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  3. 1422309165

AMR DP-777, what am I missing ?

There are a lot of people here who love this DAC, I purchased one (used) based on the many glowing reviews, but feel like this DAC falls short.
To be sure it bested (by not a lot) my Wavelength Cosecant (better imaging and bass) but I still prefer my modest analog setup (Rega RP6, Shelter 500).

I am sure my digital front-end is not super tuned: IMac, audirvana, no-name USB cable to DAC. But before I spend more money I would love some advice from the good folks in this forum on how I can make this $5000 retail DAC at least come close to my modest analog setup that cost much less retail without spending too much coin.

Do I need to invest in a music server, or maybe a USB to SPDIF, or better USB cable or all of the above.

Rest of my system.
Coincident Line stage
Coincident Dragon mk2 monoblocks
Verity Parsifal Encore speakers.

Thanks.
essrand

Showing 1 response by almarg

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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I have no directly relevant experience, but it seems to me that you may gain some insight that would be helpful in formulating a course of action if you were to experimentally try a different computer; a USB 3.0 port if you are presently using a USB 2.0 port (on the different computer if necessary); a USB 2.0 port if you are presently using a USB 3.0 port (on the different computer if necessary); and different USB ports on each of the computers. And definitely also try a better USB cable.

Also, as an experimental measure, it may be worth TEMPORARILY trying a cheater plug to isolate the AC safety ground connection of either the computer or the DAC. Or both, for that matter. I'm envisioning the possibility that ground loops may be causing jitter or other issues in the DAC.

Very nice system you've got there, btw. Good luck. Regards,
-- Al
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