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Looking for Better Jitter Reduction in a DAC

I'm looking to improve the jitter control in my digital setup, which hopefully will create a more analogue presentation. I own a PS Audio PW Memory Transport, which sports a FPGA, and a Nuwave DSD DAC with a scaled-down version of the gate array.

   I have owned a Chord which uses this technology and it was like listening to analogue recordings. I sold it only because it's soundstage was very forward, like sitting in the front row of a concert hall. My current PS Audio setup has wide and deep imaging, as does my Atma-Sphere preamp.
   I have auditioned the Schiit Grundir and it was a bit too fast in the attack and transients, but had the dynamics and deep imaging that I like. So, I guess what I'm looking for is a unit with a laid-back, realistic musical presentation.

The Mytek Digital Stereo192 DSD and Blue Circle DAC are in my price range, but there is no way to audition them.
  So any recommendation and advice is appreciated. DSD preferred, budget is about $1200 used.


128x128lowrider57
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Great idea, @dskinner. I went direct from DAC to amp and the sound is very pleasant. Still sounds like music is from a digital source, but nothing offensive at all. In fact, the amp is warm with nice tube bloom but is lacking the deep imaging that the preamp provides.

Could the output of the DAC be overdriving the preamp? I have a single-ended system with a push-pull tube amp and an Atma-Sphere UV-1 pre. The DAC outputs 2.8V RMS (unbalanced).

I will tube-roll the 6SN7's in the preamp and see if that is the cause of the harshness. My gut says no because I'm using 1950's RCA Blackplates.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Dave, it looks like that LPS is one of a kind. Using Google, I haven't seen any others.

I contacted Steve Nugent about a Synchromesh purchase and he recommended trying a few things first. He believes that so called "digital" power cables using filters can increase jitter. So I sent the JPS digital cable back and now I'm using quality shielded cables on my digital. I also bought a new 1.5m S/PDIF cable and a Lifatec Toslink.

 I had a financial setback due to some medical bills which makes it impossible to buy a new DAC at this time. I could afford the Mytek Stereo 192-DSD-DAC, which gets great reviews, but is 5 years old and does not have a Femto clock like the Brooklyn.
So my next move is to give the iFi iPurifier a try and see if my preamp is causing problems.

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Hi lowrider,

Very sorry to read of your medical situation and I understand that completely.

I cannot speak to the JPS power cord from personal experience, but I do not see anything about it or any other quality power cord that could increase jitter.

A cleaner AC feed can do nothing but good for a digital front end and should keep digital hash from returning to the AC source for the analog playback chain. Let your ears be your guide.

Dave
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
621 posts
 
Yes I agree with Dave letting your ears lead you. The iPurifier will
take about 100-200 hours to reach its full potential. Music Direct has a 60 day return policy so you should be good with respect to burn in.

Going through some medical expences for the last couple of years too. It’s a b---- but part of life. Hope all goes well for you in that regard.

Chris
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Dave and Chris, many thanks for the good wishes.

My review of the JPS AC-X... Extremely effective and affordable as an all in one filter/conditioner power cord. In my case, I did not need such powerful filtering since I have dedicated lines and 2 upstream power conditioners. Even with the AC-X plugged directly into the wall from the DAC, the soundstage was compressed compared to my other PC’s. Using a shielded cable into a Brickwall provided the best results.
The issue may be that my DAC doesn’t bleed any noticable noise back to the mains, plus I already have a very a very low noise-floor. Anyway, my digital harshness doesn't seem to be power related.  I would recommend trying this cable in a system w/o clean power.

BTW, the cable was burned-in by running an air conditioner thru it via an adapter for one week.

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