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Digital Gear & Upgrade Question, What do I need?

Calling all Digital Gurus,

I currently have my library on a NAS drive connected to my network (all wired). It is feeding 2 systems into a PSA DSD and I access and control using various windows computers running JRiver. The SQ has been more than acceptable but I am sure it could be improved.

I have a third system at my work office, there I am also running JRiver but library is on a 1TB SSD drive and sent via BT. Again, works well enough but SQ could use improvement. I have been considering upgrading that system with a PSA DSD Jr and running through work network.

Now, perhaps it makes sense to upgrade my main system with better gear, so my questions are:

A- What gear is required (DAC, Music Server, whatever)

B- Recommendations

Would switching from JRiver to some software be worth it?

At work, I stream internet radio through the computer via BT receiver to pre. If I upgrade main system the PSA DSD (newer) would go to second system and unit that is there would to go work.

Budget is fairly open up to 10k but biggest bang for the buck is a plus

Rest of system is:

ARC 5se

Pass 260.8

Magnum Dynalab MD 809T

Shahinian Acoustics Hawks

 

 

SteveA

128x128stevea11757

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 

You could benefit from upgrading your server and upgrading your DAC.  You will find the DSD is a wonderful unit but older.  Newer units can give you more resolution and bigger, more engaging sound.  I would encourage you to look at Bricasti.  Both the M3 and M1 SE are big steps up from the DSD and Bricasti’s sound profile would strongly appeal to you.  There are lots of other DAC options that would be a step forward, but my experience is Bricasti is an ideal next step for DSD owners.  
 

a server will deliver a cleaner, clearer sound to your DAC.  Something like the Playback Designs Syrah would be a very good choice given your preference for JRiver.  You can consider other servers and software.  Roon Core as the server using Squeeze as the interface is generally deemed a very good, if not best sounding option.  For that, something like an Antipodes S40 or K30 would be excellent.  I know those are radically different price points but you haven’t payed out a budget.  S40 is good.  K30 is great.  K50 is elite.  You get the idea.  
 

 

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