@vthokie83 I rent my house, otherwise I would.
A Skeptics Digital Upgrade Journey
2 months ago I argued against the benefits of high quality digital cables. It’s just 1’s and 0’s right?
My Bluesound Node (N130) was a convenience - decent SQ for casual listening (SXM radio and Tidal). Focused listening sessions were vinyl only.
Back surgery forced me to take another look at digital - the records were too low to for me to get and my wife was doing enough without taking requests.
I started looking at DACs, and Denafrips was on my list. Thanks to @drmuso I ordered the LSY PSU with LPS ($280) from BEATECHNIK also run by Alvn Lee from Vinshine Audio.
I added a tube DAC from Black Ice and they arrived on the same day along with a Coax cable from Analysis Plus. Interconnects to amp were Nordost Purple Flare. Hard wired Blue Jeans ethernet.
- The PSU+LPS on its own made a huge, immediate difference. If you have a Node and it’s out of warranty or you don’t care about voiding the warranty, this is a big bang for the buck. Customer service was top notch.
- Adding the DAC improved the sound but I was underwhelmed even after over 100 hours on the tubes. I switched from the AP Coax to the supplied USB cable and things got better but highs were still a bit too bright/harsh.
- I ordered Zavfino interconnects (Arcadia OCC) and USB cable (Majestic OCC) - immediately things warmed up. Sent the AP Coax back.
- Lastly, I replaced the Svetlana tubes that came with the DAC with some NOS Mullards from Brent Jesse - let them warm up for 24 hours and WOW - now the digital source was warm and rich and sounding more like my much more expensive analogue rig. It's still early days on the tubes.
Very pleased with the outcome and I think the all in cost of $2,570 is pretty reasonable.
- Node $600
- PSU/LPS $280
- DAC $900 (on sale direct from Black Ice, list is $1,200)
- Cables: $340
- Tubes: $450
Lessons learned: everything matters including digital cables, apparently it is not just 1’s and 0’s. Serious listening library expanded exponentially.
Thoughts on my choices/path? Any one else done something similar?
Showing 16 responses by macg19
Thanks for all the positive feedback. I'm good for now on digital upgrades with the possible exception of a power cable for the DAC but have no doubt a higher end dedicated streamer would take it to another level. I emailed Ray at Zavfino to see if I can get a 1.0m FINA OCC - that would complete an OCC loom and I am keen to see if I can debunk 'power cables don't matter' - 1.0m is custom though so not returnable. If anyone has a suggestion for a used PC I'm open to looking. Thanks again. |
@kota1 I have a medical grade leviton but can't install it yet due to temporary physical restrictions. |
@rocray you're welcome! |
@tksteingraber Just ordered one - nothing to lose. Will report back. Thanks! |
@erik_squires I'm not quite sure what you mean? |
@curiousjim I was looking at the ARES. My really positive interaction with Vinshine is what gave me the confidence to buy the LYH PSU. |
Definitely. Thank you, I really appreciate that.
No, anterior/posterior lumbar fusion, 2 discs removed, spacers added. 35 yo chronic issue, finally fixed. I'm an inch taller. Expect to be back on my mountain bike in 3-4 months but it's humbling.
|
@riccitone Cool, you're welcome, I'm pleased the thread was interesting, thanks also to the other contributors. |
@bikefi10 Good question. I already have a really nice TT/PS/Cart so I was done with analogue upgrades for the foreseeable future, so it was an easy decision for me even without the medical issue. Not sure what your analogue rig is so take this with a grain of salt but I was blown away going from a Hana ML to an Aidas CU (details in my virtual system). |
@tksteingraber The monosaudio power cord went in today and back out after about 4 hours. It did prove that cables make a difference:) I've ordered the Zavfino Fina OCC for the DAC, 2 week lead time as 1m is custom. I also ordered a Pangea AC 14SE MKII Signature (Cardas copper) for $80 just for fun to play with in the meantime. I did order 2 fuses from ALI-E ($40, why not) for AMP and DAC, as well as a Synergistic Research Orange for my amp, on sale from CableCo for $100. Fun and games at this point... |
@bikefi10 Thanks for being considerate - no worries. The cart and phono stage may be in need of an upgrade. You could start with something in the range of the Hana ML ($1200) and do the PS later. OR Given you have an older Node, get a better streamer/DAC and keep it to a one box solution. My wife was also unimpressed with the stock Node 130 compared to the analogue rig. Now it’s much closer. |
A few more tweeks...
Unrelated to the Digital source, I did add a Synergistic Research Orange fuse to the integrated tube amp - this was a noticeable improvement - I felt it slightly improved the bass and the sound stage seemed more defined. I have a premium fuse coming for the DAC. Once the Zavfino PC arrives I'll be done (really) - I'm hoping I hear an improvement. |
@dolfan I highly recommend the PSU-LPS upgrade noted in the OP for the Node if you don’t mind voiding the warranty or are out of warranty. you could use the new PC for the LPS without an adapter |
@dolfan Cool, welcome. |