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What front end piece should I upgrade?

I am requesting suggestions for the next upgrade of the front end of my system.

I currently have a Small Green Computer i5 running Quobuz and stored music files through a Sonore ultraRendu as a Roon endpoint, Audioquest Carbon USB cable into a PS Audio Directstream Junior.  The DAC was purchased used about a year ago and although it provided better SQ than the DAC in my Oppo 105, I find the low end to be weak and with some slight high frequency sibilance / harshness.  Sound stage, definition and musicality, otherwise and particularly in the midrange is significantly better than the Oppo.  I had purchased the Junior with hopes of using it as the bridge Roon endpoint, but found the SQ far superior with the ultraRendu.

This front end is connected via balanced older Monster interconnects to a Simaudio Moon 600i integrated amp, (purchased used to replace a Rogue Sphinx) through Kimber cables ending with Sonus Faber Sonetto Vs.  I have found the increased voltage of the 600i over the Sphinx to help the Sonettos open up even at low volumes.

Age early 70's, I primarily listen to Classic Rock, Classical Orchestra, Blues and "Folk-Jazz" (Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt and dare I say, Diana Krall). 

I am happy with the current level of music definition / resolution but find that I fatigue after an hour or so.  I've done a bit of low-end equalization through Roon which helps there but find that in doing so, I hear a little bit of noise, distortion or harshness in voices that I do not hear when I remove the equalization from the path.  I think I would prefer a little more warmth overall especially if it doesn't sacrifice resolution or definition. 

In summary,  I feel the front end of my system is the limitation and would like to better match the front end with the level / quality of the amplifier and speakers.  Used equipment is fine. I do not live in an area where listening to systems is an option and most reviews have left me clueless, confused and don't appear to take into consideration the equipment I would like to keep in the system.

Any suggestions would be appreciated and I will respond to any questions and share my choice and experience after a decision is made.  THANK YOU

seaside
ghdprentice
8,204 posts
 

Wow, that is quite the journey you have had. I would recommend moving from symptomatic solutions and go for the source of the problem. I think the best approach is to identify and install great components that sound great. Then play with cables and equalization to get the very most out of your system. This sounds like a component level problem. 

The problem is either the streamer or DAC. Neither of yours are over the top high quality units. Typically PS Audio equipment is not harsh or fatiguing. But then, the DAC is a very budget oriented DAC. The Line Magnetic DAC has a very good reputation and the sonic characteristics that would greatly improve the sound of your system. 

If that change does not fix the whole problem (extremely unlikely) then I would save up and invest in a Aurender streamer... used would be fine. Virtual any would be a very significant upgrade from what you are using now. 

These two changes, without the current problems you are having would be great upgrades to your system. 

acefactory
69 posts
 

I recently purchased a SIM Audio Moon 390D DAC and am very pleased with its characteristics. I raise the point as it sounds like you’re looking for improved lower frequency range and that’s exactly what I experienced with this DAC - a boost in low frequencies, and without any hint of mid/high frequency fatigue.

Used costs are in the order of $2000 (there’s a unit available on USAM now for which I have no affiliation), and I have no regrets with the purchased I made a couple of months ago (i.e., the honeymoon hasn't worn off!!!). 

soix
10,430 posts
 

I don’t recall the DS Jr. being regarded as a bright or harsh sounding DAC so may not be the source of the problem although there are some warmer sounding DACs some of which you mentioned.  I would try the SmoothLan first as it seems to help in taming harshness/removing glare and is obviously a lot cheaper than a new DAC, and I believe they offer a trial period so a low-risk option to try.

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