Upgrade DAC or Power Supply?

[darkarn]

Hi guys, here's my current setup:

Computer > USB cable > Audinst HUD-MX1 > RCA to 3.5mm > Fred's 12AU7 tube amp > 3.5mm to RCA cable > RCA switch > RCA cable > Swans M10

Computer > USB cable > Audinst HUD-MX1 > RCA to 3.5mm > Fred's 12AU7 tube amp > 3.5mm to RCA cable > RCA switch > RCA to 3.5mm cable Modded Superlux HD668B or Beyerdynamics Custom ONE Pro

(all components same; just showing both ways that I use my setup)

I am thinking of upgrading my Audinst HUD-MX1's power supply considering that many users seem to find that doing this will improve the sound greatly or at least, give me the full potential of the MX1.

I am considering either ifi DC iPurifier (use with given wall-wart of course) or ifi iPower; both of which can be found in Stereo. I am also aware of AMB's sigma 11 but I am not confident of my DIY skills for this time.

At the same time, I am having doubts considering the following:

1. I may want a different USB DAC as I realised that it has a volume knob i.e. it has its amp too and therefore may not be as pure as what I like to think.

But I am also not sure if changing the DAC to either of these models will help improve SQ.
a. SMSL's M8
b. Maverick Audio's TubeMagic D2
c. Schitt's Modi 2 (or even Bifrost?)
d. JDS Labs' ODAC

2. Upgrading its power supply seems like a short-term move; from the looks of things I don't think I can bring over the ifi stuff in the future (especially the iPower) since most DACs use wall-warts of different voltages or even get straight from wall sockets.

So, the questions I will like to ask are these:
1. Am I understanding the volume knob issue correctly?
2. Should I go ahead with upgrading the power supply and then aim for higher-end DACs, or should I just change the DAC first before reconsidering this (i.e. if the power supply for the new DAC is good, don't need to)?

Thanks!

 

[Noirkw]

No point playing with power if your source itself is crap. Upgrade the DAC

 

[darkarn]

No point playing with power if your source itself is crap. Upgrade the DAC

To those choices I mentioned or to something else?

 

[XcoldstarX]

Try Schiit Audio Modi Multibit.

 

[ScVandMagix]

Or Schitt Yggdrasil.

HAHA.

 

[chesterqw]

many things missing.

you using headphone or speakers? and what model are those?

your current thingy is a dac+amp
so your upgrade is still dac+amp or just dac?

 

[darkarn]

Try Schiit Audio Modi Multibit.

Thanks, I think I can start from there!

Or Schitt Yggdrasil.

HAHA.

Wah, really too high end for now

many things missing.

you using headphone or speakers? and what model are those?

your current thingy is a dac+amp
so your upgrade is still dac+amp or just dac?

Ah my bad, let me append these info into the first post

 

[weng]

Hi guys, I am thinking of upgrading my Audinst HUD-MX1's power supply considering that many users seem to find that doing this will improve the sound greatly or at least, give me the full potential of the MX1.

I am considering either ifi DC iPurifier (use with given wall-wart of course) or ifi iPower; both of which can be found in Stereo. I am also aware of AMB's sigma 11 but I am not confident of my DIY skills for this time.

At the same time, I am having doubts considering the following:

1. I may want a different USB DAC as I realised that it has a volume knob i.e. it has its amp too and therefore may not be as pure as what I like to think.

But I am also not sure if changing the DAC to either of these models will help improve SQ.
a. SMSL's M8
b. Maverick Audio's TubeMagic D2
c. Schitt's Modi 2 (or even Bifrost?)
d. JDS Labs' ODAC

2. Upgrading its power supply seems like a short-term move; from the looks of things I don't think I can bring over the ifi stuff in the future (especially the iPower) since most DACs use wall-warts of different voltages or even get straight from wall sockets.

So, the questions I will like to ask are these:
1. Am I understanding the volume knob issue correctly?
2. Should I go ahead with upgrading the power supply and then aim for higher-end DACs, or should I just change the DAC first before reconsidering this (i.e. if the power supply for the new DAC is good, don't need to)?

Thanks!

No point side-grading. It's unlikely products at this level would scale any much further. If you don't need portability, up your budget if you can, and invest in a proper desktop DAC.

Don't worry about the volume knob and pure or not pure. If it sounds good, who cares.

 

[darkarn]

No point side-grading. It's unlikely products at this level would scale any much further. If you don't need portability, up your budget if you can, and invest in a proper desktop DAC.

Don't worry about the volume knob and pure or not pure. If it sounds good, who cares.

Thanks, I am just not sure what is a proper desktop DAC though. Is it something like the Yulong D200 that I have been hearing about? (yes, looks like I will need to look around more frequently...)

And yeah, sometimes I just need to remind myself that all it matters is how it sounds... But I still want to see how to best push my setup within reasonable budget and plan too

 

[alamakazim]

Get a dac that can eliminate the rca switch

Lesser cables is better imo

 

[darkarn]

Get a dac that can eliminate the rca switch

Lesser cables is better imo

Ah yes, that too, thanks! I am unable to find anything suitable though (closest I seen is those by Focusrite, which is not exactly for audiophile usage lol), got any models in mind?

 

[darkarn]

1st post edited to show slight change in setup

 

[chesterqw]

so are you seeking a dac only
or a dac+amp?

 

[weng]

Thanks, I am just not sure what is a proper desktop DAC though. Is it something like the Yulong D200 that I have been hearing about? (yes, looks like I will need to look around more frequently...)

And yeah, sometimes I just need to remind myself that all it matters is how it sounds... But I still want to see how to best push my setup within reasonable budget and plan too

Yeah for simplicity sake, those that have proper feet that sits on the desk, not just some 3M rubber studs.... and plug power from the wall, not from your computer's USB.

 

[darkarn]

so are you seeking a dac only
or a dac+amp?

DAC only; I am planning to replace the amp with something else

Yeah for simplicity sake, those that have proper feet that sits on the desk, not just some 3M rubber studs.... and plug power from the wall, not from your computer's USB.

Thanks, I see, the Audinst uses a wall wart though, unless you referring to those models that take power straight from power socket

 

[chesterqw]

DAC only; I am planning to replace the amp with something else



Thanks, I see, the Audinst uses a wall wart though, unless you referring to those models that take power straight from power socket

if you want desktop size de DAC, the popular model would be schiit modi 2 (and the versions of it)

if you want small size powered from your usb port, ODAC

 

[darkarn]

if you want desktop size de DAC, the popular model would be schiit modi 2 (and the versions of it)

if you want small size powered from your usb port, ODAC

Thanks, I can start looking at these models (the Modi Multibit looks interesting)

Am I right that these are really upgrades and not side-grades? I asking cos after some testing of my Audinst HUD-MX1 against UD110 and Taishan D03K, I realised that all along I have been getting side-grades instead of actual upgrades (i.e. all sound too similar) There's also the chance that I could have been testing them the wrong way though...

EDIT: And yes, this same test also helps in answering that volume knob question (volume knob don't matter cos some DACs have digital controls instead and it plays a small factor in SQ anyway) and whether to get new power supply (no cos may as well go for new DAC liao)

 

[xDragon]

Thanks, I can start looking at these models (the Modi Multibit looks interesting)

Am I right that these are really upgrades and not side-grades? I asking cos after some testing of my Audinst HUD-MX1 against UD110 and Taishan D03K, I realised that all along I have been getting side-grades instead of actual upgrades (i.e. all sound too similar) There's also the chance that I could have been testing them the wrong way though...

EDIT: And yes, this same test also helps in answering that volume knob question (volume knob don't matter cos some DACs have digital controls instead and it plays a small factor in SQ anyway) and whether to get new power supply (no cos may as well go for new DAC liao)

If you can't tell the difference, why bother upgrading? The only way to know for sure yourself is to personally test or audition what you want to buy. Reviews can only go so far. If you can't tell the difference then it's a good thing lol save that cash

 

[FatalethaL]

looking at your setup... here's my 2 cents.


#1: upgrade main equipment/components first.
#1.1: the ONLY time you do not main equipment/components is when you jolly well know you love it, and do not intend to upgrade at all (or maybe after more than a couple of years)


#2: look into your linear power supply (LPS).
#2.1: some may disagree with me that power doesnt make any difference, but imo, whichever your ears can, or cannot tell. if can tell, well, your ears are cursed, hence your wallet also feeling the pain. sometimes you may even break your bank, or sell your internal bodily organs.


#3: look into isolating USB noise issue. I personally use Intona to solve the root USB problem before looking into power related issue, but YMMV.
#3.1: upgrading USB cable do make a plenty of difference. but then again, if your ears are cursed as you can tell the difference, well, i need not say more.


#4: look into your power filter/conditioner. It benefits anything that plucks into it. A great start would be bada LB5500 or weiduka AC8.8. cost effective. of course there are better ones out there, but, do what is within your means. I am using Sound Affair's BAC1200. But then again, some people may disagree with me simply because they cannot hear the difference (and specifically subscribe to a theory of "power should not do any difference"). Well, they are lucky. I am cursed


#5: always remember to keep a clear open mind when trying new things in this hobby. its difficult to balance between art and science. work within your financial means.


#6: Upgrading LPS may, or may not be a short term move. It still boils down to the compatibility of your LPS to the DAC (or whichever component uses LPS)


#7: about the volume knob thing, its difficult to explain, but choice/type of volume knob makes difference in your resulting SQ. but if you use your DAC and already bypass the volume knob, it shouldn't make much of a difference.

 

[chocoblitz]

Your entry level headphones are holding you back. If you want the biggest noticeable sound quality difference, then upgrade to a mid-range or high-end headphone first.