I have the Mola Mola Tambaqi as part of a Makua and when I use Roon, I convert all files to either DSD 64 or 128. The MM particularly loves DSD files. @fastfreight has done a lot of work on this so I would give his thoughts extra weight. But I would say that it is critical for you to get a different streamer. I have a Nucleus + with external LPS power supply and also an Innuos Zenith SE. I find the Innuos both in “Sense” mode and in “Roon” mode to be superior to the Nucleus. I also have an M12 gold switch. I have a friend who has an Innuos Phoenix Net and another that has the Nordost QNet. All do a good job. My advice to you is get the Tambaqi but also know that you will need to get the Mac out of the system. In the past, I have used iMac mini, Aurender, Nucleus and 2 different Innuos (Zen mini w. LPS and the SE). I am a big believer in the Innuos line although I have not had the chance to put a Grimm in the system, I suspect that combination is outside of your budget. Good luck!
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.