What has the most audible impact in a digital HI-Fi set up after speakers, amps and DAC?

[Spock]

… I did hear some audiophile cords that were just different without necessarily being worse than stock cords. But were they actually better? Hmmm, hard for me to answer in the affirmative.

My rule has always been this: If something changes the sound (like a power cord), even for the worse, I will look for another that can make the change for the better.

Or like Mike says

Everyone needs to experiment on their own and find what works best for their system and their environment.

 

[applecross]

Thanks all for the contributions.

I will first finetune the speaker set up in the new flat and then get a UMIK1 to take some measurements with REW. Based on those I will buy some GIK acoustic panels and quadratic diffusers and maybe Dirac Live.

All the rest will have to wait.

 

[roberto]

Hola,

Two things did a great change for good to my digital sound. The Lush USB cable and the UptoneAudio JS-2 linear power supply. These two devices did change for good, the quality sound from my E-32 Exasound DAC. The harmonic texture of the strings and the well overall balance with the size of the musical instruments and voices. The voices are absent of throat soreness. No more nasal sound also.
I do believe that the quality sound comes from all your system...right now my system is singing as never before. I am very happy of what I am getting. I do know that there are many better systems than what I have, but I am very happy of what I have. I am truly that happy.

Happy listening!

 

[Musicfirst]

In My experience:

Dac
Power Cords
Reclockers (this is a counter intuitive rabbit hole)
Source
Speakers Of choice
Amplification to exact the best of the speakers
Speaker Cables
Interconnects
Amp

 

[AJ Soundfield]

I will first finetune the speaker set up in the new flat and then get a UMIK1 to take some measurements with REW. Based on those...

I'm a 100% measurements/perceptual/science guy. 30+ years of correlating measurements and sound. My "view" of the data will be very different than yours just starting out, simply based on experience. That said, by far the best investment you could make, is first buying this (e)book.
You will (hopefully) learn there is a significant difference between a pressure mic (UMIK et al) and 2 ears/brain. Interpreting what those measurements tell you...and don't, is key.
My advice is to use your ears! Start with careful setup/placement, listen/measure/listen again, etc...before you buy a single speaker-room bandaid like "treatments", Dirac, etc, etc.
*If* you chose decent speakers, you should only need a touch of EQ below 400hz or so. Judiciously. Furnish your room, add decor, etc.
Most of the time that should be plenty enough "treatment", as you will find ears/science found in the book (the opposite of anecdote, belief, fashion, etc, etc.). It's only after that, or in extreme scenarios that further measures would be needed. YMMV

cheers,

AJ

 

[MPW]

I would argue that the room/listening position is the most important, followed by speaker position. I would use the measurement mic to look at frequency response below about 250 Hz and find the smoothest bass. Start 2’ from back wall and move away at 6” increments until you find the the listening position with the least variation in peaks and valleys. Really easy to do with REW. Then start confirming by listening and adjusting speakers. Bass response is the foundation. Have fun with the process! As always, YMMV.

 

[Ritmo]

Everything matters.

 

[Speedskater]

Everything matters.

Everything that 'matters' matters. Everything else just clouds the issue and wastes time, money and forum space.

 

[asindc]

It all starts with clean, robust power, and then optimal acoustics. Those are the foundations.

 

[kzhtoo]

It all starts with clean, robust power, and then optimal acoustics. Those are the foundations.

I concur. Without good power foundation, you’ll circle in merry go round.

 

[Projectman]

I'm no audiophile but I still think you put the bulk of your budget in speakers and amplification and do what you can after that based on your budget. Many of us don't of the luxury to treat the room due to spouse acceptance factor and budget.

 

[Backpacker]

1) Listening position (make sure you aren't in a null, see Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound)
2) Speaker position
3) Digital source (I heard the Innuos Statement blow away the standard Innuos; I can only imagine the Taiko Extreme although I intend to do more than imagine it ....)
4) Digital noise attenuation - my CAD GC/1 is amazing; Gigafoil is next