Looking for Better Jitter Reduction in a DAC

My experience with curing 'digititus' has been via multiple tweaks that addressed each of the various elements in the digital chain. It was cumulative. There was no one 'silver bullet'.   Most of the significant improvements were based on cleaning up the power supplies. Digital backwash was one of many contributing culprits.   Harshness/shrillness is most noticeable in the high frequencies - but, the entire musical spectrum is affected.

Thanks, Steakster, you speak the truth. When I combined the digital and analogue components into the same power strip (no filtering), the result was a higher level of harshness. Returning to separate dedicated lines was a relief to my ears even though I was back to the baseline issue of 'digititus.'

For the next test, I ripped a Bruckner symphony to CD-R using XLD and the copy has the same hard edge to the brass section as the original.

I still think you may have a gain mismatch (2.8V into a power amp with a 1.0V sensitivity). It does depend a bit on the design of the amplifier's gain control. Does it come after an input stage? If so, that input stage could still be driven into clipping.

willemj, it makes sense that the gain control comes after the input. The way the specs read is Input Sensitivity 1.0V. 
The variable gain is listed as one of the features of the amp, as well as variable feedback control.

The sensitivity of your speakers and power of your amp will also dictate how far you can set the volume.
I agree with Steakster 100%.  Cleaning up the AC power and DC power with conditioners and LPS's is where I got the most benefit of clarity and quietness and relaxation.  The cables to and from the DAC can contribute to hi frequency hardness.  Once the power is cleaned up the differences and effects of cables are much more obvious.  I have 2 DAC's and neither sounded good with COAX but that may have been the lower end Kimber Cable I was using.  I have invested a bit in USB cables and reclockers and LPS on the reclockers with good results.  But like Steakster says eveything in the chain is adding or subtracting the digititus and the results are cumulative.  Its probably not one thing.

But like Steakster says eveything in the chain is adding or subtracting the digititus and the results are cumulative. Its probably not one thing.

I agree with this concept. So, here’s what I’ve been doing since my last post:

- Tried Harrison Labs attenuators, the highs were rolled off, so not a good test.
- Tried the soft dome speakers again and highs have a rough edge (sounds like distortion).
- DAC has the same harshness with my SS amp (Input sensitivity of 1.64V). No direct input like the tube amp, so preamp with 6db pad was used.
- Currently using the ifi SPDIF reclocker, but I2S still has better imaging with holographic sound thru my tube amp. Still sounds like distortion during high peaks.
- I got my Mac up and running and played CD rips thru USB. The sound is smoother than the transport, but still sounds harsh in the highs. Music was more enjoyable than with a spinner, so I will be expanding into computer audio. I’d like to give the Schiit Wyrd a try.
- Tried my backup CDP into the DAC via iFi SPDIF, same result as PSA transport.
- Now using all PS Audio AC-3 power cords; they are highly recommended for digital devices and sound terrific.
- Separate dedicated AC for analogue and digital.

The Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2 was suggested, so I’m looking for opinions on the this unit. There are several available currently.
But I’m wondering if this unit is too old; no femto clock, no DSD, but it will interface thru I2S with my PS PWT.

Don’t have the funds to move up to higher-end due to unexpected medical bills. As always, I appreciate any help.