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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
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,879 posts
 

I have no filters or anything special "cleaning " the ethernet.   Just the N200 connected via SPDIF so yes, the streamer is the clock.    

The N200 with my DAC sounds great,  it's much better than the Vault.  Like I said before,  demo a really good streamer and it's unlikely you'll want to take it out.

slbjbb
43 posts
 

I purchased DB Audio modified Mac mini and his DAC with all options. I also have an Audio Research CD player. The Audio Research and the DB Audio system are close but my preference goes to the Mac mini + DAC. I have used a streamer linked to the inboard DAC in my Classe pre amp and its not even close. 

My opinion is much like the rest of this stuff, don't use any weak link. There is no substitute for top quality across the entire chain.

 

jabbaman OP
56 posts
 

@slbjbb now that is super interesting, thanks for the insight!

slbjbb
43 posts
 

@jabbaman : for what its worth, my DB Audio digital front end has a Morrow audio level 6 digital cable as well as a level 6 power cord the DAC. The Mac mini is off grid powered by a 12 volt car battery. https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158212.0

Each step was a clear, audible improvement in detail, focus and soundstage. 

jerryrocks's avatar
jerryrocks
62 posts
 

I am coming at this from a slightly different angle. My Mac MCD500 has a great DAC, based on the ESS Sabre Reference 8-channel D/A converter in Stereo Quad Balanced mode.

My Node 2i, while competent, was the weakest link in my chain. I researched multi room players (love playing the music room and backyard at volume) and decided on the Cambridge Audio CXN v2. Better in every regard to the Node2i: tighter bass, smoother, nuanced, dynamic range improvement. Still go to vinyl for serious listening, but am enjoying the relatively modest upgrade immensely.

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