M2Tech HiFace or LCD2 Re-cable?

[Mangler]

 

Hi All, I'm thinking about tweaking my setup but I'm not sure which option will make the biggest difference in increasing sound quality. I'm a newb so I'd appreciate any advice or comments from knowledgeable people that have made any of these changes.

 

My current setup is MacBook Pro-> Pure Music->Optical-> DacMagic->Luminous Monarch II RCA->Schiit Lyr-> LCD2

 

I've heard a lot of people say that a good coaxial cable beats an optical cable in terms of SQ, which is why I'm considering the HiFace. However, I've also heard that the optical and coaxial inputs on the DacMagic sound pretty much the same. So, my question is whether or not it would be worth it to invest in the HiFace and a good coaxial cable, given that my Mac already has a decent optical out.

 

My second option is to re-cable my LCD2s (which came with the new ADZ-5 cable), possibly with a set from ALO, Norse, Moon, or Double Helix (has anybody tried their new LCD2 cables??). I do believe good cables make a difference, but some of these are quite expensive, so I'd like to hear any comments from anybody who owns these and can say if the increase in SQ is worth the cash.

 

I've already been through the posts about aftermarket LCD2 cables, so I'd more like to hear which tweak people think would make the biggest difference. Finally, like I said, I am a newb, so also let me know if you think these changes are pointless too. Really, I'm just looking for some education and good guidance.

 

 

[dointhefish]

...with a HiFace or Halide Bridge and you should see a more favorable effect than the cable replacement. The DACMagic doesn't handle jitter rejection all that well so some pre-input clean up is desirable. The Halide product works better on my more expensive DACs (Lavry and Audio Research) but I recently compared both of these on my DACMagic and found them both to work equally well.

 

I have the BNC version of the HiFace with a good quality Audioquest S/PDIF cable. There are usually some available on Audiogon so check there first before you go retail.

 

Good luck,

Andrew