2. digital
  3. 179424-1665

Warming up digital in my setup

Here's my setup:

Hint6 (using embedded DAC)

Kef LS 50

PSA Subwoofer (x2)

DIY Mogami 4 wire speaker wire

Source:  iPhone + Amazon Music HD + USB cable

 

 

I can't quite dial in the my digital setup with the above gear - hoping you can help.  Bright glassy is what I get, but what I want is warm, organic, depth of sound.  I'm able to achieve the latter using analog.  Is it possible with the Hint6 DAC? 

 

Here's some info on the DAC:

  • ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)
  • Asynchronous USB 2.0 supports PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit
  • USB input decodes Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DoP DSD

 

   

 

128x128martinman
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jallan
295 posts
 

+1 for Yggdrasil!

kennyc
1,452 posts
 

@martinman 

Seems you’ve accepted that your DAC should be replaced.  If so, stating your budget would help us narrow down DAC options

dinosore
107 posts
 

I wonder how much of an improvement you can get with a dedicated streamer vs connecting your iPhone via USB.  Is there any way you can borrow something like a Node or a Zen Stream just to test?  Or maybe buy a Wiim Mini for $100 and use the digital out into the DAC in your Hint6 to see if the iPhone is your weak link.

poketacez
23 posts
 

Get a Border Patrol DAC and call it good. 

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
562 posts
 

A separate streamer and a DAC would be the way to go. 

IFI or Bluesound streamer.  $500 +.  I have updated power supply on Bluesound and it is a good improvement.

Denafrips, Schiit or Topping would be some DAC around $1K or less.  I have a $50 COAX from streamer to DAC.  There is lots of debate about whether USB is better

There are many options of course.  Some streamers have cumbersome interface to look for and play music 

An inline  filter is also an option such as a Network Acoustic ENO. 

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