Warming up digital in my setup


Here's my setup:

Hint6 (using embedded DAC)

Kef LS 50

PSA Subwoofer (x2)

DIY Mogami 4 wire speaker wire

Source:  iPhone + Amazon Music HD + USB cable

 

 

I can't quite dial in the my digital setup with the above gear - hoping you can help.  Bright glassy is what I get, but what I want is warm, organic, depth of sound.  I'm able to achieve the latter using analog.  Is it possible with the Hint6 DAC? 

 

Here's some info on the DAC:

  • ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)
  • Asynchronous USB 2.0 supports PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit
  • USB input decodes Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DoP DSD

 

   

 

128x128martinman

Using iPhone to stream music is most likely your culprit. The DAC in the parasound integrated can’t be that terrible. Get a decent streamer, good usb cable and good power cord for your integrated and you should be ok. 

Your description reminds me of every time I have heard KEF speakers, especially the LS50.  Bright, hard metal tweeters aren't helping.  Try a speaker with a folded ribbon, like a Golden Ear stand mount.  

 

As for DACs, I tried a bunch of ESS chip DACs and found them all glassy and hard sounding.  I ended up with a Denafrips Pontus II.  I tried to avoid Chi-Fi, but after trying cheaper DACs from Cambridge Audio, Project, FiiO, and the Schiit Gumby, I gave in and got the Pontus II.  Still breaking it in, but it seems to avoid that harsh, glassy sound without losing any detail retrieval.

@zlone I'm intrigued by your Pi/Allo setup.  Early on, my first headphone setup used a Pi w/ HiFiBerry Hat.  It worked out really well to stream Spotify -- it was basically set and forget.  I still have a few raspberryPi 3 and 4, so I'll check this out and report back!    

@martinman I'm intrigued by your Pi/Allo setup.  Early on, my first headphone setup used a Pi w/ HiFiBerry Hat.  It worked out really well to stream Spotify -- it was basically set and forget.  I still have a few raspberryPi 3 and 4, so I'll check this out and report back! 

Worth a shot. I run mine with Moode, but Volumio is good too. Also use this low cost LPS:

 

I will be interested to hear your results.