vthokie83

Responses from vthokie83

DAC suggestions
++ Pontus II DAC at $1,800 what I own) though could also agree on the Holo Audio Spring 3 (Level 2 or KTE) or May DAC…..but they’ll run $2,500 to $3,500  
Disservice: XLR interconnects
Rman9, good on you for using your ears and seeing for yourself.....cables can and do make a difference (to my ears) Celtic66, for years I also listened to the "cables don't make a difference", then a friend loaned me a set of AntiCables 3.1 speak... 
Best budget USB
Aldnorab, My sound comparison is from my previous configuration (Node 130 to Denafrips Pontuss II DAC), and prior to adding a Denafrips Iris DDC in between the two units.....and as you know I think highly of the 2.0 USB Slight improvements from ... 
Best budget USB
Aldnorab, So glad the Supra cable worked well for you. I'm certainly not a "cost no object" audiophile, and Supra cables have served me well  
Advice for Streaming Newbies - Best Bang for Our Bucks
Jabbaman, tru dat. Glad to see you've got it covered, and happy with your USB chain. Atlvalet, I thought so as well until I kept hearing about the improvements folks were getting with USB filters, USB cables, re-clockers, and DDCs. I was thrilled... 
Advice for Streaming Newbies - Best Bang for Our Bucks
Another thought, you could use a Digital to Digital Converter like the Denafrips Iris DDC.....$535 at today's exchange rate https://www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-iris    
Upgrade Internal DAC of Node or go with Atoll ST120.
The Denafrips Ares II DAC is an excellent starter DAC and a huge improvement over the internal Node DAC. Make sure to feed it via a good USB cable.....like a Supra USB cable, great for the money.....the Supra 2.0 USB sounds very good for about $51... 
I have seen a lot of ideas concerning Cable lifters
Tinker Toys, can buy two sets for $28 on Amazon. I'll be installing mine next week  
NODE as just a streamer / Airplay device
The newest Node (130) works very well with a really good DAC. In may case, I'm outputting to a Denafrips DDC to Denafrips DAC.....so the USB port would not be available for a USB storage device.  
Ideal power cord lengths?
Anyone wanting to try the cable lifter idea on the cheap (I have yet to install them), I have read that lots of people started out with Tinker Toys.....I believe Danny Ritchie at GR-Research recommends them to start out (believe he may still use t... 
Amplifier recommendation
Rbertalotto, +1 on the Tubes4HiFi VTA ST-120. I built mine from kit. My second tube am, and I adore it. Tubes I run currently: Philips NOS 5R4GY rectifier, 1960s NOS RCA “clear top” 12AU7 driver tubes, and Tung Sol KT-120 output tubes. With this ... 
What speakers have you mistakenly let go and then later repurchased?
Late 80s Infinity Kappa 9s, best rock speakers I’ve ever owned…..good even with crappy 80s and 90s recordings   
Power cords or power conditioner
Great sonic improvements were made with a dedicated 20A circuit, a PS Audio PowerPort Plug, and a good power cord to my amp. Did try plugging my amp to a Panamax conditioner that I use for low current components, it was awful.    
Best Dedicated Streamer
Tracyiver, Your streamer budget is WAY out of my price range, so I can’t give you a recommendation there. But I agree with Soix on adding a Denafrips DDC like a Hermes at $1,250 or the top of the line Gaia at $1,800. Adding the entry level Iris ... 
Streamer Upgrade
Willg, Since you have the Yggi on the way, I'd definitely give it a shot with the Node. I have mine wired directly from my switch with a Supra Cat 8+ ethernet cable, and go from the Node to the Yggi with a nice USB cable (again I use Supra Excali...