darkarn
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2012
- Posts
- 1,329
- Likes
- 686
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 locally. 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!
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 locally. 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!