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Where to invest the most in the "digital chain"?

Dear All,

I'd love to get everyone's opinions on where best to invest/invest the most, in the "digital chain".

Using my current "basic" system as an example I have very good Internet service into a very good router with the stock PSU on a dedicated power conditioner strip with an ifi AC iPurifier. From there I have Audioquest Pearl Cat6 to a Cisco 2960G with an upgraded Russ Andrews Power Cable. There follows another AQ Pearl Cat6 to an English Electronics 8Switch with an ifi iPowerX. From there I have the Chord C-Stream Ethernet to my ifi Zen Stream with a 15V ifi iPowerX. Then a Wireworld Chroma 8 cable to an ifi iPurifier3 into a Zen DAC v2 also with ifi iPowerX. The EE8, Stream and DAC benefit from a power-conditioner/surge protector and a pair of AC iPurifiers.

I've got a SotM iSO-CAT7 on order which I am intending to put between the EE 8Switch and the network transport with a dCBL-CAT7u into the network transport.

Phew, that was a lot of words!

My question is, and this applies to all systems as a generic question, where is it best to invest the most? Should the best Ethernet cables and/or switches and/or isolators be first in the chain (i.e. from the Internet source) or at the end of the chain (into the DAC/Music Streamer/Network Transport)? Similarly, where should the best power supplies be placed? Or does it all matter equally?

This is purely about the digital chain, I'm well aware that great speakers and a great AMP with good power and speaker cables make all the difference too!

I'm interested in opinions and I will of course experiment for myself.

jabbaman
jabbaman OP
56 posts
 

Magic question! My current DAC is under £200 and being realistic I can't justify spending over £1k anytime soon.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,655 posts
 

After being disappointed with two streamer purchases ( Roon Nucleus, Aurender A10)  I have to agree with others spend the most on a DAC and buy the streamer that has the output you need and software you like to use.

I found very little (more different then better) improvement going from an optimized PC based system to the Aurender A10 and an actual down grade in sound going to the Roon Nucleus.  

jabbaman OP
56 posts
 

A consensus seems to be forming around investment in the DAC itself and good power and clean signal to the DAC. This is interesting

ghdprentice
6,950 posts
 

First the best DAC that you can afford. Then an equivalently high quality streamer. They both matter, and should be of similar caliber to your preamp, and amp… meaning , well chosen and of equal investment.

 

My theory based on my experience with lots of streamers and not a lot of experience playing with exotic switches and cabling is that you have an opportunity to get spectacular streaming sound quality ether by getting a top notch streamer (I have owned: Aurlic Aries G2, Aurender N100, N10 (auditioned and with many friends that own) and W20SE. Or a slightly lessor one and playing with your networking infrastructure.

 Streamers are critical components. You can then get small increases in sound quality by playing with infrastructure (like interconnects and power cords). Or you can get a slightly lessor streamer and fiddle with your network. From my experience with streamers… you want a really good one.

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,785 posts
 

Yes , I believe a great DAC needs an equally good digital front end.   I just ordered a streamer to go with my DAC.  The Vault sounds good but I question the quality of its coax digital out.   I will find out Thursday if this line of thinking is correct   
 

I really like my current DAC but I can trade up within a year (June) and I might just do that

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