I purchased both the SonicTransporter and Roon Nucleus, but returned the ST7. I found the Nucleus’ software to be more stable. The ST7 had frequent connection issues in just the two weeks I had it.
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
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- 31 posts total
Thanks @sns I do realize there’s a lot of irrelevant tasks in the mac mini that can potentially impact sound quality by negatively impacting roon related processing. I’ll be trying a dedicated core soon. Can’t wait to see how it impacts the sound hopefully it’ll be a positive difference. |
I'm certainly not the first to say this, and surely won't be the last, but the streamer is right up there with the dac in order of importance in streaming chain. I don't care about all the signal and network filters, audiophile switches, lps, etc., these all just band aids if streamer and dac not optimal, the full potential of these devices will only be realized after attending to dac and streamer.
I'd also add a totally maxed out mac mini can be a very nice streamer at a certain price point. I learned a lot from incrementally optimizing my mac minis. Optimizing operating systems, quality RAM and linear power supplies are critical for streamers, powerful processor for low latency next. The proof of need for a powerful processor with Roon was crystal clear when I was running both Roon and Audirvana with the minis, Audirvana always had superior sound quality to Roon with all three of my minis. It wasn't until I obtained my present custom build server (I9 Intel processor, Euphony operating system, Optane industrial RAM, powered by $6k JCAT Optimo ATX lps) that Roon sq surpassed Audirvana, adding the second streamer as an Endpoint/renderer added that much more. Roon is capable of sq equal to or better than very nice vinyl setups, seemingly requires more extensive optimizations than streamers with proprietary music player apps. I should add Roon sq superior to the Euphony Stylus proprietary music player app with my setup, very few Euphony Stylus users agree with this.
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Agreed 100%. Don’t go down the rabbit hole with tweaks. You can’t polish the turd. |
Hi. A. Reduce Electrical or digital noise: Major factor! (1) By decoupling electrical connections: For example, use UTP (unshielded) Ethernet cable. Create fiber optic connections/ galvanic separation links. Regardless of what some may say, in hifi, everything matters at some point and to some degree. Start with the very first step in the digital chain. For me, I started with coax cable feeding into my house from my ISP (Xfinity). I considered every step the data traveled to reach my Dac. I then looked for every opportunity to reduce or eliminate line noise entry points. I suggest, start with the noisiest device or section of your network/ data chain and work towards your DAC. Go slowly, take your time to learn as much as you can about each section and find a better solution. You will be absolutely amazed how much this can improve SQ. (And it doesn’t need to cost a lot) I have a basic Roon Nucleus, but my digital network from coax cable drop outside to my DAC is well thought out and designed to reduce noise. FYI, I also have the Gibbon X speakers :) best to you
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- 31 posts total