Even considering a less than optimal set up, the Mystique V3 is sounding pretty darn good over here. Sort of a hard call vs. the Metrum Adagio since my system is currently set up for the Adagio DAC, using its own internal volume control. My current digital set up prior to the Mystique V3 goes like this:
The other possibility is to try a different endpont with a USB output, such as the SOtM trio that I used to own.
I would like to get this figured out since the Mystique is possibly good enough to consider trading in on one of the new EVO models, which will be going up in price in January. I will not yet say the Mystique V3 is flat out better than the Adagio but it plays harder and fuller in the bass and has perhaps a bit more tonal color over all. So far, what I would call it is a very musically addictive DAC.
- Hardwired Ethernet from Orbi router to Bonn switch, then TP link optical isolators, then into the Antipodes DX L3
- Ethernet from Antipodes DX to Metrum Ambre (Roon Endpoint)
- I2S from Ambre to Metrum Adagio DAC with internal VC
- Balanced cables from Adagio to SMc Audio preamp with VC removed (currently a unity gain active buffer)
- Balanced cables from preamp to SMc Audio monoblocks
- Same as above then Canare rca digital cable from Ambre to Mystique V3
- Balanced outputs from Mystique to Goldpoint Attenuator (i.e., VC)
- Balanced cables from Goldpoint to SMc preamp/buffer (still without volume control)
- Balanced cables from preamp to SMc monoblocks
- First, taking the preamp/buffer out of the signal path and running balanced cables directly from the passive Goldpoint volume control to the SMc amps, and then
- Second, moving the Mystique closer to the Antipodes DX L3, which I can use as both Roon Core and Endpoint and therefore output USB directly from the DX to the Mystique V3. I have both Curious and Totaldac USB cables here to try along with W4S recovery and ifi stuff I can use in-line if I want. When I used USB, my preference was simply the Totaldac cable. I will still need the Goldpoint sitting over by the amps to control volume and can try this approach both with or without the preamp/buffer.
The other possibility is to try a different endpont with a USB output, such as the SOtM trio that I used to own.
I would like to get this figured out since the Mystique is possibly good enough to consider trading in on one of the new EVO models, which will be going up in price in January. I will not yet say the Mystique V3 is flat out better than the Adagio but it plays harder and fuller in the bass and has perhaps a bit more tonal color over all. So far, what I would call it is a very musically addictive DAC.