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Help with fatiguing sound in my PC system

I replaced my Halo Pre and Denon changer with a PS Audio DL III. I run lossless music into it from iTunes on a PC (Windows 7 64bit, core i7, 16MB RAM), I use a Pangea USB cable into a MF V-link, then go into the DAC with a Wireworld ultraviolet coax. The increased detail, clarity, resolution and extension are remarkable, but so is the amount of listening fatigue. The highs are too much, but the music sounds muffled if I add the pre-amp back. My system is profiled in the link below. I have some ideas, let the voting begin:
1 - buy an offramp or a pacecar (can't afford it!)
2 - use better USB/coax/interconnects/speaker cable
3 - apply acoustic treatments to the room
4 - use a software player (Jplay) that sits on top of iTunes
5 - buy speakers with different tweeters (Quad 22L2/Focal 826v, this is happening, but not any time soon)
6 - get a better amp (McCormack/Odyssey, distant future)
7 - tweak Windows 7/iTunes settings (WASAPI exclusive mode?!?)
8 - adjust speaker position/toe in (already did this and it helped a little)
I am thinking about trying #3/#7 next. Ideas? Thnx in advance.
realremo

Showing 4 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Fatigueing sound is generally due to high jitter at the wrong frequencies. This will not get fixed without fixing the source or interface with the Master Clock in it.

Most people feel that they can use a $200 interface with a $2K DAC. The opposite is more optimum. Use a $2K interface with a $200 DAC. This interface is more important than the DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Is there a re-clocker out there that I am missing?"

Depends on what you want to reclock. Here is one that is more for Sonos and AppleTV etc..:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=102003.0

"there are probably better ones than the MF V-link I bought. Audiophelio, Halide, Stello. Not sure one of these will make as significant a difference as a new clock."

They will and there are better ones if you want to do USB. This makes the difference between harsh digital and analog SQ.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Realremo - The Synchro-Mesh is not the right solution if you want to stay with USB. It is a resampler.

The right solution is to upgrade your USB converter. The Master Clock is in there, so it is the right upgrade. Bit perfect too.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Realremo - be careful not to overdo the absorptive materials. If you already have carpeting, then you are already close. Too much will kill the liveness.

Just deal with the side-wall echoes by using a small mirror to determine the best points of attachment. If you see the tweeter in the mirror from the listening position, that is where you put them. Never put absorbing material behind the speakers. Use scattering devices instead.

And BTW, this will not fix the harshness. This is due to jitter mostly IME.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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