Digital improvements possible?


Hello all computer audiophiles,
I’m actually pretty satisfied with the sound of my system, but lately I’m wondering if it would be worth trying to refine my digital playback. 
Here’s what I currently have...
MacBook Pro-2011 with High Sierra v 10.13.6 and 10 GB memory 
MHDT non oversampling Stockholm 2 DAC
Audiophilleo 2 USB/SPDIF converter with PurePower power supply
Silnote Epirus USB cable

Disclaimers: For playback I almost exclusively use Tidal Hifi streaming service. I sold my CDP and honestly, I’m too lazy to want to rip CDs. I’m curious about hi-res formats, but I don’t think my NOS DAC will process them? 
And I’ve tried Audirvana and some other programs but wasn’t impressed. 
I’m not a computer expert either, and stream Tidal through my Mac with WiFi. 
Am I beyond hope without spending megabucks? If there are simple things I could do to improve quality I’d truly appreciate any advice. 
Thanks!
Linc

lincnabby

Showing 1 response by sfar

Are you using the USB or the optical output of the MacBook? I use the optical output of an iMac for a substantial part of my listening, going wirelessly to a Gen 3 Apple TV and Simaudio 300D DAC in my main system and directly to a Simaudio 100D DAC in my office. Of all the changes I've made in wires, tubes, etc., by far the greatest improvement to the sound in both systems came from putting a Wyred4Sound Remedy reclocker ahead of each DAC. In particular, the improvement in the office system was much greater than any amp or speaker switch I'd made.

I got the reclockers because of numerous references I'd seen to the high jitter from the Apple devices. And my experience bears out the importance of that. The change was considerably more dramatic in the office system using the Simaudio 100D than in the main system with the Simaudio 300D. I'm assuming that's because the more expensive 300D does a better job of handling the jitter on its own.

No experience using USB so my experience may not apply in your situation.