can i get tips how to improve current DAC / System? Focal Maestro and Vitus

[pelo911]

Hi

 

i have PC Windows 10 using it for HTPC to watch movie , youtube , etc.

and also with Jriver to play music

i don't have a CD player , only audio files from the computer.

 

i have also Lumin A1 , i thought to try eliminate the need of computer to play music

but ending never use it (too complicate to setup and it's easier to choose audio files i have in folder in the computer)

 

Vitus SM-101 amps

RD-100 Pre / DAC

Focal Maestro

Cardas clear XLR and speakers cables

 

what can be done to improve the sound?

 

thanks

[plissken]

Possible considerations:

 

1. Speakers that sound better

2. Room Treatments

3. Measurement Microphone and make tweaks to JRiver convolver/DSP based on the in room measurements.

 

I would start with 2 and 3 since they are low cost but high yield *assuming you haven't done any of this.

 

What's wrong with your current setup.

[fragoulisnaval]

Change JRiver for MUSIChi software.

 

Also use Ideon audio 3R usb reclocker/regenerator/redrive.

 

Use intona USB isolator

 

Change the smps power supply of the htpc with a linear power supply.

 

Use Audiophile Optimizer + fidelizer software

[pelo911]

Possible considerations:

 

1. Speakers that sound better

2. Room Treatments

3. Measurement Microphone and make tweaks to JRiver convolver/DSP based on the in room measurements.

 

I would start with 2 and 3 since they are low cost but high yield *assuming you haven't done any of this.

 

What's wrong with your current setup.

 

"What's wrong with your current setup"

nothing i can think of , but it's always better to improve

 

what speakers do you think can be better?

[plissken]

"What's wrong with your current setup"

nothing i can think of , but it's always better to improve

 

what speakers do you think can be better?

 

May be nothing wrong. They look like nice speakers.

 

I can't stress getting a measurement mic in room to see what it looks like. Then you could go with some room treatments and DSP in JRiver.

[Ralf11]

you mean "I can't stress enough the need to..."

 

a laptop with a program can analyze the data from the mic

 

for a DAC, it seems to be all about isolation and low noise, which can (maybe) cause jitter

 

but room tmts can keep you busy for eons... and lessen the desire to spend $$ on equipment

[One and a half]

I would agree with @fragoulisnaval to add an Intona to clean up the source transmissions.

 

To further enhance the front end, many R2R DACs work with filters from HQPlayer. Jriver can still be used to manage the library, and to play files, just drag an album cover or track into HQPlayer's window. If you're brave there's a technique (albeit somewhat complex) to play from Jriver through HQPlayered (embedded version)... maybe later.

 

A very good DDC, like a Mutec MC-3+USB can work an improvement for the AES3/coax S/PDIF inputs and take USB out of the DAC altogether.

[pelo911]

May be nothing wrong. They look like nice speakers.

 

I can't stress getting a measurement mic in room to see what it looks like. Then you could go with some room treatments and DSP in JRiver.

i have them since 2014

they play "big" sound like i love

but always there is better speakers

 

i thought about Focal Stella

Magico S5

Rockport Avior

 

what speakers do you think can be at higher level?

 

i will try DSP in JRiver

Aurender can solve the jitter and sound issue from the PC?

 

when i play music from Jriver compare to Tidal

Jriver sound so much better.

 

room treatments:

i'm moving to new house this year

i will focus on that then.

 

should i choose default direct sound or the Vitus?

 

 

 

 

 

[plissken]

i have them since 2014

they play "big" sound like i love

but always there is better speakers

 

i thought about Focal Stella

Magico S5

Rockport Avior

 

what speakers do you think can be at higher level?

 

i will try DSP in JRiver

Aurender can solve the jitter and sound issue from the PC?

 

when i play music from Jriver compare to Tidal

Jriver sound so much better.

 

room treatments:

i'm moving to new house this year

i will focus on that then.

 

should i choose default direct sound or the Vitus?

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]33509[/ATTACH]

 

 

 

 

 

You can't make meaningful adjustments without a measurement mic. The nice thing about seeing the room behavior is when you correct it, you correct it for any future speaker upgrades.

 

I highly you doubt you have a jitter issue with a modern, minimal load, correctly setup PC Source. How long is your USB cable to the DAC?