2. digital
  3. 191108-164451

What front end piece should I upgrade?

I am requesting suggestions for the next upgrade of the front end of my system.

I currently have a Small Green Computer i5 running Quobuz and stored music files through a Sonore ultraRendu as a Roon endpoint, Audioquest Carbon USB cable into a PS Audio Directstream Junior.  The DAC was purchased used about a year ago and although it provided better SQ than the DAC in my Oppo 105, I find the low end to be weak and with some slight high frequency sibilance / harshness.  Sound stage, definition and musicality, otherwise and particularly in the midrange is significantly better than the Oppo.  I had purchased the Junior with hopes of using it as the bridge Roon endpoint, but found the SQ far superior with the ultraRendu.

This front end is connected via balanced older Monster interconnects to a Simaudio Moon 600i integrated amp, (purchased used to replace a Rogue Sphinx) through Kimber cables ending with Sonus Faber Sonetto Vs.  I have found the increased voltage of the 600i over the Sphinx to help the Sonettos open up even at low volumes.

Age early 70's, I primarily listen to Classic Rock, Classical Orchestra, Blues and "Folk-Jazz" (Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt and dare I say, Diana Krall). 

I am happy with the current level of music definition / resolution but find that I fatigue after an hour or so.  I've done a bit of low-end equalization through Roon which helps there but find that in doing so, I hear a little bit of noise, distortion or harshness in voices that I do not hear when I remove the equalization from the path.  I think I would prefer a little more warmth overall especially if it doesn't sacrifice resolution or definition. 

In summary,  I feel the front end of my system is the limitation and would like to better match the front end with the level / quality of the amplifier and speakers.  Used equipment is fine. I do not live in an area where listening to systems is an option and most reviews have left me clueless, confused and don't appear to take into consideration the equipment I would like to keep in the system.

Any suggestions would be appreciated and I will respond to any questions and share my choice and experience after a decision is made.  THANK YOU

seaside
gdaddy1
135 posts
 

It appears you try "low end equalization" with added distortion. Why? Are you lacking bass?

It sounds like you could eliminate the use of the EQ and add a subwoofer to fill in the richness of low end. It appears to sound just fine otherwise.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,114 posts
 

Does the Jr. have a built in preamp? If so, have you tried playing with volume level on it? When I had the DSD MkI best sound was with volume set at 92. Reduced the overall noise. One other suggestion, if you’re using RCA cables, try XLR. You might get your bass improved a bit and it might sound better overall. Also, Kimber cables are not warm and paired with open and resolving Sim Audio amp could be the source of your fatigue. You can try different speaker cables. 
This is before you upgrade anything.
Now to the upgrade…depending on your budget, there are better DACs out there. I’m using Chord Hugo TT2 now and it has a good amount of tuning as far as output is concerned. It has a super low noise floor, is more resolving than the PS Audio DSD MkI but not as warm sounding. It could be the upgrade you’re looking for. Then there’s always a DSD MkI that’s going to be an improvement over your Jr. and can be had for under $1500. It’s going to retain the PS Audio sound signature but should have better bass and should be better overall.

There are many other good choices out there. What’s the budget?

soix
9,537 posts
 

Well, there are certainly better DACs out there that would likely be less fatiguing.  What’s your budget?  I’d also upgrade those old Monster interconnects as they’re not likely doing you any favors either. 

More to discover