Upstream Bottlenecks, Experience, Opinions, Meitner Dac

I would start with a better power cable. Especially with digital sources and DACs, well grounded cables with noise-reducing shielding will set you up with the right foundation. The Ethernet switch & cables and all will only be worth it once your streamer / server is at more of a reference stage.

If you do consider upgrading the streamer/server, consider one with a good clock and AES output. I believe EMM tends to work very well with AES vs USB, but YMMV. If keeping the Mac mini for a while, you can upgrade the USB cable if you haven’t already. That should yield just as big of results as the power cable.

Thanks bliss, makes sense. Yes, I have been using the original usb curious  cable for some time now. Along with Liederman USBe Perfect for jitter reduction. The sound is extraordinary. Will insert the Meitner tomorrow. I’ll investigate EMM. 

Sorry @bigwave1 - EMM is the reference line by Ed Meitner, and what I mention I believe also applies to you MA3, that there is good synergy with AES. 

@blisshifi , Good point. Even Johnny Rutan (Audioconnection) feels putting the best power cable on the DAC is a good move. -Though I am an Audioquest user.

Bob

we were a Meitner dealer for many years 

you must understand Meitner has a sound which is clean and detailed you maybe seeking a bit more warmth to the sound 

a good powercord footers and adding a great server may be what you need to take you to where you want to go with the Dac.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect nj.