2. misc-audio
  3. 1257212443

Where should I concentrate my upgrade dollars next

I'll dive right in & pick your brains. In your opinion, what should I concentrate on upgrading next in this small setup? It's in a cottage with a view and I'd like to keep the view central and gear clean.
I'm running:

SlimDevices Squeezebox 3
Rotel RCD-1070 cd player
Channel Islands Audio VDA2 with upgraded outboard VAC1 Power Supply
Jolida 102B tube amp
Omega 3 Grande full range speakers.

Cables:
From SB3 to DAC = Zu OxyFuel Digital Coax
From Rotel to DAC = Zu OxyFuel
From DAC to Amp = Zu Wylde RCA
From Amp to Speakers = Straight Wire Waveguide 3

I have a Monster HTS 5100 other power conditioner tuned for digital and analog depending on the plug.
Plus a B.I.C. turntable and Parasound phonostage pre, but I'm not interested in upgrading this portion.

+90% of my listening is via the SB3 / CI DAC streamed in ALAC from a PowerMac server. The musical tastes run all across the board: Vivaldi with a sunset or snowstorm and Haydn while cooking. Stills with a beer. Ska on ski weekends... etc.

The soundstage is definitely present and the setup impressed party guests this past weekend. Simple clean looks and it's okay enough to pick out individual instruments and vocals and pinpoint there location on stage, but it's just not doing it for me anymore.

It's not a high power system, but that's not what I'm going for anyway.

Any input is appreciated.
kphinney
kphinney OP
24 posts
 
Thanks Mooglie. I really like the VDA2 with outboard PS. When comparing the $1600 Squeezebox Transporter to the $300 Squeezebox 3 plus VDA & PS, we found the SB3 + CI Audio setup to be an impressive pair with a much more dynamic response and more full sound stage.

I admit I haven't invested too much in power cables - I'm just skeptical. I'll look into the Kaplan's -- especially if they have a try before you buy.

As for the power conditioner, without it I go thru tubes like no ones business. I should mention that the power conditioner is actually plugged into a APC 1500VA uninterruptible power supply. The pair gives me about 30 minutes of full power run time in a blackout -- not that I'd try it. The cabin is subject to massive brown-outs.
mooglie
101 posts
 
Yeah, the VDA*2 is a great little DAC. I'd think you would have to spend some serious $ to get better performance, and then you might just get a different "flavored" sound.

Lookup Tweekgeek on this web site. You should be able to arrange a demo of the Kaplan Cables. The copper ended Kaplan should give you a more layered soundstage and fuller bottom end.

The reason I mentioned the power conditioner is that the receptacles on it might affect the sound. I prefer all brass outlets to get a richer mid-range.

You could also kick things up a notch by trying another digital cable. The Zu Ash and LAT DI-30 are both very good, and not too expensive. I really like the Pure Note Alluvion, but it's a little more neutral, and pricier.
kphinney OP
24 posts
 
Mooglie - I'm sitting here at my dad's for the weekend with a full electronics and engineering shop and thinking "How can I DIY my own PCs that will prove or disprove their relevance in a hifi audio setting?" Or a mid-fi in my case. What do the manufacturers claim they do to their PCs that make them better? I have pure copper, even pure Ti at $625/ft, though I can't go crazy.

Regardless, I do have experience with both the Zu Ash and the Lat DI- 30. My preference was typically with the Zu, but they seem to be ignoring my emails lately and loosing that personal touch. Perhaps it's petty, but perhaps I'll take a new objective look at both companies.
More to discover