I find Lampizator dacs to be forward sounding in general. Perhaps you could demo one. The vocals are also up front.
Is there such thing as a "vocal" forward DAC?
My system right now is an iFi Zen Stream, Schiit Modius, Schiit Freya + & DAC x-Cherry 2 powering Spatial Audio M3 Triode Masters.
I'm quite happy with it but the M3TM are known for a more relaxed vocal, maybe even rolled off highs which makes the vocals at times sound like they are farther back in the soundstage, behind the drums even and I don't like that at all. The highs in fact are fine for my ears but the vocals bothers me.
Before I start down the road of replacing these I was wondering if there is a DAC that is considered a vocal forward type sound, I know it might not be enough to make a huge change but any change is good right now for my setup. I'm not a neutral/flat critic and in fact like a more "flavored" styled sound.
Is there such a thing or am I asking too much of a DAC?
I'm quite happy with it but the M3TM are known for a more relaxed vocal, maybe even rolled off highs which makes the vocals at times sound like they are farther back in the soundstage, behind the drums even and I don't like that at all. The highs in fact are fine for my ears but the vocals bothers me.
Before I start down the road of replacing these I was wondering if there is a DAC that is considered a vocal forward type sound, I know it might not be enough to make a huge change but any change is good right now for my setup. I'm not a neutral/flat critic and in fact like a more "flavored" styled sound.
Is there such a thing or am I asking too much of a DAC?
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The Freya is new to me, just this week and I think there is another issue here, the stock tubes! I just switched to passive or differential and adjust to match volume db and I get clean crisp vocals and more detailed sound but thinner without the tube sound. I think the issue might be more the stock JJ tubes. |
metrum octave is one, rather ’midrange-forward’ in tonal balance https://darko.audio/2011/09/metrum-nos-mini-dac-octave-first-impressions/ appears used periodically |
Honestly - I think you're moving too fast. You just got the Freya. Listen to it for a couple of weeks and see what it can do and what it can't and then fool around with it if you want. Every new piece of gear has a different presentation and IMO, you need to get used to it before making decisions about what to change. I've seen people here asking about what tubes they should put in tube amps they haven't even gotten yet. Just relax and take your time. I mark my calendar for a month after any system change and I try not to form an opinion until I've really listened to it and my aural memory of what I had before is gone. Good luck. |
I agree with chayro. Room acoustic treatments, even quite modest ones can very much impact presentation and perception of image depth. You may also find experimenting with existing power cord and cable swaps with existing equipment to be rewarding, but do suggest getting more run hours on the new piece first. Isolation feet, their placement and number also can be rewarding, and you do not need to spend excessive dollars to realize benefits there. |
" @blkwrxwgn I’m quite happy with it but the M3TM are known for a more relaxed vocal, maybe even rolled off highs which makes the vocals at times sound like they are farther back in the soundstage, behind the drums even and I don’t like that at all..." With that compression driver on the back of your MT3M speakers, have you truly experimented with different "placements" of your speakers, it’s free to do? Seems to me it may be a bit more critical in your case. Just for grins, start by placing closer to the back wall and see what if anything changes good or bad to get ideas. DAC tubes as you know, and some interconnects may help too. |
You've been given good suggestions. Experiment with speaker placement, try some room treatments. Absorbion panels were able to move my soundstage forward and provide a 3D image. You have a new preamp and tubes which need to break in, imaging and dynamics are usually the most noticeable change. You already know you'll be rolling the JJ's, ask for advice on tubes with the characteristics you're looking for. Brent Jessee is a very accessible dealer. |
