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after TT upgrade, digital sounds like crap- help

I listen to mostly digital, and a bit of high quality 180g, 200g, etc vinyl. I upgraded my turntable, cartridge, and rack yesterday. I'm having a problem now in that my digital chain is sounding quite pale in comparison to some of my favorite vinyl. It's not sounding bad, just a bit cold, stale, hollow, etc in comparison. I'm not down with this at all.

I'm wondering if anyone may be able to suggest a method (maybe new piece of gear) to help fill out, warm up, etc my digital chain. The vinyl is just sounding wider, warmer, fuller. The stereo width difference on a lot of the stuff I listened to last night was quite dramatic.

My system is comprised of the following:

1. B&W 683's
2. McIntosh MA6300 (used as preamp, power amp, and phono stage)
3. Mac Mini and Sonos Connect running, Audirvana for hires, Spotify and MOG
4. Oppo BDP-105 (used as DAC for Mac Mini via USB and Sonos via coax)
5. Rega RP3 + Elys2
6. Audioquest cabling where it counts
radambe
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
I was going to say that all PC setups I've heard were at audio shows and my one lame attempt at it and they always sounded a bit on the cool side. Detailed, yes, but not emotionally engaging. These were rooms that people raved about and I just didn't get it.

Like Chayro stated, try some good quality CDs and SACDs on the OPPO and see how you feel then. I just got a Marantz SA-15S2b and couldn't believe the weight and body it added along with exquisite detail and layering. But that's just me.

All the best,
Nonoise
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You could improve the jitter from the Sonos by adding a $600 Synchro-Mesh in-line. The USB on the Oppo is probably beyond help though. If the Oppo has a digital coax input, you could add a USB converter with separate power supply (to reduce jitter).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I fixed up my digital (CD only) to be 'as good' as my Lp sound by addingg a good 'tube buffer'.
I tried a cheap tube buffer and it was no better.. So Went big and bought a VAC Standard four tube preamp to use as a glorified tube buffer.
Used i paid $1,500 (for a preamp retail $4,000 with an added $1,000 in factory mods remote and better caps added)

The VAC Standard solved my digital issues.
I am now happy (several years on) with my solution.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Let me guess, you don't treat CDs. Am I right?
jperry
1,408 posts
 
"Let me guess, you don't treat CDs. Am I right?"

Treat them to what?
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