+1 @xwfalcon @mitch2 on the Tambaqui. It is excellent and has a very stable resale price. It is very resolving but not bright, and benefits from a good steamer. I think OP can improve things by eliminating the Macbook Pro vs a dedicated streamer. Computers run so much other functions they are noisy. I am no an optical fan either, preferring a good switch with LPS . I found the Grimm MU1 a perfect match for the Tambaqui, and it runs Roon Core, so that eliminated a bunch of stuff vs my old Ron Nucleus. However, I am not sure the Grimm is optimized for DSD, as it excels in its upsampling of lower resolution files. But on the plus side, it really makes non DSD files sound great. I also recommend the Auralic Aries with the Tambaqui. I had an Aurender N20 in for a spell, but did not choose it.
DAC recommendation for DSD input
Hello-- 80% of my listening is streaming local DSD (64-256) files via Roon. My current system is Roon Core on an iMac Pro making its way to a Sonore Optical Rendu which is connected, via USB to the DAC in my Hegel H390 integrated which feeds Magico A3 speakers and a pair of REL S/510 subs.. There is nothing at all objectionable to my current system, nonetheless, I am wondering if an external DAC might be an improvement over the H390's DAC and if that is a worthwhile spend. I am space constrained so I must stick with an integrated (pre+amp), but do have space for a DAC and the Rendu system.
I have spent hours researching many of the newer and older DACS, including the cheaper "Chifi" DACS (Topping, Gustard R26 and X26iii), T+A 200 DAC, PS Audio Direct Stream MKi2 and Mola Mola Tambaqui (used) and other DACs in-between (Denefrips Pontus and Terminator, Holo May, Wyred for Sound 10th anniversary, etc).
I would rather spend $5k-$10K for a significant improvement as opposed to $1K-$4K for no or a slight improvement. My hope is for more resolution, more musicality, less high frequency fatigue, tighter bass. Is it unrealistic to expect that an external DAC will bring a significant improvement?
My system is in a decent room, but there is little to no choice in speaker placement or room treatment opportunities.
I have a chance to audition the T+A 200 DAC and the Direct Stream MK2. In a previous system, I had an MSB Discrete stack which was nice, but I'm not sure that would be the worth the cost today.
What type of DAC (chip based, FPGA, R2R, OS/NOS) is more structured to DSD input? I've almost ruled out R2R, but could be mistaken? The deeper I look, the more confused I get.
Thanks for any recommendations or advice.
Showing 2 responses by fastfreight
Hi @mintakax, fair questions! Like many, (and you) I tried several things to optimize and clean up my digital. I did try an optical interface early on, but the rest of my system was also not great back then. For me, it was getting an M12 switch from JCAT with and Optimo LPS that was a major leap up. So I eliminated the optical, and I eliminated the Ether Regen, and focused on high quality ethernet cables with the switch. Today I have two good switches in series, the JCAT M12 Gold and a GTT DeJitterit Switch X. Together they sound better than either one alone. As for the computer, I formerly used a Mac Mini, with everything turned off I could to avoid extraneous programs. It was good, as I am sure your Mac is. But a dedicated streamer will probably add favorably. Everyone likes the one they are familiar with, and whose software (or Roon) the enjoy. I agree with that! When I first got my Tambaqui, I was sure I was done. No dedicated streamer. But when I added the Aries, it got much better. Take care! |