Ive been thinking about bumping up my digital side of things. I currently use Roon Nucleos One as my media server and streaming source. It is connected to my network via a regular ethernet cable. At the end point, I have a DS Jr also connected to the network using a regular ethernet cable. DSJr, connected to my pre amp using balanced analog cables.
My main point of doubt is rather I should invest on a newer/better DAC or go the Airlens way an improve my signal path?
Try an iFI Ethernet purifier or whatever it’s called. I paid $89 with free delivery and a 30 day return policy. It took me 30 minutes to recognize the improvement and toss the return package.
If you are looking to upgrade the quality of your digital reproduction (as opposed to tweaking/making incremental improvements) and you have the budget for it, then I would research and shop for a new DAC.
The DS Jr. is no slouch but it no longer represents the latest and greatest from PS Audio, or other manufacturers. I have an AirLens and I found it to offer “only” an incremental improvement over the use of the PS Audio Ethernet Bridge (MK II) as a streamer.
Go for a new DAC if you have the funds. Otherwise, take PS Audio up on its trial offer and give an AirLens a spin.
In my experience the digital path is a never ending fight against noise.
As for sound quality improvements I suggest, in order of performance:
DAC
Server/streamer (and App used to control them)
Path Isolation (switch/filter - LPS)
Cabling (Ethernet and power cords)
Grounding components
It’s a long long journey, and the worst thing is that things change rapidly in digital domain so the investment must be well spent each time.
This forum and its members can help you a lot (I can assure you because I experienced that)… read all the threads available and don’t hesitate to ask.
The iFi LAN silencer would be a great little upgrade. Especially paired with a new BJC Ethernet cable.
But as other has mentioned if your budget allows upgrading your DAC will prob offer the most bang for you buck. Maybe look into trading in your Jr for one of the new Stellar DACs.
Thank you all for the inputs and thoughts. It helped me come to the conclusion my current dac is outdated. I guess I will start there.
On the budget side of things, I’d like to stay below $5k, but can budge on that if something makes sense.
I’ve been getting a lot a attention to the T+A DAC200. Clearly above my target, but everything I read about it is so good. It feels it can punch above its height. Let’s see. Obviously I will try to demo first whatever I decide to look at.
I will report back once I try stuff or have other questions…
I have a PS Audio DSD Jr. that I use more than any other DAC in my collection. I could have swapped it for a Mola Mola Tambaqui but I still love it. I will likely use it until it dies, if that ever happens. I have many other DACs, all way more expensive. But I love my Jr. Just saying.
@aangen I haven’t thought out exactly what to do with the Jr yet, but somehow I agree with you. Apparently it goes for around $1k used. For that kind of money it is not going anywhere.
For the others suggesting the MBL speaker (nothing against MBL) but I believe this is a bit outside the scope of this thread). Speakers can always be upgraded with positive results, but not contemplating this right now.
Don’t be in a hurry, you are currently in a very nice place. It’s fun to get new gear, but one must try to avoid baby steps, i.e. spending a not insignificant sum of money for an insignificant change. If it doesn’t blow you away don’t bother with it. Research for a while and listen to your nice system while you do.
For way less than say, a half a million dollars* we could open your ears and your eyes!
(* includes real good ice cream)
