yet broke-in, less than 10hrs of use)

tried my macbook thru USB and Apple tv thru toslink

I might be imagining how thinly it sounds now, but also I would add that it adds tremendous information on my simple system now. Is it, because I hear a lot on higher frequency now compared before? or the fact it's upconverting my files?

any input/suggestion is welcome

Thanks

Jason
jastorg1
meiwan
399 posts
 
Could be a number of things. Not sure what you are using as a reference.

Maybe you are just not used to the extra detail.
The DAC needs to break in.
In my experience DACs are extremely sensitive to cabling. A good quality USB cable makes a big difference, as does a 'glass' toslink cable. Also the interconnects from the DAC to your Exposure is very important, and can totally change the tonality of your system.

Finally, not sure what you are using for music - internet radio, downloaded files, burned CDS? Most compressed files (MP3 etc.) sound pretty poor, thin.
jastorg1 OP
26 posts
 


yeah could be number of things.. I heard a reference system before but it was a long time ago (front end was dCS:).. prolly time for me to go to my dear dealer again.

all my cables are silver. CD's ripped thru ALAC
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
First, rip CD's using XLD to AIFF. Never use ALAC format. Second, install a decent playback software such as Audirvana, Pure Music or Amarra.

Finally, you may never get great sound using those interfaces. I've not heard them myself. You may need an upgrade USB converter or reclocker. The master clock in these interfaces is the most important part of any digital playback system, more important than the DAC itself.

More tips here (no advertising):
http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
jastorg1 OP
26 posts
 
thanks Steve :)

I thought ALAC is not compressed file? All my CD's where ripped thru ALAC..

About the interface I'm using-- yeah kinda have feeling about it. BUT right now I'm in fund "saving" mode. I plan to replace my macbook hopefully after August and I would get the cheaper USB to S/PDIF converter either the hiface2 or the halide design bridge..
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