2. digital
  3. 131208-2280

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
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
621 posts
 
I'm quite interested in what the LPS-1 does for your system.

The LPS-1 is a definite improvement over the iPower supplied with the SPDIF Purifier. Bass is fuller, tighter and extended. Highs are extended and clean, not searing! Voices are natural and full. 
With the iPower there was a slight graininess to the sound. With the LPS-1 all graininess is gone and the background is blacker than ever. Nuances are easier heard, instruments are better separated and natural. Dynamics are improved and imaging is off the charts.
I was very surprised at the results. With all of the iPower literature and hype I thought it would be a dead race but the LPS-1 proved to be a very worthy addition.
My thoughts are the SPDIF Purifier is the last device to "work" on the signal before the DAC. Part of what it does is to clean up re-clock, and pass the signal galvanic-ally  isolated. The digital signal is so fragile that any negative electrical abnormality will interfere. The LPS-1 offers a clean and pure power source so the SPDIF Purifier can perform at its best!

At the cost of less than a power cord, pair of IC's, speaker cable, esoteric tweeks, and tubes, the LPS-1 is a a very solid addition/investment/ recommendation to any low DC powered component. Only drawback is that your limited to 3.5,5, and 7v. Hope that Uptone will make a larger version for 12v DC and higher gear someday. 

Chris
gareneau
110 posts
 
Thanks for the detailed response back, Chris. Glad to hear it's been a worthy addition -

Gary
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
I bought one of these and am very impressed with the build quality, finish, and overall heft of this power supply for 12V 3.5a :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Accubasston-Steady-Linear-Power-Supply-12V-15V-24V-DAC-Phono-Head-Amp-Steamer/172861338756?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Dave

dskinner5
45 posts
 
Aurender  vs Auralic G2,  or suggestions direct to amp connection
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.

More to discover