More expensive DAC the answer?

I am still trying to get a decent sound quality out of my system. Currently I am running an Audio Engine DAC and not really happy with sound quality. Would investing in a more robust DAC be of benefit?

mfdamon10-07-2018 3:06am

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audioengr Details Discussions Posts This discussion 3,282 posts 10-08-2018 at 05:36pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete IMO, your weak link is your digital source. This is just as important as the speakers and their placement. I would not expect miracles from a $169 DAC and a cheap transport by itself. Time to upgrade if you want to get better SQ. Expect to spend $1K for a decent DAC and keep the transport, but change to a good BNC S/PDIF coax cable with RCA adapters and add a reclocker between the transport and DAC. I would not mess with acoustics until you do these things. Only then will you achieve a focused stereo image with vocalists not being 2 feet wide. Steve N. Empirical Audio
lowrider57 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,396 posts 10-08-2018 at 07:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I agree that you should start at the source. The distortion you speak of may really be jitter from the DAC presenting as harshness thru the speakers. Additionally, as I stated above, a hollow sound may indicate that you need acoustic treatment added to your room. Without any treatment, soundwaves carrying the frequency spectrum, IOW bass, midrange, highs are not being directed to your listening position. The room is a major factor in reproducing audio. But your primary upgrade should be the DAC/transport digital chain.
lowrider57 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,396 posts 10-08-2018 at 07:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I agree that you should start at the source. The distortion you speak of may really be jitter from the DAC presenting as harshness thru the speakers. Additionally, as I stated above, a hollow sound may indicate that you need acoustic treatment added to your room. Without any treatment, soundwaves carrying the frequency spectrum, IOW bass, midrange, highs are not being directed to your listening position. The room is a major factor in reproducing audio. But your primary upgrade should be the DAC/transport digital chain.
mfdamon OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 21 posts 10-09-2018 at 03:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the great ideas gives me a few paths to follow.
mfdamon OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 21 posts 10-09-2018 at 08:06am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Based on ideas and advice given above I am going to try an Schiit Gungnir DAC, and go from there.

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