Exogal DAC

Anyone using the Exogal Comet, I strongly urge you to maximize the software used for playback of PCM files. In my review of the Comet at Dagogo.com I point out that using HQPlayer Software I am able to take a signal from a modest stock Mac Mini and via HQPlayer up convert it to 32bit/6.1MHz. The Comet LOVES this up conversion, and so will your ears! 

Remember, all cables are critical, and yes, the power cords and USB cables as well. 

Thankful, it is an up sampling audio player which is highly configurable. For lack of better terms it lays over the top of iTunes and uses the library of files, but up converts the file to be played according to the setup specifications. See the Signalyst.com website, the maker of HQPlayer. I had a guy who builds audiophile servers visit my home. He offered to set up my Mac Mini with HQPlayer, and an hour later we were listening to my Mac Mini with HQPlayer. It may not be a pretty interface, but wow does it vitalize PCM files. 

He also told me about Splashtop, a $5 app for Mac that we installed onto my iPad. Now I control the entire Mac with the iPad. I open up Splashtop, then open HQPlayer and boom, it's off and running! I also can run Sonos via the Splashtop software. Intoxicating control and convenience. 

I think I've taken Sonos about as far as it can go. I think a trial of Tidal is next. 

Thankful, Oh, goodness, my friend, GET going on an aftermarket power cord! You will gain so much more performance, and this is also true of the Ion PowerDAC. 

I have made many systems, both review and personal, with the Clarity Cables and they continue to find favor. I also very much enjoy their USB cable. 

A follow up to the above discussion with poster named thankful; I migrated away from the Mac Mini and the use of HQ Player with it. This is still a great option for those who cannot afford a proper server. I am now using the Salk StreamPlayer Gen III following its own review, which has no need of enhancement software such as HQ Player. 

Geekster, glad you liked the review; I think traction on discussion will pick up substantially as more people try the pairing of Comet and Ion. I don't typically do a sales job on friends, but an audio buddy who followed me voluntarily with the Comet as he heard it in various systems I called and told simply, "Buy the Ion." He did and is ecstatic. Exogal does not recommend use of USB enhancement devices, etc. as they are moot; the Comet makes an entirely new signal anyway. 

redfuneral, did you do comparison of cables? You can change the character of any DAC quite a bit by using alternative cables. For instance, I have three USB cables which change the character of the system dramatically, and placement of different power cords alters the sound for either top or bottom end enhancement. 

It sounds like you like the Comet, but wish there was more upper end energy. That is relatively easy to come by with cable changes, and I think you would avoid shrillness, or stridency, in the process.