Thoughts on DAC option

What’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?  Where are you located?

Changing DAC won’t fix that problem. Biggest culprits there are recording quality, room acoustics, speakers and inadequate bass. Top end harshness can be balanced out by adding a sub. 

I ran Auralic Vega some years ago, this not your issue, Vega exposing some other weakness in system.

Your DAC seems solid, I would not change it to try and solve this problem. Do you notice a difference when streaming from the PC vs. the Mini? In both cases, what type of connection are you using to connect to the DAC?

Speaker performance and interaction with room acoustics have by far the biggest impact on sound quality. You might want to consider getting a measurement microphone and putting the REW program on a laptop. Then run a frequency sweep and review the results. You may be surprised as to how uneven the response is. That can be addressed with acoustic room treatments, adjusting speaker placement, and/or adding room correction.  I added room correction to my system and got an improvement in SQ that was well beyond any equipment change I've made. 

There have been many good suggestions so far. In addition, I would experiment with the filter options on the Vega. When I owned one years ago, they definitely could impact the sound. This will not make huge changes, but it's free.

You might benefit from a EQ in the system to take down the top end of the Krix by 2-5 dB when you are playing rock. In looking at the graphs in Australian hi-fi, the response, though smoother and flatter than most, does rise by a few dB between 1 kHz and 10 kHz. This definitely could manifest as sounding "harsh" on many current recordings. 

If I were you, and, because your speakers and components seem quite satisfactory, I'd start with doing some experimenting with your cabling.  Cables can make or break any quality audio system.  Happy listening.       

Vega has a pretty decent DAC section and built-in analog preamp designed to minimize distortion and noise. So I agree with all the gentlemen suggesting you leave the Vega as is and focus on the cabling instead. Refining cables to tune the sound is a great approach—it works in my system, though it does cost money. Speaking from my own experience, if someone as frugal as I am doesn’t mind spending on cables, nothing should stop you.

When it comes to interconnect cables, DH Labs and Cardas are two affordable brands worth considering. In general, DH Labs’ silver-plated series offers more dynamics and punch in the low end, while Cardas’ pure copper provides a smoother presentation. Both feature gas injection to vacuum the line, reducing dielectric constant and capacitance that sort of good stuff.  The choice ultimately comes down to personal taste. Beyond their price point, the law of diminishing returns kicks in—and it’s up to you to decide whether you want to go further down that rabbit hole.

I don't associate the Chord sound as smoothing things out. 

You might consider a network filter.  If placed before your streamer it can smooth thing out by reducing jitter.  It did for me.  Good luck.

Even if the DAC was your culprit (which I highly doubt), a Chord would be a poor choice of replacement. They are not remotely smooth or analog sounding IME. 

I wonder what the output impedance is of your hybrid amp. If it is relatively high like some other Prima Lunas, that could be your issue. 

Thank-you all for your insights, very much appreciated.  A few questions to address:

Budget is flexible but should be in line with the system as a whole.  I'm in New Zealand and the system as a whole is currently sitting around NZD 20k.

In terms of cabling / connections:
The PC is connected to the Vega via a Supra USB cable.  
The streamer is connected via a Kimber Illumin digital coax cable.
The interconnect from DAC to AMP is an Audioquest King Cobra.  I tried the AQ Water, but it just sounded odd in terms of imaging so went back to the King Cobra. Now wondering if the Cardas Pure Copper could improve on this.
Speaker Cables are Transparent Audio Laboratory Musicwave Plus 10AWG.  Currently bi-wired.

The mini sounds clearer to me, but has more of the issue.

The microphone suggestion is something I have been thinking for a while.  The room is a known big issue, large, tall ceilings, prone to echoes, odd shape, just about everything you don't want.  Measuring would be very revealing. There is a definite base bump at about double the listening distance, and this does smooth things out somewhat. I do wonder whether any changes made to accommodate the bad room could be detrimental to the system in a good room.

The Vega filters, interesting, I will try this again. When this was first added to the system I had a play, but couldn't hear any difference. That said, several upgrades have been made since that could reveal this.  Each time I feel like the sound is technically better, but somehow less engaging. 

EQ, I've not explored options for this.  Wouldn't know where to start.  I'd prefer to find a permanent balance if possible.

And a couple of comments that strongly indicate the Chord sound won't be helping things here. The 2Qute is currently sitting at NZD720 with a linear power supply. Tempted to secure it for a second system in the future.  The problem with New Zealand is the lack of ability to try before you buy. You either buy and sell again if it isn't a good fit or find someone willing to lend you their gear...

Network Filter could be an option for the PC, but the mini is connected via WiFi. Auralic recommend this approach.

Output impedance is an interesting question. I don't have answers, but an interesting question! I can only find information on the pre-amp section:
"The first tube boosts the input voltage by only 7dB (2.24 times) while the other two tubes, connected in parallel in repeater mode, are matched to a transistor termination. In such a set-up, the output impedance is radically reduced, allowing the MOSFETS to do their job with minimal distortion."

The other improvements previously mentioned are:

• AMP power cable - Isotek Ultima
• Pre-Amp tubes - military grade Brimar 12AU7

Even though Auralic recommends WiFi over Ethernet, swapping to an Ethernet cable for my Auralic Aries g2.1 improved clarity and cleaned up tie end a bit. 
however I would not expect this to solve your problem. 

I don’t have better suggestions than what was already shared.

Network Filter could be an option for the PC, but the mini is connected via WiFi. Auralic recommend this approach.

You should get a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh system and run an Ethernet cable from that to your streamer as it bypasses the typically cheap Wi-Fi receiver in the streamer and usually results in better sound.  You could then also do a trial of something like a Stack SmoothLan filter that might help in your situation.  Best of luck. 

If you think changing the DAC will improve on that harsh frequency area, Chord will not help but we can try a R2R DAC. There are few that are not expensive and those DAC in general are a little more relaxed in that frequency area. Still keeping the details. 

I was in the same camp with a Pontus II and switched to an Audio Mirror Tubadour and the difference is remarkable. 

@soix 

+1

@glenmschneider  @soix the streamer is close enough to the router to give this a shot. I'll see where this takes me, along with the Vega filters. Google on the way for the smoothlan.

@miguelderivero an R2R has been on my mind. May have a route to try before I buy on this one. 

@fastricky the Tubadour is intriguing. Unfortunately looks like one of the many options i would struggle to see down here at the bottom of the World. Keeping my eyes open though as it sounds very promising for my tastes.

Great suggestsuggestia good variety of price points. I do love these forums and the people in them so willing to share their knowledge. Thank-you.

@incoming Used Tubadours are plentiful on USAudioMart.com, worth the plunge if you're looking for warm analog like tone. 

military grade Brimar

Nice NOS tubes for sure

Much cleaner than a couple of Mullards I tried, that's for sure.  Also picked up some pretty well priced Jan Sylvania military spec tubes, but waiting until the Brimars have done their dash.  An Audiogon member rated those in his Prima Luna.

Which I now realise I put in the description as Frank 

The amp is actually the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated - Floyd

The Audio Mirror Tubadore V is 110v and would need to be modified to run on 240v.  Assume the rest of the Tubadore range is the same.

From Audio Mirror:

Adding this detail here in case anyone searches for similar information.

Have you considered getting a Umic and take a measurement of your system AND room before you buy any new components instead of treatment 🤔??

( did just see that someone already suggested mic )

The Audio Mirror Tubadore V is 110v and would need to be modified to run on 240v.  Assume the rest of the Tubadore range is the same.

From Audio Mirror:

It can be converted, but need some soldering inside.

I can convert it if you send it to me.

Vlad 

 

Adding this detail here in case anyone searches for similar information.

Good point! 

Changing to a wired connection on the Auralic mini seems to have made a huge improvement. Will take some time to confirm but firm impressions are very promising 

I would look into isolation for components, and adding super tweeters, that got rid of any harshness left in my system... Also power conditioning, I use equitech and that also wiped out any harshness remnants 

My DAC is a Schitt Yggdrasil OG with all the upgrades, and I did install Synergistic Research fuses everywhere I could which added a very analog quality to things and I highly recommend 

I have the PL hybrid also and have been dealing with the same issues you’re describing. And that is with a tube DAC. In the last couple weeks I managed to solve (at least it feels that way) the problem. 
I watched a YouTube video about speaker placement and followed the steps. I replaced my RCA and speakers cables with Cardas Parsec cables. These two remedies made an enormous difference in my system. 
That said, a nice R2R DAC should also help out. 

Sounds like you've already made some progress.  I'll just say that I love my Chord Qutest, but I have an all-tube system and I was looking for a "faster" DAC than the tube-output Doge 7 I had before.

Huey said it best:

 I want a new drug
One that won't make me sick
One that won't make me crash my car
Or make me feel three feet thick
I want a new drug
One that won't hurt my head
One that won't make my mouth too dry
Or make my eyes too red

[Chorus]
One that won't make me nervous
Wondering what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I'm with you
When I'm alone with you

You need a new DAC.

Your experience with DACs is similar to mine.  I originally purchased a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic and then upgraded to the Auralic Vega.  HUGE improvement in sound quality!  I then started reading about the Chord DACs and was able to demo a Chord Hugo TT2.  WOW!!!  The difference in sound quality to me was STUNNING!  I would recommend you demo a Chord Hugo TT2 and skip the Chord 2QUTE.  It may cost a little more, but the difference is amazing! 

I use an AudioQuest Carbon USB cable between my PC and DAC and the sound is incredible!       

Once you have bought your latest heart’s desire, you could have a bit of fun for next to no expense.. 

Find a second hand Japanese made HHB CDR 830 

Stick it in ’monitor’ mode and use the DAC in that. It’s 24bits of top end, all your ears will need... lusciousness.  You can even adjust digital gain and balance and the analog is pass through. It also has a darn good headphone amp section. 

The only DAC I have experience with is a Shiit Byfrost. In my opinion, it is excellent. Not lacking anywhere that I can tell.

Be careful with the router distance from your system. Both the wi-fi signal & the EMI from the cheap router wall wart can cause you problems. chatGPT recommends at least 10 feet. 
I ended up stealing the Ethernet backhaul from my main downstairs router for my mesh system and ran it directly to my Aurender, and moved my 2nd router to the other side of the room, switching to a wireless backhaul. 
Cleaned things up quite nicely. 
BTW, I own a Chord DAC. Would not call it warm, but clean, accurate, fast & articulate, especially with a good LPS & proper isolation. 
Good luck!

One more thing, since you can’t demo (many of us can’t), I have found chatGPT to be very valuable. It has provided a number of low cost tweaks that have brought my system to a new level. 
You can ask it for the sound characteristics of any component vs another. It can tell you how those characteristics can affect various music genres & make overall recommendations. Also great for accessories. 
Just yesterday, I was comparing my Chord to a Holo May. The May won 3 out of 5 genres & overall, but I was surprised how well the Chord held its own. I’m keeping it and my $7,000… at least for now. 

@signaforce  - Interesting post, I have found AI to be a useful tool for helping make decisions between components that I cannot compare in my home where it matters. Ask a question related to some critical factor between two pieces of equipment and it will help you sort it out...it doesn't have all the answers any more than any of us do, but its a non-judgemental opinion with no axe to grind. That neutral opinion forces me to confront my own particular biases and think outside the box.

@celtic66 I love those lyrics...perfect for the place I am in life. Thanks for posting that, it made me smile 

The Link is the latest Model Released of the Topping D90, which is similar monies to the Chord as a new purchase price.

The user adjustable interface in the new D90, is going to receive much favour and might be the option that creates the success of its sales campaign.

Time to come of the Gas a little, act in haste - repent at leisure.

I strongly recommend when budgeting $1K, learning what is on offer from the D90 III is to be a worthwhile undertaking.

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/topping-d90-iii-discrete?srsltid=AfmBOooA1n5gIo67x6Qd1utWs8Kuf632LdkCabvczQ6KZhVKYx-Oq0_6

Before spending on such tweaks as fancy cables and isolation footers, or even before spending thousands on new components, I'd take a close look at the acoustic properties of the room. Fixing slap echo, killing first reflections -- those are things proven by science and thousands of listeners to improve imaging and tonality and reduce listening fatigue.

I am surprised no one has suggested your source is a weak link.  I am a firm believer in the "garbage in is garbage out" in audio.  

I am not familiar with the Auralic Aries Mini but my internet search suggests it is dated and was never an audiophile component when it was new.

I missed your price point in the discussions, I have an Innuos streamer and love it and the Sense app, but I know their entry products are getting expensive.  

A new or used streamer is where I would look to upgrade your system.  If you can afford an Innuos or something similar I think it would punch the ticket for you.

I am surprised no one has suggested your source is a weak link.  I am a firm believer in the "garbage in is garbage out" in audio.  

Yup. I agree @rikkipuu , once one has heard what a great streamer/player can do there is no going back. 

A new or used streamer is where I would look to upgrade your system.  If you can afford an Innuos or something similar I think it would punch the ticket for you.

He is in New Zealand, he has got to try Antipodes! 

Seriously @OP even if one of their streamers are out of your budget at the moment, you must be curious how it might change the sound you get? I would love to hear your impressions- I may incorrectly assume it must not be hard to demo one if you are in the manufacturer's country? Are you close to a dealer who carries them, or are you able to travel there and demo one in their listening room? 

And I also owned those Transparent Musicwave plus speaker cables a while back, yes, they were very average.