I’m hoping the revised version of the DS DAC will include upgraded transformers, an improved power supply, and an even more capable FPGA. If this new DAC shows up in mid 2021 (as Paul has suggested) and doesn’t cost much more than the current DSD, I’m likely to take the plunge.
I would start with the DAC in your system. Have you heard a Holo Spring before?
I haven’t heard the Holo. I’m new to the higher end gear so don’t have a lot of experience to draw upon. All of the reviews I’ve read and comments on various forums lead me to believe it might be a good fit. I live about 15 miles from Kitsune HiFi so hoping to work out a deal to get a listen and test in my system. Do you have any thoughts on the Holo?
And thanks for the reply.
No like you only read the rave reviews. Since you are “local” and that is not the model they are currently pushing they may be willing to let you drive over and with a deposit let you try one for a period of time. Curious to hear what you think if you can work it out
Paul is talking about Teds new higher priced dac [15 to 20k] being released mid 2021…not a revised DS dac 2 as you state.
I’m slightly green with envy. The Rega Aura was getting rave reviews when I was looking to get an MC phono, just a bit more than I was prepared to spend. It’s meant to be fantastic. I’m slightly surprised the power supply is not in a separate box, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem.
Did having twin tonearms play a role in the selection?
The steps I would take would be:
- Iconoclast cables. Regardless of the conductor material you choose, these are a component level upgrade on any system.
- The Jay’s transport. I’m a big fan of his transports.
- A used --if I couldn’t afford new— PS Audio DSD. An amazing DAC that can be upgraded periodically for free. How cool is that?
going to start building a first watt f6, over the holidays. 
@mark-d Check out the “Modding the DirectStream DAC” thread for more info on what Ted is calling the DS Mk II. I think the earlier plan was to finish the TSS before the Mk II, but my understanding now is that the Mk II will be finished first - probably by mid 2021.
Which type of cable would you start with if you had to pick one category (power, speaker, interconnect), in terms of biggest bang for the buck, and why?
TIA.
Understand that this is my opinion and likely not everyone will agree but I think speaker cable and power cables can have the biggest (cable) impact on the sound of a system.
The least expensive conductor material, TPC, should get you 99% of the Iconoclast sound improvement.
And the BJC 10 gauge power cable are excellent bang for the buck.
I realized the most gain from the speaker cables. The synergy with the interconnects is there but less impactful.
I had the TPC for 2 years before upgrading to SPTPC. 95% plus is there in the TPC.
It’s hard to consider upgrades when your system sounds better than anything you could have imagined before you got it. That’s where I’m at. All with very modest cables. I remain in awe of what I have.
The Devialet Expert can handle two phono inputs, except the 140 model as it only has one pair of line inputs. So I still use the phono section for my high output cartridge. This dual phono capability was one of the reasons for getting the Devialet in the first place. There aren’t that many phono amps that can handle two, the PS Audio Stellar Phono ca, the Cyrus Phono Signature can handle four. Overkill?
So the external one is for the low output MC cartridge. As it was a bit of fun, the Devialet handles MC very well, I wasn’t prepared to go to Stellar Phono or Rega Aura prices. A friend did the same at the same time and got the Brinkman Edison II. Big WOW.
I also thought about this one, I like OL, but an unknown quantity.
https://www.originlive.com/hi-fi/phonostage-amplifier-cd-dac/phono-stage/phono-stage-mm-mc/
Thanks for the input.
Scott
Thanks for chiming in.
Appreciate it…
Scott
The single most important cable upgrade I’ve made was dispensing with the stock cable SME provides with my 309 tonearm (Van den Hul hybrid) with Cardas Clear Cygnus. Easily the best money I’ve spent on a cable of any type in the past few years. I can think of no other more sensitive cable anywhere in a system, that must transmit a signal that might be just 1-10 mV rms in level. Don’t count myself as an Iconoclast fanboy, btw. I have nothing against Iconoclast, but when I upgrade my IC and speaker cables I go up the Cardas ladder every time. I know what works for me in my system.
A decade ago, I chose M1 Musical Fidelity phono (down from the previous F25 which I sold) when I was using two turntables. I resumed the trend with PSA Stellar phono (major step-up) I will continue to use it with the Rega P15/ Apheta 3 in the foreseen future. I decided to put the Technics TT aside.
I’m with you as my current system is freaking amazing relative to what I had before. But I’m spending way too much time on the forum and need to start upgrading to keep up!
Btw, I recall in a previous post that you are in Dayton, OH. I was born in Dayton and grew up in Yellow Springs.