I have my Diablo 300 sitting on an Adona rack with it's granite surfaced multi layer shelving for a very solid foundation. I considered other footer and isolation options but none I have borrowed seemed to provide any improvement at this point, though I'm sure there are other possibilities. I find the Diablo DAC module works well with a quality server (which you have) and in my case the USB cable employed between them (I have spent time with 5 different ones since purchasing the Diablo 300). I use Critical Mass Systems Rize footers under my DSA Phono 2 and My Wolf Audio Server. I have considered the Critical Mass Systems Center Stage 2 as an option but they are a significant investment.
Diablo 300 DAC Module - upgrade DAC or Streamer?
I have an Innuos Zenith Mk3 plus PhoenixUSB Reclocker feeding my Gryphon Diablo 300 DAC module.
While the PhoenixUSB undeniably cleans up sound and adds more of a holographic “floating” effect, I do notice that on more abrasive recordings, the upper midrange becomes too harsh, and for these recordings, the sound is more enjoyable without the PhoenixUSB Reclocker in the mix. An example of such a recording would be U2’s Walk On. It’s not that the sound is bright or tonally off, but that the upper mid just do with a touch of finesse and less clobber.
I prioritize ensuring my system sounds good even for more abrasive recordings, but I also value transparency and a highly resolving system. I do believe it’s possible to have both.
My “problem” is either:
1) Entirely the recording’s fault, in which case my fix is to compensate for poor recordings with new components(s). Or,
2) When adding the reclocker my system became more revealing and exposed a weakness of my Diablo 300 DAC module, whereby more abrasive recordings sound a bit harsh in the upper midrange. In which case the solution is to upgrade to a standalone DAC.
Any thoughts on which direction to go? So many options. A super high end combined streamer/DAC (like a Bartok or Weiss) is intriguing to me as I’d need less high end cords and cables. But not sure if that approach would be preferable to adding a standalone DAC for my Innuos streamer.
I exclusively stream music with Tidal.
I know there are so many options but any thoughts on which option to look first?