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Treble Grain? How to Eliminate?

I've had a DacMagic for about a year now, using it mostly with USB input. I recently began using it in a headphone system and am noticing that this dac exhibits a high amount of grain in the treble. It makes for some heavy listening fatigue. Is there anything I can do to improve this? What other dacs under $1000 have a notably smooth treble?

Thanks
jwglista

Showing 1 response by bryoncunningham

bryoncunningham
893 posts
 
My guess: It's jitter on the USB input. The measurements in the recent Stereophile review of the DacMagic confirm this:

http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/cambridge_audio_azur_dacmagic_da_converter/index2.html

Their conclusion: "...its USB input is really of only utility quality and shouldn't be used for serious listening."

Jitter results in frequency modulation that can present itself as shrillness in the treble. I can tell you that, when I addressed jitter in my system (with a reclocker), my high frequency nasties improved dramatically.

Good luck!
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