@fastfreight thank you - I stand corrected.
Upgrade to PS Audio Direcstream Mk1 and Mac Mini?
Looking at upgrading my digital sources and potentially getting a streamer. My Mac Mini just died so I need to do something- I use that for streaming Roon and Qobuz. I am also reading the excellent reviews for the new PS Audio Direcstream Mk2. I have the Mk1. People have recommended Rose150B. The Rose150B seems to be a great streamer, potentially not as good as a DAC as the PS Audio MK1/MK2 and not a great pre-amp. If I added a pre-amp to my chain like the Lamm 2.1 would I see a material improvement in sound vs going "direct" via the DAC? Trying to figure out, do I keep a mac mini type music server and upgrade to PS AudioDirectstream Mk2. Do I replace my PS Audio MK1 with a Rose150B or am I going to need a separate streamer and a separate DAC.
My current system:
PS AudioDirectStream DAC/Bridge2 - connected to MacMini music server running - using PS Audio device as pre-amp
Thiel 7.2 Speakers
Lamm M1.2 Monoblocks
Thx
Malcolm
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- 13 posts total
Hi Malcolm - I don’t have much to input on your question on pre-amp or not (although I prefer using my BHK Pre vs going direct), but if you stay with the MK I, I’d highly recommend removing the Bridge2 and going to an outboard streamer (I have the Airlens). It’s really a leap up over using the Bridge. Also if you’re not already doing this, dim the DAC’s screen - it cleans up the signal a lot. |
Appreciate all the suggestions. I am going to try putting a tube pre-amp in my chain and see what that does. I will then try putting a streamer connected to my PS Audio DAC and see what improvements that yields. i will then try a streamer/DAC combo and see how that is . (Something like a Rose150B) @audphile1 thx for suggestions regarding Roon. I think I should just consolidate to using Qobuz as I don't have a local set of files to manage. I do like the Roon interface but it seems like an unnecessary chain. |
@mwthorne i would start with the source. Adding a preamp will improve things but your source is still farm from ideal. The network bridge in the PS Audio DAC is known to not be the best. I really believe that the biggest bang for the buck is to start with the streamer. If you’re looking to potentially ditch Roon and focus on qobuz. a used Aurender N150 should be a good start. If you can swing the N200 even better. |
I just purchased a used Lamm 2.1 Deluxe Pre-amp. We will see if that improves sound vs going direct from PS audio. I am also considering tape so if this unit works it allows me to add tape to the chain. So impressed with quality of my 1.2 monoblocks from Lamm I thought I would stay with the same brand. After reading reviews I am considering the Meitner MA3 DAC/Streamer. It solves the Bridge 2 upgrade and many believe the DAC is superior to the PS Audio DAC Mk2. I am reading that people say the sounder is warmer/fuller than the PS Audio DAC. I am looking for a little more warmth in my system. You can get a used Meitner MA3 around 5K. Getting the PS Audio MK2 Mac plus a used streamer is a 10K proposition. Thoughts? Thx |
- 13 posts total