budget tools and gear to improve my digital sound

I'm just using the conventional one that my provider gave me. That could surely be an issue. I'm not an expert in the matter.

So an idea would be get a switch?
 
alto said:
Testing some Ethernet cables let you know how much difference that makes.

Also PS to router or switch. If your in the Netherlands you could pick up an Sbooster PS cheap?
Click to expand...
I'm very interested in hearing your conclusion on the Ethernet cables.

Alto do you think it makes sense to incl. the router to a power distributioner, or do you want to keep those things seperated?
 
I have separate spurs for each piece of equipment. No mains sockets or fuses in the way, straight to the Consumer unit. I'm going to try different PS to the switch when I get one. Nonesup is waiting for his AQVOX switch and I look forward to his review.

Coming up I'm doing a equipment fuse shoot out. Let you know what fuse to buy.
 
EmiLiuZ said:
Hi Kuoppis :) I already got Spotify Premium, which I guess is the best one? Correct me if im wrong :D

The DAC in the U300 is surely not the issue. My purpose for upgrading in this direction is the get more of the same sound out my PC as from my transporter.

As I've described earlier in this topic, I'm on a budget due to the fact that I've borrowed most of my gear.

My DAC and my phonestage is surely not the issue either.

What I've have noticed though. Is that the PC streaming music, Isn't as close as the performance of a 250 USD transporter.

People are getting the consumption that my it's an issue why some of my gear. That's not the case.

I'm not interrested in standalone DACS etc. I'm interrested in small gadgets like the Jitterbug, to get that icing on the cake.
Click to expand...

Hi EmiLiuZ,

- if you have Spotify Premium that is not a root cause,
- as you have the Aavik - I am envious - and that is not a root cause either, the in-house DAC is supposedly very good.

- you could check your Internet connection to ensure you're getting enough bandwidth.
- you could check how much RAM your PC has left for buffering, the more the better - should have at least 4-8 GB of free RAM when playing.
- you could indeed try the Jitterbug/ Recovery etc. to see if they eliminate some magnetic/ electronic interference you are getting from the PC and which causes Jitter.
 
Kuoppis said:
Hi EmiLiuZ,

- if you have Spotify Premium that is not a root cause,
- as you have the Aavik - I am envious - and that is not a root cause either, the in-house DAC is supposedly very good.

- you could check your Internet connection to ensure you're getting enough bandwidth.
- you could check how much RAM your PC has left for buffering, the more the better - should have at least 4-8 GB of free RAM when playing.
- you could indeed try the Jitterbug/ Recovery etc. to see if they eliminate some magnetic/ electronic interference you are getting from the PC and which causes Jitter.
Click to expand...
Hi again. I'm having a 300/60 m/bit connection. As far as RAM goes, i got 16 GB ram in total. I've recieved my Jitterbug today. Ill test it later
 
So I've tested the Jitterbug for a few hours, and it seems like a good thing in my system :)
 
EmiLiuZ said:
So I've tested the Jitterbug for a few hours, and it seems like a good thing in my system :)
Click to expand...

While the JB makes a nice improvement, the $175 Regen takes it much further. Sometimes you can find them used for around $100. You want the Regen amber, not the older green model.

Glad to hear the the JB is working for you.

Larry
 
how bout get barebone PC with SSD, higher RAM, remove unnecessary windows services, DC PSU (optional) ?
Or Aurender might cover above all, but definitely not consider low budget.
 
Optimizing a computer for audio is very difficult. Mostly the challenge is in the components used on the computer itself - motherboard, power supply, HDD, etc - they are noisy electrically and a lot of work needs to be done. And even then you may find yourself coming up short against your CD transport.

I would highly recommend you to leave your computer as it is and add a Sonore MicroRendu instead.
The microRendu takes away all the complexity in a very simple to use device that provides very high quality audio.

Your digital chain will then be as below:
Computer > Ethernet CAT cable > Network Switch > Ethernet CAT Cable > microRendu > USB Cable > DAC

You can later power the Switch and the microRendu with a good Linear Power supply to improve things further.

Regards.
 
There are some computer programs like Process Lasso and Fidelyzer where you can optimize your PC for audio and gaming-

http://www.fidelizer-audio.com/


https://bitsum.com/

Also, as I previously stated, music players like HQ player and Bughead infinity make a huge difference in sound. These players will offer the most improvement. Bug Head is free. HQ player has a free 30 day trial. If you decide to give these a try, I can help with the settings.
 
Personally I would move away from a computer and go for a Music streamer. Depending on budget, Auralic, Aurender or Lumin.

I have not tested it personally but people seem to love the Intona usb isolator and the Mutec MC3+ USB.
 
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