[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
Hi guys, I've just picked up a power supply, as Farnell UK is only about 10 minutes drive from me. But the PSU has detacthable tips, and says that the correct polarity should be observed: "Positive Inner" or "Negative Inner". Does anyone know which I should use? As "budget" as my AV equipment is, I don't want to blow it all up! -- FunkyMunkey FunkyMunkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
bludragon;162599 Wrote: > My experience with DAC's are that the effect is subtle I guess you're talking about classy DACs then? I played with a Dac-Ah recently and the sound was very different from the SB2 or Denon. Very warm. Didn't care for it too much... jan -- jmourik jmourik's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7123 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
bludragon;162599 Wrote: > err, which contacts? Plugs that are plated shouldn't need cleaning, > bare speaker wire will oxidise over time, but rather than clean it, you > can cut the end off and re-strip it. The plating is never perfect and should normally be cleaned. In another thread recently, what to do with wire was discussed; your approach is fine, but a soldered contact (or just tin the wires) gives long-term protection, and you don't run out of cable! bludragon;162599 Wrote: > To me, adding a linear psu made no difference, although adding a DAC > (albeit one quite a bit more expensive than the one you're looking at) > made a nice improvement. My experience with DAC's are that the effect > is subtle, unlike an amp, or speakers, but over a relaxed listening > session, the improvement is very worthwhile. i.e. it is hard to notice > a difference with quick AB's, but if you listen to an album with one > dac, and then switch to another, the difference becomes much more > apparent. I think the quality of the mains affects the PSU benefit - maybe your mains is good. Strongly agree with your comments on AB vs long-term listening; even when the differences are obvious (e.g. speakers), I still like to have a long time to decide which I *really* prefer. Adam -- adamslim SB3 into Derek Shek d2, Shanling CDT-100, Rotel RT-990BX, Esoteric Audio Research 859, Living Voice Auditorium IIs, Nordost cables adamslim's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7355 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
err, which contacts? Plugs that are plated shouldn't need cleaning, bare speaker wire will oxidise over time, but rather than clean it, you can cut the end off and re-strip it. To me, adding a linear psu made no difference, although adding a DAC (albeit one quite a bit more expensive than the one you're looking at) made a nice improvement. My experience with DAC's are that the effect is subtle, unlike an amp, or speakers, but over a relaxed listening session, the improvement is very worthwhile. i.e. it is hard to notice a difference with quick AB's, but if you listen to an album with one dac, and then switch to another, the difference becomes much more apparent. -- bludragon bludragon's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1530 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
adamslim;162583 Wrote: > Or if you want to be able to find it with an online search, you could go > for Caig Deoxit ;) > > They have a 'Technicians' survival kit', as I remember, which has all > you need for about £20. > > Adam I know, I really should learn how to spell :=) -- tomjtx tomjtx's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7449 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
tomjtx;162486 Wrote: > Craig D Oxit followed by Craig Pro-Gold. You can buy it at Fry's > Electroncs (cheapest prices) or online @ MusicDirect Or if you want to be able to find it with an online search, you could go for Caig Deoxit ;) They have a 'Technicians' survival kit', as I remember, which has all you need for about £20. Adam -- adamslim SB3 into Derek Shek d2, Shanling CDT-100, Rotel RT-990BX, Esoteric Audio Research 859, Living Voice Auditorium IIs, Nordost cables adamslim's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7355 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
FunkyMunkey;162481 Wrote: > Sorry... one last question: > > What do I clean the contacts with, and where can i get it?! Craig D Oxit followed by Craig Pro-Gold. You can buy it at Fry's Electroncs (cheapest prices) or online @ MusicDirect -- tomjtx tomjtx's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7449 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
Sorry... one last question: What do I clean the contacts with, and where can i get it?! -- FunkyMunkey FunkyMunkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
FunkyMunkey;162199 Wrote: > I spent ages making the speakers solid, but I haven't cleaned the > contacts. Would this also apply to the contacts on the amp? Yes, all contacts should be cleaned. Tom -- tomsi42 SB3, Rotel RC-1070/RB-1070, dynaBel Exact, Kimber Kable 4TC and Timbre. tomsi42's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2477 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
adamslim;162113 Wrote: > Sane and cheap audiophile tweaks might change this a bit: > - Making sure that your speakers are rock-solid (i.e. stands, spikes > etc) > - Cleaning contacts I spent ages making the speakers solid, but I haven't cleaned the contacts. Would this also apply to the contacts on the amp? -- FunkyMunkey FunkyMunkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
ezkcdude;161956 Wrote: > good music > speakers > room placement (and it's free!) > amp > DAC > > transport > cables > insane audiophile tweaks Sane and cheap audiophile tweaks might change this a bit: - Making sure that your speakers are rock-solid (i.e. stands, spikes etc) - Cleaning contacts I think I'd put these ahead of cables on your list. Adam -- adamslim SB3 into Derek Shek d2, Shanling CDT-100, Rotel RT-990BX, Esoteric Audio Research 859, Living Voice Auditorium IIs, Nordost cables adamslim's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7355 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
ezkcdude;161956 Wrote: > good music > speakers > room placement (and it's free!) > amp > DAC > > transport > cables > insane audiophile tweaks LOL! I'm not quite into "insane audiophile tweak" territory yet! I'll order a new PSU and see if that helps. Finger's crossed... -- FunkyMunkey FunkyMunkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
I too have a Derek Shek DAC, and recently upgraded my amp to a Parasound Halo A23. The amp made by far the bigger difference. I've since replaced the DS DAC with my own DIY DAC, and while I like mine better (it's staying), it's not as big a difference as changing the amp. That said, you must start with good speakers (which I also DIY'ed, so I can't help you there). In order of importance (most to least), my list would be as follows: good music > speakers > room placement (and it's free!) > amp > DAC > transport > cables > insane audiophile tweaks -- ezkcdude DIY projects page: http://www.ezdiyaudio.com System: SB3->EZDAC->MIT Terminator 2 interconnects->Endler Audio 24-step Attenuators (RCA-direct)->Parasound Halo A23 125W/ch amplifier->Speltz anti-cables->DIY 2-ways + Dayton Titanic 10" subwoofer He's not hi-fi, he's my stereo. ezkcdude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2545 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
adamslim;161839 Wrote: > If you think it sounds a bit thin, I'd be thinking about speakers - > Missions can always be a bit bright and lacking body, I have found. I > reckon the SB3 might be exacerbating a problem that was already > inherent in your system. Well, I only bought the speakers fairly recently, so I'd prefer another solution, really. -- FunkyMunkey FunkyMunkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
Much as I like my Shek DAC, I think you'd do better improving the rest of your system first. If you think it sounds a bit thin, I'd be thinking about speakers - Missions can always be a bit bright and lacking body, I have found. I reckon the SB3 might be exacerbating a problem that was already inherent in your system. If you're looking at sub-£200 then Wharfedale might be a good place to look, although spending a bit more (or hitting ebay) might give better results. HTH Adam -- adamslim SB3 into Derek Shek d2, Shanling CDT-100, Rotel RT-990BX, Esoteric Audio Research 859, Living Voice Auditorium IIs, Nordost cables adamslim's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7355 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
tomsi42;161764 Wrote: > Before spending any money - you are using FLAC or another lossless file > format ? If you are using MP3 or WMA - it could be that they are > compressed too much. > > I started with changing the power supply to a linear one, and that made > the SB3 as good as my CD player. You can then add a DAC afterwards and > improve both the SB3 and the CD player... All my music is ripped to FLAC (what a palava!). How much could I spend on a power supply? There's this one at Farnell UK, which was suggested here a few months back: http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=4264824&N=401 Would this be suitable? Thanks for your reply -- FunkyMunkey FunkyMunkey's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5042 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: New DAC, amplifier or speakers?
FunkyMunkey;161761 Wrote: > Hi guys, > > I am by no means an Audiophile, but you guys are, so I'd appreciate a > bit of advice! > > I've been running my squeezebox3 into a NAD C340 Amp and Mission 773e > speakers for the past couple of months, and am reasonably happy with > the sound, but it's a bit thin and involving compared to my old NAD > c521BEE CD player. > > I've been reading about DACs, and was hoping a £150ish one would make a > real difference to the sound - a Derek Shek DAC seems like a good > option. > > I know it's hard to comment without actually hearing for yourselves, > but would I be able to tell the difference on my budget amp? > > If so, should I get the old (d1?) or new (d2?) Shek DAC, or are there > any other £150ish DACs you could suggest? > > The music I listen to...? Some of my favourite artists are Roots > Manuva, The Roots, Stevie Wonder, DJ Shadow, Massive Attack. But I > regularly listen to things as diverse as Charles Mingus, Metallica and > The Flaming Lips. I hope that helps! > > Thanks in advance Before spending any money - you are using FLAC or another lossless file format ? If you are using MP3 or WMA - it could be that they are compressed too much. I started with changing the power supply to a linear one, and that made the SB3 as good as my CD player. You can then add a DAC afterwards and improve both the SB3 and the CD player... -- tomsi42 SB3, Rotel RC-1070/RB-1070, dynaBel Exact, Kimber Kable 4TC and Timbre. tomsi42's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2477 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
