[krt230]

Hello,
I'd appreciate any help in identifying the weak link in my system because the music seems underwhelming and lackluster.

Computer playing Tidal
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Burson Audio DA-160 (10 years old? at this point)
AudioQuest Mackenzie RCA
SPL Phonitor XE
Danacable Lazuli
Focal Stellia

I can't figure out what's going on, but I feel like I shouldn't be disappointed with listening to music. Any suggestions?
Thanks for your help.

 

[gc335]

There may be an issue in the chain somewhere. Could you explain the issue?

 

[krt230]

It's hard to explain other than the music sounds lackluster. I'm not sure of the correct vocabulary but in a direct comparison, it's marginally better than bose headphones or aipods pro. I wouldn't think that was possible so I was hoping there was a glaring issue with my setup.

 

[Terriero]

Have you tried the Stellias in other DAC/AMP or in the shop before buying? Maybe you have to adjust to it's signature.

 

[listen14]

I'm playing around with a new setup, playing on Tidal from my desktop. I got better results when activating "Exclusive mode" in Tidal. Chose your USB Dac from the speaker-icon in the bottom right corner. More settings --> Activate exclusive mode.

Don't know if it will help you, but it did help me.

 

[varadero xl1000v]

Hello,
I'd appreciate any help in identifying the weak link in my system because the music seems underwhelming and lackluster.

Computer playing Tidal
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Burson Audio DA-160 (10 years old? at this point)
AudioQuest Mackenzie RCA
SPL Phonitor XE
Danacable Lazuli
Focal Stellia

I can't figure out what's going on, but I feel like I shouldn't be disappointed with listening to music. Any suggestions?
Thanks for your help.

I was facing almost the same problem, and I did the following:

1. A specialist came to my house, measured my space and set up the speakers correctly. The upgrade I got was very big.

2. I paid close attention to the support of my machines, buying HRS platforms. Of course there are other companies.

3. Power supply. Dedicated line which will give power only to the machines.

These are the basics for a sound system to play properly.

 

[krt230]

I'm playing around with a new setup, playing on Tidal from my desktop. I got better results when activating "Exclusive mode" in Tidal. Chose your USB Dac from the speaker-icon in the bottom right corner. More settings --> Activate exclusive mode.

Don't know if it will help you, but it did help me.

Wow, I can't believe it but this seems to have helped quite a bit.
Really appreciate the advice.

 

[Deolum]

Wow, I can't believe it but this seems to have helped quite a bit.
Really appreciate the advice.

If that helps skip the computer completely and get a streamer.

 

[krt230]

If that helps skip the computer completely and get a streamer.

Is there one you recommend?

 

[JL Pettimore]

It's hard to explain other than the music sounds lackluster.

Are you sure the volume levels on your computer are at 100%? That’s the first thing that comes to mind when you said lackluster.

 

[Deolum]

Is there one you recommend?

I use the Lumin U1 Mini. Before i had Sotm Sms 200 + Sbooster. Can recommend both.

 

[krt230]

Great, I'll look into those. Thanks for the help.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Have you tried to listen to the exact same music in CD fashion? As a cross-reference you should try and swap-in a CD player.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

If you can hear the difference between the accursed Windows Audio and Exclusive mode, there is hope. Plenty of good gear listed there.

Just make sure you get the software setup correctly. If you don't have an MQA DAC then turn off MQA passthrough and let the desktop app unfold. Turn off auto volume and auto anything else you can find in other apps.

Are you sure the volume levels on your computer are at 100%? That’s the first thing that comes to mind when you said lackluster.

If exclusive mode is on then volume is fixed at 100%

 

[krt230]

Do you think getting a new DAC or music streamer would help more? Hate to spend more money than I have to.