Appreciate all the suggestions. I am going to try putting a tube pre-amp in my chain and see what that does. I will then try putting a streamer connected to my PS Audio DAC and see what improvements that yields. i will then try a streamer/DAC combo and see how that is . (Something like a Rose150B) @audphile1 thx for suggestions regarding Roon. I think I should just consolidate to using Qobuz as I don't have a local set of files to manage. I do like the Roon interface but it seems like an unnecessary chain.
Upgrade to PS Audio Direcstream Mk1 and Mac Mini?
Looking at upgrading my digital sources and potentially getting a streamer. My Mac Mini just died so I need to do something- I use that for streaming Roon and Qobuz. I am also reading the excellent reviews for the new PS Audio Direcstream Mk2. I have the Mk1. People have recommended Rose150B. The Rose150B seems to be a great streamer, potentially not as good as a DAC as the PS Audio MK1/MK2 and not a great pre-amp. If I added a pre-amp to my chain like the Lamm 2.1 would I see a material improvement in sound vs going "direct" via the DAC? Trying to figure out, do I keep a mac mini type music server and upgrade to PS AudioDirectstream Mk2. Do I replace my PS Audio MK1 with a Rose150B or am I going to need a separate streamer and a separate DAC.
My current system:
PS AudioDirectStream DAC/Bridge2 - connected to MacMini music server running - using PS Audio device as pre-amp
Thiel 7.2 Speakers
Lamm M1.2 Monoblocks
Thx
Malcolm
Showing 5 responses by mwthorne
I just purchased a used Lamm 2.1 Deluxe Pre-amp. We will see if that improves sound vs going direct from PS audio. I am also considering tape so if this unit works it allows me to add tape to the chain. So impressed with quality of my 1.2 monoblocks from Lamm I thought I would stay with the same brand. After reading reviews I am considering the Meitner MA3 DAC/Streamer. It solves the Bridge 2 upgrade and many believe the DAC is superior to the PS Audio DAC Mk2. I am reading that people say the sounder is warmer/fuller than the PS Audio DAC. I am looking for a little more warmth in my system. You can get a used Meitner MA3 around 5K. Getting the PS Audio MK2 Mac plus a used streamer is a 10K proposition. Thoughts? Thx |
Thx @v-fi v-fi. I just purchased the Meitner MA3 DAC. I have contacted PS Audio to see if I can trial the new MK2 with Airlens versus this setup. Things are coming together. |
@soix - adding the Lamm LL2.1 deluxe preamp has made a material difference in my system. Adding a whole new layer of detail that I have never heard especially in female vocals, piano, guitar. Improved soundstage and imaging. I would not categorize it as warm as some tube sounding gear. It is incredibly neutral as many of the reviews describe. Well worth the upgrade. Interestingly I am not finding a huge difference with the Bugle Boy and Mullard tubes that came with the unit over stock. Some improvement but not material. On my amps changing to the Amperex pinch waist tubes was a 25% upgrade in sound to my ear. |
@v-fi & @soix The Meitner MA3 is a material upgrade from the PS Audio Mk1 with Bridge. Is is consistent with how people describe it. Much less analytical than the MK1. Has a warmth/ease of listening to it. I notice improvement in all areas particularly noticeable to my ear with voices, guitar and piano: imaging, detail, soundstage all improved. Interestingly it also sounds meaningfully better if you run it directly with Mcontrol app versus using a roon server. @audphile1 - you were correct - getting rid of Mac/Roon has an impact. Can now see how having a dedicated streamer with good software could make a material difference. The is partly disappointing as I love the Roon App. I am still debating whether I get the PS Audio Directstream Mk2 and compare it. I may stick with the Meitner MA3 until I consider moving to something up a step to something like the Grimm unit. |