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Thoughts on DAC option

Current DAC is the original Auralic Vega . This was a HUGE upgrade in sound quality from a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic.

And things are good right now. Well, mostly, it's not like we are generally blessed with freedom from the desire to upgrade!

And now I have an option of a Chord 2qute. My main issue with the current setup is the fatigue on some music. EDM is generally fantastic, however rock is often harsh. Voices are great.

So the question is whether the Chord could smooth off the sharper edges of things.

All feedback gratefully received.

System is:

Sources - PC and Auralic Aries Mini

Amp - Prima Luna Frank Hybrid Integrated

Speakers - Krix Harmonix 2

Interconnects and speaker cables are average but not the biggest factor here from what I can tell.

incoming
glenmschneider
65 posts
 

Even though Auralic recommends WiFi over Ethernet, swapping to an Ethernet cable for my Auralic Aries g2.1 improved clarity and cleaned up tie end a bit. 
however I would not expect this to solve your problem. 

I don’t have better suggestions than what was already shared.

 

soix
10,395 posts
 

Network Filter could be an option for the PC, but the mini is connected via WiFi. Auralic recommend this approach.

You should get a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh system and run an Ethernet cable from that to your streamer as it bypasses the typically cheap Wi-Fi receiver in the streamer and usually results in better sound.  You could then also do a trial of something like a Stack SmoothLan filter that might help in your situation.  Best of luck. 

sfvamderivero
6 posts
 

If you think changing the DAC will improve on that harsh frequency area, Chord will not help but we can try a R2R DAC. There are few that are not expensive and those DAC in general are a little more relaxed in that frequency area. Still keeping the details. 

fastricky
25 posts
 

I was in the same camp with a Pontus II and switched to an Audio Mirror Tubadour and the difference is remarkable. 

ghdprentice
8,169 posts
 

@soix 

+1

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