Affordable SS that sound like Tubes

@audphile1 

Recommendations please

Thanks

@audphile1 

And can u explain the issue with using the mac mini to store files and send those files to the dsd dac?

It is not as if I am using itunes. All apple processing and filters are bypassed with Audivana.

so where are the weaknesses?

than you

and please anyone else feel free to chime in

Cambridge audio  CXA 61 or 81. 

@tonydennison

I can’t recommend a SS amp that sounds like tubes. You’ve already gotten recommendations on good sounding amplifiers.

As to using mac mini as a streamer, which is what you’re doing, it’s not optimized for this task. You have OS running, background processes and Audirvana running on it processing music files from hard drive (hope it’s SSD). All that good stuff that’s happening inside loads up processor and memory, results in good amounts of heat and generates noise and interference that you end up feeding via a USB out that’s not optimized for streaming music. Add to that the noise generated by the internal power supply. All that junk from the Mini gets fed into your DAC. On top of it, your computer is probably close to your components and cables and is plugged into the same circuit. You are now dealing with EMI and the garbage that the Mini dumps back into the circuit that’s powering your system.

A much better solution would be to use the PS Audio DAC with its built in network card and stream using ethernet. Have your Mac Mini as far away from your system as possible. It and the PS Audio DAC would need to be on the same network.

When you’re using a dedicated streamer, you take advantage of the optimized USB and other digital outputs, cool running processors and internal isolation. You also get a better power supply that’s designed with audio in mind. But with the DSD DAC built in network card you don’t even need a dedicated streamer. 

I love my Dayens Ampino monos, and they definitely have a smooth sound. Check out their line. 
 

Also I’d look into Sugden, Audio By Van Alstine, and Linear Tube Audio (tube life on those is supposed to be looooong)