I will be surprised if changing streamers as suggested makes a big difference but you never know. With your high resolving gear perhaps. I’d try a different DAC at the source first, but that’s just me.
Also trying USB from streamer to DAC rather than coax or optical might be worth a try.
I’ve always used wifi for my hifi related network connections and find that works very well though there is a school of thought that says wired is better but also more subject to noise issues I suspect and hence also more problematic if so especially with a highly resolving system.
Regardless, I’d try the cheap/easy tweaks first before making any expensive changes with streamer. Just me. I’d also look at the sub option. Do it right to properly isolate and integrate the sub as needed (not hard) and that’s a clear win to start with. All you need is a sound meter app on your smartphone and a white noise internet station source to stream to get a sub integrated in pretty well. Of course with more bass there is potential for more room acoustics issues, but adding a sub to small speakers like those in a system like yours is likely most always a very good move. |
So much disagreement over whether a different streamer makes a difference. I guess the point will be moot if there is a great DAC that has a streamer. I once heard an Ayre Codex that sounded surprisingly good (not a Benchmark system though). I am not looking to better the DAC 3B, just looking for a different flavor. The Sub is also on my list if I can find a place to put it-the fact of life in big city apartment living. |
Whoops did you say apartment?
Sub might not be a good idea in that case where there are neighbors nearby. 😉 |
Exactly! DAC will probably be swapped first. I read the review YYsantabarbara provided on the Gustard and it sounds like a fantastic option. The reviewer actually liked it better than the Benchmark DAC3 (he liked it better than almost every other DAC) and he was running through an HPA-4. Thanks to YYsantabarbara for the link. I will keep everyone posted when it’s in house (I should say apartment rather!) |
I got permission to post this mini review of the Gustard X26 Pro. The A22 referenced is the Gustard A22. The A22 seems to sound like the DAC3B. Now for the X26 PRO:
The X26 PRO is potentially the warmest sounding DAC I have ever had in my system. It literally makes digital sound closer to the warm sound of vinyl than any DAC I have had. However, this warm sound does not eliminate detail. This DAC passes more detail than any DAC I have ever had, period. It is an entirely different experience listening to this DAC compared to the A22. The X26 PRO has a seductively warm sound while presenting low level detail that is difficult to comprehend.
I am generally not one to get off on details in a recording that were not intended (like cars going by in the background that were caught by mics in the recording). But I was listening to Tin Pan Alley (SRV) on Couldn't Stand the Weather, and approximately 7 min and 30 sec into that song there is what sounds like a car horn go off in the far, far right deep in the background. I have probably listened to that track 50+ times, and I never, ever noticed that. Seriously, check it out. I first heard it on my hi-rez vinyl transcription. I literally had to replay that part several times as I thought originally it was a car horn coming from outside my house. I then went on to check the CD version of this album (as perhaps this was an artifact of the vinyl version). And sure enough it is in the CD version as well. Not quite as prominite, but I could still hear it without straining.
The X26 PRO has a better soundstage. I think one of the hardest things for components to do is create an image in the deep rear corners (outside of the speakers). The X26 does this better than the A22. My speakers disappear in the soundstage better with the X26 than the A22. The X26 also offers a wider soundstage.
The X26 has better overall micro and macro dynamics. At low volume levels the X26's sound is so good and seductive.
Anyway, I could go on, and on. But the bottom line is that the X26 PRO is in a different class of DACs from the A22. The A22 is a great DAC for $1250. But at $1500, the X26 PRO is an entirely different animal. If you want a more neutral sound, the A22 is more neutral. But if you want a more vinyl kind of warmth with digital, the X26 PRO is an amazing value and performer at $1500. I will add to this with my review. A great DAC |
