I have LS50's on a pure digital system using a Pi/Allo Digione streamer and a Schiit Gumby, it sounds great. The Gumby will give you that smooth sound you are looking for at a lower price than the Yggy. That said, you should first try a dedicated streamer, they can make a huge difference. The Node is okay as a standalone streamer, I have one, but I think folks on this forum could suggest something better, and less complicated than the Pi, yet still priced reasonably.
Warming up digital in my setup
Here's my setup:
Hint6 (using embedded DAC)
Kef LS 50
PSA Subwoofer (x2)
DIY Mogami 4 wire speaker wire
Source: iPhone + Amazon Music HD + USB cable
I can't quite dial in the my digital setup with the above gear - hoping you can help. Bright glassy is what I get, but what I want is warm, organic, depth of sound. I'm able to achieve the latter using analog. Is it possible with the Hint6 DAC?
Here's some info on the DAC:
- ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)
- Asynchronous USB 2.0 supports PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit
- USB input decodes Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DoP DSD
- ...
- 35 posts total
Your description reminds me of every time I have heard KEF speakers, especially the LS50. Bright, hard metal tweeters aren't helping. Try a speaker with a folded ribbon, like a Golden Ear stand mount.
As for DACs, I tried a bunch of ESS chip DACs and found them all glassy and hard sounding. I ended up with a Denafrips Pontus II. I tried to avoid Chi-Fi, but after trying cheaper DACs from Cambridge Audio, Project, FiiO, and the Schiit Gumby, I gave in and got the Pontus II. Still breaking it in, but it seems to avoid that harsh, glassy sound without losing any detail retrieval. |
@zlone I'm intrigued by your Pi/Allo setup. Early on, my first headphone setup used a Pi w/ HiFiBerry Hat. It worked out really well to stream Spotify -- it was basically set and forget. I still have a few raspberryPi 3 and 4, so I'll check this out and report back! |
- 35 posts total