If I'm not using USB input, is there any benefit of still getting a Unison board on the Bifrost 2? I've been interested in that DAC for a while. Anyone else second the Soekris as well? I may still like the Draco and can tweak the isolation as I now have several isolation hacks at my disposal...

PS - I would also be using the DAC with my Audio GD DI20 DDC so I would have the choice to use it with either I2S, AES/EBU, RCA coax, or even Toslink optical with an iFi adapter. And though their DDC is sublime, I won't consider Ausio GD DACs anymore, as I was utterly dismayed with their DAC-R1...

Hi there, just noticed your thread. Any updates on your currently preferred DAC? I'm leaning towards an R2R or proprietary DA chip, as I'm also a fan of Chord Electronics DACs, but hopefully something more affordable.

Somewhat hard to visualize your highly proprietary yet no doubt resolving system. Any chance you could do a photoshoot to share? Thanks

My experience with the Sysconcept tosink cable from Canada is absolutely transparent and uncolored in any way. It does treble, it does bass and everything in between, it does sterile, it does warm, lush, or whatever is the recording, bit perfect as it should be, nimble without adding its own...

@pashkaam I'll bet you're getting better sound with your matchbox sized SMSL PO100 DDC converter then without one, but from the looks of things I would be flabbergasted if it could hold a candle to my 10x bigger and more expensive audio-GD DI20. Definitely try one of those if feasible, those...

I personally swear by this multistrand toslink Optical cable. 1300 strand cable from Sysconcept of Canada, custom made with your choice of connectors, for around $70 shipped. Absolutely no comparison to several other optical cables I've tried, even thicker ones and I believe one glass cable some...

I've already ordered and waiting for the custom U-turn turntable with recommended upgrades, and connecting it directly to the phono input of my integrated stereo amp for now. Someday I'll upgrade to a tube amp, at that point I will also be in need of a phono stage. I'm looking forward to it...

Hello all, thank you so much for your input. I have already ordered the U-turn Orbit with all said specifications. Will post a photo in the weeks to come.

Hi ]eep thanks so much for your insight above. I was considering the Fluance but you 'U-turned' me :wink:. That custom looks interesting! - For the Cartridge I've actually had awful experiences with Ortofon's BA IEMs before but was considering if their cartridges may be better so thanks for...

Hi all, quietly building my rare vinyl collection but no turntable yet! What would be your recommendation for a great sounding affordable TT for less than $400 (new/used)? I was eyeing the Pro-ject T1 but not sure yet. I would prefer one that has an IEC AC socket for using aftermarket AC cables...

Hey guys, resurrecting my quest for a USB-optical cable here. Encouraged by the reports of user @rsbrsvp on his quest for audio excellence by replacing a standard USB cable with one that transmits via optical fiber with the DC power regenerated on the receiving side. His initial suggestion was...

Hey guys, a bit off topic but I thought perhaps some of you would know. What is a recommendation for a turntable with good sound quality but at entry level prices? My rare record collection is growing, but nothing to play it on. I'll even try a ground box on it.

An update about my recent RCA S/PDIF (digital coax) cable upgrade. Initially I reported great results with RCA coax cable from Darren of Arctand Labs in Singapore (I got the 'Obsidian' version). I reported better results, but fast forward 2 weeks later I discovered my findings may have been...

I was curious what's the difference between 4N and 7N versions? Which one is thicker, and any difference in sound? I got the 4N Xangsane USB cable. Even Google didn't seem to know the meaning of such ~"n" terminology.

Incoming today was the Xangsane 4n USB A-to-B cable for use between my USB purifier and Audio-GD DI-20 DDC which feeds my DAC. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804181799808.html It replaced the USB cable I was very much loving, Odin gold which in this case I preferred over Odin 2 USB. RIGHT...

For power cables I am still mightily impressed with the 15-core Valhalla ( https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802936896122.html ) which for me surpassed Odin gold and Odin 2, all from from Aliexpress. I believe Darren also makes power cable as well. Other cables from him I've gotten were custom...

:heavy_check_mark: another upgrade in recent weeks ‐ added dual layers of the firm 70-duro type of sorbothane sheets under the four legs of my small wooden table which hosts my 5 grounding boxes. After trying several different kinds of feet including expensive ones from AliExpress, and various...

A few recent major upgrades :heavy_check_mark: upgraded to handcrafted RCA coax cable from Darren of Arctand.com in Singapore :heavy_check_mark: upgraded to handcrafted DC cable from Darren of Arctand in Singapore :heavy_check_mark: implemented @cdacosta 's idea of replacing BNC connectors with...

I'm thrilled someone else finally gave this a try! Once I've applied said mesh faraday shielding on the (lower) walls around my system, I knew something was very right, and never looked back! Interesting, I hadn't considered double layer shielding nor on the floor. My hunch however was that a...

So I got the Xangsane 4n Sterling Silver Hifi USB Cable that was recommended here, from the Xangsane AliExpress seller for use between my USB enhancer and DDC. It's beautiful and well crafted! Unfortunately I was unable to try it since they sent USB male A-to-A! Can't say if it was my fault or...

In my case, your complete AC faceplate Rochelle tweak when combined with 2-stage inline AC powering filtering into my hefty AC power conditioner shifted the sound to incredibly detailed and hot on top (though also with good bass), so it sounds better to me with only the smaller ground side...

3 partial AC faceplate installs + 10 ground box cables on the component side made a big difference. Next would be inside components, on AC cables (wall plug side, right?), and on more wall-wart bricks. I rent a room and asking the apartment owner to let me touch the main AC route would be a...

made a few updates to my above post ^

Progression notes with Rochelle salt hack recommended by @cdacosta First few days I tried it behind AC wall faceplates. Initially I had mixed results, until shifting some things around. Trying it behind two auxiliary AC power cord faceplates on 2 other walls of the room (lamp, space heater and...