Options to improve digital sound


Hi,

I am looking for some, hopefully, simple advice.  My current digital system is an M4 MacMini feeding a Holo May DAC into a PrimaLuna 400 preamp and amp.  My speakers are Devore Gibbon X.  I primarily listen to downloaded and ripped files with Roon and Audirvana.  I also use Qobuz, but not as often.

The sound quality is good, but I feel like it could be improved.  The options I'm considering are a Small Green Computer SonicTransporter i7 to replace the Mini, or a SGC UltraRendu to put between the Mini and the Holo May.

Which option would be better?  Is there a better option?  I'd like to keep the cost under around $2500.

Thanks

walt8489

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

Great system. You are short on one aspect. A high quality streamer. It should be at the same level as your DAC,  Preamp or amp. Given your system I would recommend an Aurender N200 or Aurender N250. These would provide the level of performance commiserate with the rest of your system. 

I spent several years refusing to invest in a good streamer because it was basically the same thing as my MacBook or PC. That was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made in audio. I completely wasted the time with grossly inferior sound quality. The sound quality of your CDs should equal the sound quality of stored files and streaming. However, Qobuz  should sound  better with their one half million high resolution albums.

A good streamer must be built with the same dedication to detail, and quality that any other audio component has to be. It needs an outstanding power supply, internally and externally shielding from noise, vibration... etc. This requires lots of design time, high quality parts and expertise. Aurender makes some of the best streamers... it is all they do. After owning a dozen other streamers over twenty years, I own two Aurender. My vinyl playback, CD, stored files and streaming all sound the same, the best sound I have every had.  You can see my virtual systems under my user ID.