I wonder if the SMS-200 with the Border Patrol is the problem? I think I read several reviews that described the SMS-200 is warmer and rounded, and with the same DAC characteristics...... too much of a good thing perhaps?? Take it out of the loop and test it without if possible. Just thinking out loud.
Borderpatrol Dac SE
I've been seeing this DAC mentioned a lot everywhere lately, hearing that it performs way above its price class, etc.
I took the leap and bought one. Mind you I've only broken it in for 48 hours but I'm at this point I'm not sure it will ever open up.
So far it has really soft and closed in treble with no air or decay. Mids are okay, bass is a little soft without great definition or extension. Imaging is ok but feels a little confused.
To be honest it's getting smoked by my current Fostex HP-A8. The Fostex is the design antithesis of what's gaining traction: a delta sigma AKM chip.
Owners: does this thing ever open up, or has the Sopra unmasked another pretender? If this is "analog" sound, I think I'll pass the next time I hear that descriptor.
System:
roon
Sotm Sms-200
Perla Audio Sig 50
Focal Sopra 2
I took the leap and bought one. Mind you I've only broken it in for 48 hours but I'm at this point I'm not sure it will ever open up.
So far it has really soft and closed in treble with no air or decay. Mids are okay, bass is a little soft without great definition or extension. Imaging is ok but feels a little confused.
To be honest it's getting smoked by my current Fostex HP-A8. The Fostex is the design antithesis of what's gaining traction: a delta sigma AKM chip.
Owners: does this thing ever open up, or has the Sopra unmasked another pretender? If this is "analog" sound, I think I'll pass the next time I hear that descriptor.
System:
roon
Sotm Sms-200
Perla Audio Sig 50
Focal Sopra 2