Masterclock, New Terminator DAC or GAIA D/D Convertor

[Abyss Man]

On 8/15/2020 at 3:48 AM, Bling said:

Hi All

 

I currently have an sotm front end, Network switch 10g, ultra 200 streamer, and tx USB. I have it connected to my Hegel H390 integrated Amp via USB. I was considering getting the sotm master clock forl the sotm boxes but then I though about maybe a new DAC like the Terminator plus or also the Denafrips GAIA D/D convertor ( im not sure what this does exactly ).

 

Where do you think the best bang for buck would be and I should upgrade first.Also on a separate note is it possible to connect 2 network switches together say the 10g and ether regen for example to get double the impact, I think I read someplace of 2x sotm 10g switches connected yield really great results.

 

Thanks 

Sean

Hi Bling,

Welcome to CA, first off, I feel for your wallet and my condolences to it. LOL. As the saying goes, you are only good as your weakest link.

As an Intergrated amp, the DAC section is probably using a chip, which, I'm not sure which one as it looks like a in-house design and they don't say. The TP would definietly bring about a big change in SQ presentation and the biggest jump here. Have you heard a R2R DAC in action before? 

 

The Gaia is a DDC (Digital to Digital Converter), basically what it does is take your USB and convert it to another format digital signal, having said that, the TP prefers i2S connection (LVDS). It's a much quieter connection than a USB. A good USB implemenatation is very diffcult to do given the real estate available. Think Innuos Phoenix, soTm Tx-usb which are all external boxes which clean up the USB signal. 

 

Is your switch a fully loaded one? Also, I would personally advise changing out the sps-500 to a good quality LPS, the jump in SQ is very evident. 

 

Have you upgraded the trifecta to evox cap and silver internal cables (Preference here)? That brings a jump in SQ as well.

 

I am personally running 2 x fully loaded soTm switches with the sms-200 (Fully upgraded) and tx-usb ultra (Fully upgraded) which are all master clocked by the soTm master clock. My LPS are all Farad 3.

 

I'm also using the TP as DAC and my Gaia is yet to arrive but I do have the Iris with me. All your cables all make a difference including the DC and BNC cables. 

 

The best combo so far for switches as tested by some of our friends from another forum is:

1. 1x Sotm and 1 X Melco

2.  2x sotm

 

There is so much more to this hobby and I urge you to read thru this and other forums to gain some insight knowledge. The seniors here are all very helpful and will definitely can give you some very good guidance and advice.

 

Do be on the lookout for some used gear as well which can help you limit the damage to your poor wallet. Audit as much as you can, different equipments, gears, cables etc. Read up and enrich your knowledge. Good luck on your journey Bling. Stay safe.

 

 

[Abyss Man]

Hi Sean,

If your soTm are using Silver cables and evox caps with ebs damping material then u are fully loaded. As for running double switch, yes it’s a worthy upgrade and worth every penny. Personally I connect them using optical, which I prefer compared to ethernet.

 

what ethernet cables are u using? Get some good USB cables too. My entire digital front is soTm including 4 runs of dcbl cat-7 cables with 3 iso cat 6. My USB are Tellurium Silver Diamonds.

 

Take it slow Sean, don’t rush. Enjoy the journey.

[Abyss Man]

Hi Sean,

The Farad 3 is a nice upgrade for sure, especially with the SR Orange fuse. For starters, use a Y-cable but I would recommend using induviual units to power each soTm unit. 

 

I would suggest u get a used etheregen or does Uptone offer money back guarantee? Try it out and see if you like it. I was also like you contemplating between the etheregen and soTm for my 2nd switch. In the end i went with soTm. I must add, don't look at soTm merely as switches, they are more like a re-clocker IMHO.

 

Power is of utmost importantance. If possible, run a dedicated line for your audio. Get a good power conditioner for your digital front. As for power amp, I would suggest going direct to wall with a Good power cord.

 

Are u using any server? or stream your music? 

[Abyss Man]

Hi Sean,

i am running dedicated power line with its own MCB and using a Shunyata Triton conditioner. My wall socket is Furutech GTX.

 

My power cords are all Tellurium Silver or Black. My amp goes to wall directly, the rest thru the conditioner.

 

i have a Shunyata Alpha NR feeding my conditioner. I am sorry but I do not have any experience with other power cords as I love Tellurium and soTm products. My digital front is all soTm. My USB and master clock cables are Tellurium Silver Diamond.

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Cheers.

[Abyss Man]

Sean,

The trifecta is used as a collective word for the sms-200, Txusb-ultra and the sps-500. Actually I was wrong in using that word cause I don’t use the sps-500, all my LPS are now Farad 3. The Bricasti is a DAC with built in ROON ready function. I have never heard it though but reports say it’s very good at what it does and pricey too. 

 

Maybe @ducatiridercan chip in with his FR of the Bricasti. Btw, which model Ducati are u riding sir?

[Abyss Man]

4 minutes ago, johndoe21ro said:

You should upgrade the LPS first (although, as I understand, the sPS-500 in not a linear power supply). tX-USBultra and sMS-200 Ultra scale a lot with a good LPS, power cable, fuse, etc. That's also the cheapest upgrade. A DAC is definitely costlier! 

You are very right the sps-500 is a SMPS and a very good one at that, but, there is always something better out there. You are also spot on with how the soTm gears scale with good quality PSU and the power cords and DC cables feeding them. The evoxcap, silver wiring and ebs upgrade is also a very worthwhile upgrade if u are using the basic unit. I just upgraded my upgrade from a soTm silver wiring to Audio Sensibility Silver cable. It’s still early days, but it sounds like a winner.