2. digital
  3. 194930-199655

Help please! Something amiss with my digital chain

Hello all,

I'm new here and new to the audophile community.  At 49 years old, finally have had a moment to set up some nice audio so I can sit and enjoy music - with the family and by myself! - as its meant to be heard.  No more soundbars and bluetooth pod speakers.  Was a vocal performance major for 1 1/2 years in college and music has a hugely positive impact on my life. 

After much initial research and some listening to a few friend's systems, I spent a little money.  The analog chain sounds fantastic - rich, nuanced, lively, none of that fatiguing glare - I can't believe I waited this long.  Pound for pound super thrilled with the result.  When I switch to my digital source, however, the music sounds much thinner, flat, lifeless - awful.  Can someone more experienced than I help me diagnose the problem? 

The system:  MoFi Ultradeck with MoFi Ultragold MC cartridge --> Modwright PH9XT phono stage --> recently refurbished Decware ZMA tube amplifier --> Omega SuperAlnico monitors.  The digital side includes an Auralic G1.1 streamer --> Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC --> Decware ZMA.  I use Audioquest red river level interconnects and mid-level Decware copper speaker cables. 

Some hypotheses: 

1. Could it be I need a pre-amplifier after the DAC?  Holding the amp volume steady, sound level coming from the DAC is noticeably less than from the phono stage.  If this is the issue, any suggestions on what will have good synergy with the tube amp? 

2.  Power supply issue? right now I'm plugging everything into a very basic surge protector.  Was gonna wait and see before pouring cash into this aspect of things. 

3. Weird setting issue with the complicated streamer?  I'm playing Tidal and it seems it automatically shifts to whatever resolution the track is, but maybe I'm doing something boneheaded here without realizing it. 

4. Burn in issue? The DAC got a week of burn-in before I received it. I've also run music for several days when away from home to see if things improve but its not changing much. 

Any and all ideas appreciated.  Thank you!  Alejandro

ale1601

Showing 1 response by rikkipuu

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
291 posts
 

Digital is all about managing the noise which is something you don't really hear until it is gone.  Its what makes digital thin and harsh and edgy.  When its managed the sound will swell with richness and texture and detail in a black background as you increase the volume.

Upgrading gear will give incremental improvements but is really a band aid on the underlying problem.

@steakster adeptly listed areas to address before gear changes. 

I will suggest also adding at least one purpose built network switch (my experience is 2 are better) and would suggest an EtherRegen if you are only using one and dedicate it for your streamer as it uses an optical break to remove noise from reaching your streamer. 

I will also suggest a product like the Akiko Corelli  and or one of the CAD grounding products (I have 3 Corelli's and 2 CAD units.  Its tempting to believe they are hocus pocus because who wants to spend that much on something that your not sure isn't snake oil.

Really look into a dedicated AC line for your analog and one for your digital.  It is surprisingly affordable in most cases depending on the drywall repair needed.  I cant understate the effect on digital this has.

And never have a SMPS or LED lights on the same line as any digital equipment. A dedicated line will remedy this. 

A filter on your network cable into the streamer will help.  Look at Network Acoustics or SOtM.  

Try to avoid USB, use Coax, BNC or AES or Ethernet with a good cable. There are many DDC/reclockers that can be used to convert the USB if you lack the outputs from your streamer.

 

 

More to discover