@skiznfliz thanks for that info on tube rolling with the Black Ice FX DAC. I would hazard a guess that there is likely a discussion forum somewhere on doing just that. Glad you found some NOS tubes that can bring the magic. Maybe the OP should try that as well before buying a new digital streaming transport.
@audioman58 Yes, the Node is "good" and at $600 has been considered "the" entry level streamer to get for many years until WiiM came along with their lineup which includes their well-reviewed "Ultra". Currently the Node is on discount for $349 since Bluesound is doing a refresh of their streamer line up. Even at the $349 price, you have to figure they are still making about $150 on it. Mark up of devices is just part of the game when buying consumer items, especially those made in communist China. But hey, everyone wants to save a buck I guess. So many speaker manufacturers have theirs manufactured there it is hard to avoid at most sane price points.
Bluesound mode not really cutting it
Running a bluesound node. Sounds pretty good but I feel like I can do better. I'm running a Black ice Dac thru a Schiit saga plus into a Mac Mc 152 and Lsa signature 20's. Looking to upgrade node I have 2 to 3 k to spend. Hard to find decent reviews. Any suggestions. Listen to blues classic rock and anything that sounds good. Have tenants downstairs so listen at moderate levels and kinda prefer realistic or almost tube or liquid sound.
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Sorry to post so many times, but it just occurred to me that since your Black Ice DAC has a volume control, have you VERY CAREFULLY set it properly and hooked it directly to your amp and bypassed the Schiit Saga, just to answer the question of whether or not the Saga might be your weak point? At least you’d know one way or the other. I like Schiit gear and think it is fine, but well, it is worth a try. |
TMR has a Bryston BDA-3.14 streaming DAC. The Manic Moose interface is a POS but the Bryston is Roon ready. Load Roon on your home computer and use the BDA as a Roon end point. Bryston DAC sounds smooth, laid back and has plenty of warmth. Exactly the sound signature you seek. However, you have a bottleneck in your system - your schiit preamp. May be worth ditching your entire low-fi front end (BS, Schiit and Glass) for something like the used Simaudio Moon 390 which is an all in one DAC/Streamer/Preamp here.
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@helomech I owned A6 for a 30-day period, auditioned Node X and now had MXN10 under my possession (and planned to keep it for my 2nd system). Here are my impressions: A6 -> a bit too bright and SS is within speakers. Nothing special not worth the hype. Node X -> is just a bit too warm to my ear. MXN10 -> richer sounding, weightier bass, treble has a bit rounded edge so it was perceived less articulated than A6 but details are there. The overall tonal balance is right. All of the above opinions pertain to the internal DAC. Your experience may vary, but this is completely normal, especially in music listening. Enjoy! |
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