mgrif104

Responses from mgrif104

Simaudio 680D?
I thought the app functionality fine, but the sound of the streamer element of the 390 was a drawback.  I was able to feed the unit from my streamer vs the one built in.  Not even close.  Are you saying that you think it will also be limiting (sou... 
Diminishing returns?
Sound quality and value/worth is really subjective.  Many of us here on these forums have decided that it is worth going upstream.  A large number of participants here would say it is diminishing returns.The units you’re considering are well regar... 
Kef reference 3
I have the Ref 3s and so am obviously biased.  I think they’re exceptional and spent more than a year considering others at or around their price. I’d buy them again in a heartbeat over all the others auditioned.  Indeed, they’re the only componen... 
MacBook Pro streamer
While USB works well when using a dedicated streamer, it seems to work less well coming out of a computer.  USB tends to pick up a good amount of noise from the computer.Before I moved on to dedicated streamers, I bought from Schiit Audio a USB>... 
Streamer Software
Lots of good information here.  I have experience with Aurender’s conductor (I own an N100H and use it extensively in system 2).  I have experience with Auralic’s Lighting DS (I own an Aries G2 and use it in system 1).  I have experience with BluO... 
adding a DAC/Streamer or what
There’s a plenty of good advice here.  I’ll add my own $.02 as I have a bit of a different view than some.  We all agree on the importance of the DAC.  However, if you have a $10k budget, and given the high quality of your other system components,... 
Whats playing on your system today?
Tigran Hamasyan - The Call Within. He’s an Armenian slipstream jazz artist living in LA.  Not really to my taste, but he’s a remarkable musician and the music is very interesting and challenging.  So, well worth a listen. 
Power Conditioners
Mk00the answer is yes - others heard the difference easily. I have had a number of conditioners in the past.  None were cheap and none really made a sizable difference, but I wanted to protect gear.  My dealer suggested I audition a Niagara 5000. ... 
spend on the streamer or on the DAC ?
@djones51. Sorry you’re missing out.  I have 3 streamers from 3 systems.  I’ve compared them all going into the same DAC.  Plenty more than a nickels worth of difference between them.  But, to each their own. 
spend on the streamer or on the DAC ?
I have a different view than the others.  Yes, the DAC is very important, but I also found that the streamer or source is as important. I started with a Node 2 going into an outboard DAC, and found a sizable improvement in performance when upgradi... 
Another equipment recommendation request for DAC with Pre Amp
I’d add the PS audio stellar DAC/preamp to your list. I have one (and matching amp) in a second system and am pleased with its performance and value. It checks all the boxes you’ve requested.  
Power Conditioners
+1 @nonoiseFar too many people here post based on belief, not on experience. Of course, i can understand that because I used to hold a similar belief.  It’s true that some of us live in noisier environments so they might benefit more from conditio... 
What power conditioner
@ericsch to my knowledge, i don’t  have more noise than others. I had also upgraded the wiring in my house. I do have a couple of refrigerators but none were on the circuit i use.  Best, 
What power conditioner
I have always had a conditioner in my system as a means to protect the gear.  Some pretty nice ones in fact.  I always assumed I wasn’t doing any harm to the sound.  I had previously auditioned some units hoping to improve the sound but had found ... 
All New NAD Master M33 Integrated Amp // GAME CHANGER ?..
@dave_b I’m curious with your NAD purchases - were they Masters series?  And, did you give them adequate break in (i.e. 400+ hours)?  There’s no question that some of their gear isn’t that great,  but it’s also true that some of the Masters series...