vthokie83
Responses from vthokie83
| DAC suggestions Denafrips Pontus II decodes native DSD to 1024, and 24/1536 PCM via USB and I2S. It will decode 24/196 on digital co-ax, optical, and AES/EBU.....and has an upsampling mode if you choose to use it. If you need any more tech details, I'd suggest s... | |
| 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 ... |