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?

 

 

 

nyev

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