VDS Posted October 27, 2021 Share Posted October 27, 2021 Hi, wondering if anyone has tried any high end digital streamers, or DDC’s and noticed a worthwhile difference. I’m using a Bluesound 2i with Terminator 2 Dac. Very noticeable improvement over laptop and previous Orchid Dac. I love so much about horns, but smoothness doesn’t seem like a chief attribute of horns. Trying to increase smoothness without adding a veiled or muddy sound. I rotate between a Pass XA25 and FW F3, with and Aric Audio 6sn7 pre. Just looking for experiences with high end digital front ends. Ted 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted October 27, 2021 Share Posted October 27, 2021 I streamed from a laptop for a long time and really liked it. I ditched the laptop and also went with a Bluesound Node 2i. I use a seperate DAC (Schiit Modius) and I'm borderline amazed at how good the sound quality is. Combined with a warm/smooth sounding amp and preamp.....I can dig it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fido Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 I use a a node 2I going usb out to a Hermès ddc and that goes to into a Denefrips Pontus via i2s cable. Sounds pretty darned good to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 The Streamer isn't going to be your choke point if you have a Terminator... Compression might be an issue, but I am sure your system is sounding very good already. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muel Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 d1-streamer-mk2 (totaldac.com) Nothing muddy or veiled there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakeydeal Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 You have a great DAC. I think the Node is your issue. I replaced mine with a Lumin U1 mini and it was more natural sounding, less hi fi. Im not sure horns will ever be as smooth as conventional speakers, but honestly, I wouldn’t want them to be. But you can take the perceived “edge” away with smart equipment choices and good placement. Shakey 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rplace Posted October 28, 2021 Share Posted October 28, 2021 What have you done to the room? If nothing start there. I bet it already sounds great. If you want to see if there is more to squeeze out I'd try a DDC like @Fido over replacing the node. 6SN7 pre and FW F3 is a darn good foundation. I'm running similar with Denafrips Venus II. After lots of changes I'm good for a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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