davide256

I have worn mechanical power strips out. If the socket contacts rely on metal tension only, they can be stretched too much by large after market IEC plug contacts so that other, smaller plug contacts are too loose for reliable connectivity

Don’t get side tracked on word clock, thats not where the problem lies. DAC sections have a big effect on subjective experience. LPS’s can improve low level noise floor issues and transients but haven’t fixed mid range issues IME. I think buying the R26 to feed via coax/ AES input or via USB input with an Intona USB isolator would be a wise first step. The “comes with” streamer endpoint section of the R26 is ok but not a SQ match for using it’s physical digital connection options.

Compared to their treble and bass, the StarkRimson monos don’t have the same low volume level resolution in the midrange, so some nuance is blurred, indistinct for softer midrange instruments in the background

Right.. but say for example the kernel dates from a year ago and some HW on the MOBO is brand new/different in the last 6 months…. Then a kernel version may need update to get you the new drivers.

I'm sure it will do fine. One thing to verify when using any variant of linux is what kernel version is needed for your new HW to work and whether the player OS you are using is at that version or better. When using Euphony the developers kernel version lagged so that for a while I couldn't use the onboard Ethernet NIC of an i11 NUC.

The Roon mini dsp endpoint you have is an integrated product so doubt you can run HQPlayer NAA (endpoint sw) on it. I think you are better off with PC MOBO option for server since Mac’s niche is for those who want server with direct USB to DAC connection and you wont be doing that, will be streaming to the Minidsp endpoint. Going to i7 CPU will give you a boost in GUI and library search speed.

My 2 cents. Buy an HQPlayer license and run it on the same machine. When I used Roon the best sound was feeding HQPlayer locally which I suspect is due to Miska’s product managing the output hardware better. If your DAC supports DSD then HQPlayer thrives on faster CPU’s for speedier/ higher DSD rate conversion

My two cents, buy an Intona USB isolator while you are deciding on a long term strategy. I found it made a significant difference and USB output quality is random luck IME with PC based USB sources.

Lets can the Debuts, I have them, snore…. From what I read the Triangle Borea BR03 speakers get a lot of love from reputable reviewers, run $349

I don’t miss having to ask a clerk to play a CD/LP or calling in a request to a radio station in order to hear something not listened to before. While I don’t believe one can get a good system for $1k or less there are good compromises now in that range. And digital tech is maturing to where DAC’s are much better. Class D amps have made it possible to drive well even the most inefficient speaker

Agree with @audiobomber. You can get chemical contaminants and scratch edges that will never rip unless you polish them out. Its the same approach as that used to clean up fogged external auto headlight plastic

That info is from the Innuos site and is their reason for not supporting USB drives with pulse, they recommend the Zen series if you want USB drive capability

Or you could buy an RU7… or use a headphone that supports USB to internal DAC

Since you have IEM’s you don't need a battery powered dongle as IEM’s are pretty efficient. IME a dongle like the Dragonfly is cumbersome, a lightweight dongle like the iBasso DC05 is easier to live with or the DC06 if you need balanced. The DDHifi products are also quite nice.

Maybe some Loctite on the screws to keep them from loosening again ?