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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
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.

 

 

jji666
592 posts
 

OP, what are you streaming?  While I agree that in general I prefer having a preamp in the chain, if you are not starting with good digital source material, none of the advice above can help bring it up to par relative to your analog source.

Are you streaming FLACs or other lossless, or at least 320kps? 

pmiller115's avatar
pmiller115
103 posts
 

     I agree, a good preamplifier is likely to allow you to make various sound adjustments which in and of themselves could help a great deal in making the sound easier on the ears. Assuming you are listening in stereo another suggestion I use that greatly improves the sound is adding an Analog Bridge from Modwright. It is a tube bridge which, aside from the variations in sound nuances that can be obtained by using different signal tubes, adds a dimension to digital which makes it MUCH more listenable. 

mswale
270 posts
 

You need a pre-amp, or a streamer with a built in pre-amp. This will provide the biggest difference, more so over anything else. 

Do not get any WiFi mesh gear, they are all crap unless you get enterprise grade hardware. 

If you have strong WiFi at your steamer, and not a lot of cross-talk on your WiFi, there will not be much difference over being wired. It will be subtle. 

You did not state what internet service you have, and what modem you are using, and what your network speeds are. Honestly, one of the best bang for the buck things is to ditch the rented modem, purchase a far better one. It will be faster, more stable, and you will be in control of it. 

jl35
4,218 posts
 

What streaming service are you using, and have you gone into the menu to make sure you are getting their highest quality signal ?

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