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Looking for Better Jitter Reduction in a DAC

I'm looking to improve the jitter control in my digital setup, which hopefully will create a more analogue presentation. I own a PS Audio PW Memory Transport, which sports a FPGA, and a Nuwave DSD DAC with a scaled-down version of the gate array.

   I have owned a Chord which uses this technology and it was like listening to analogue recordings. I sold it only because it's soundstage was very forward, like sitting in the front row of a concert hall. My current PS Audio setup has wide and deep imaging, as does my Atma-Sphere preamp.
   I have auditioned the Schiit Grundir and it was a bit too fast in the attack and transients, but had the dynamics and deep imaging that I like. So, I guess what I'm looking for is a unit with a laid-back, realistic musical presentation.

The Mytek Digital Stereo192 DSD and Blue Circle DAC are in my price range, but there is no way to audition them.
  So any recommendation and advice is appreciated. DSD preferred, budget is about $1200 used.


128x128lowrider57
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,105 posts
 
Thank you blindjim. Much appreciated.

I have the ISO Regen/UltraCap combo in house (finally). Initial impression is favorable. More heft in the bass and improved harmonic texture/richness on strings/piano/vocals. I will post more later after more time with it.

Dave
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Benchmark DACs have a smooth but detailed top end. They all have a forward presentation in the mid range. I think this works great for far field listening but might be too forward if you sit close to the speakers. Imaging is excellent if you like a tight precise sound field. The bass is extremely detailed and tangible (but not over emphasized) and this is probably the most noticeable difference versus other DACs.
@shadorne , thank you for the very detailed description. Much more informative than any of the reviews. It doesn't seem like this is the DAC I'm looking for.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
@stereo5 , @erik_squires , Thanks.
I have read about the Wyred4Sound dac2 and it may only be a horizontal move from the Nuwave.

The Mytek Brooklyn seems like it would be the right upgrade for me. It's now on my list, if the price is right.
muzikmann
56 posts
 
I think the OP should bump his budget a little and look at the Denafrips Pontus DAC which has I2S over hdmi.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
468 posts
 
I'm using a PSA PWT Coaxial out to an iFi SPDIF iPurifier ($150.00 Music Direct 60 day return policy) with excellent results! It sound good out of the box. After 200 hours of run in it has really hit its stride. Better instrument separation, imaging, sound stage, nuances, and defined bass response to name a few things. I have owned the Syncro Mesh and though it is a good performer, but the cost is way too high especially since you need to purchase the upgraded Dynamo PS for best results. I just purchased an Uptone Audio Ultra Cap LPS-1 that will be delivered sometime next week. I'm not sure if it is needed but thought to give it a try. Super quiet power supplies are a must to get the best out of digital audio.
Current Digital Front End: PSA PWT > Virtual Mode Coaxial Digital Cable > iFi SPDIF iPurifier> Digital Amplifier Company DAC TS version

I have had many different digital front end set ups over the years and this set up rivals the best of them.

http://http//www.cherryamp.com/dac-dac-d-to-a-convertor

https://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-spdif-ipurifier/

http://https//uptoneaudio.com/products/ultracap-lps-1 

Chris
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