*DAC


I am down to the last piece of the puzzle. I am very happy with the sound of my system at this point, so I’m not sure if the DAC needs to be improved on. What I am looking for is to hear those background subtleties in the music a little more pronounced. The strum of a guitar, the stroke of the piano keys, the clicks, ticks & tingles that accompany the music. I do here that now, I just wondered if there is a way to elaborate on those background sounds (details) a bit more.

Is it the DAC that will make this happen? If it is, they say my Gustard R26 is as good as a $5K DAC, how far over that $5K do you think I have to go?

Thank you for your help and suggestions and the best to you all over the holiday season and beyond!

PS: I listen mostly to Jazz

128x128navyachts

@jacobsdad2000 Cool, do the manufacturers you mention sell the DIY stuff or is it other companies? I could DYI

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If your equipment supports the AES Standard, then your XLR cables won't make much difference. (if not, or you aren't sure just search for 'Atmasphere' or PM him directly. He can provide great info).

DIY is something you probably don't want to try, unless you have some experience-Not that you can't do it, but there are some subtleties that you should know before undertaking the task. (Perhaps PM @eric squires).

And, to try to keep you from chasing your tail. I think PM'ing John Rutan (Audioconnection) would be the best way to go. 

Bob

@navyachts I owned bluejeans XLRs and still own a set of RCAs. I also own and use Canare 4S11 speaker cables with my AVR and just for 💩s and giggles 🤭 tried them in my main rig. None of these cables belong in the system the caliber of yours. 

Here’s how I would tackle the cable upgrade path -

1. Upgrade speaker cables. Stay with major brands for this system (Kimber, Nordost, Transparent, Audioquest, Audience). I used Audience AU24SX with my Montis and still use them with the Wilsons I have now. You can pick up a used pair for a reasonable price. I would also recommend looking into Nordost Frey 2 or Tyr 2.  I would upgrade interconnects or power cords next. With the length you need for the interconnects it would be more economical to tackle power cords first. You will get a good amplifier of improvement with upgraded power cords. Once again, look for major brands, used. Audioquest Hurricane, would be nice on those amps. Audience AU24SEi works great with digital and is a good deal used.  
But I would start with the amp for power cable upgrade and move up the chain from there. 

Downside with the cable upgrades without having your dac up to the task is that you will hear what it is and isn’t doing right. So you weren’t down to last piece of the puzzle. Hehehe