I was kinda thinking dac now PSU later. I only heard without PSU and it still seemed worthwhile in the 2k range tbh
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I was first going to write something like this:
the effect will depend on the transparency of the anthem i guess but I would spend it all on a DAC. You already have a streamer and in my experience, on both streamer and DAC you’ll need to spend 1.5k-2k 'ish to get a noticeable step up so better spend it on a DAC.
But then my eye caught the interesting case with your ARC room correction. With an analogue input from a DAC, the STR will be converting that expensive analogue signal back to digital to do its DSP. Any improvement in the chain is worth considering but I’m not sure how much technicalities produced by a fine DAC are still present after that DSP step. Its an interesting experiment ofc but in such a scenario the “safe” bet for upgrade is maybe a streamer in the 1.5k -2k 'ish range. Another option worth considering is a DDC between the node and the STR, that might give you the best price/performance ratio.
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Any recommendations for a dac that would be a sidegrade to the Holo Spring 3? I’m thinking of trying out the cma fifteen or denafrips pontus 2
Pontus isn’t a sidegrade but a downgrade. The comparable is the Venus. I never heard it personally but owned the pontus and spring.
I know usually in the price point people talk about the Lampizator Amber 3 and 4, Aqua!La Voce S3, Rockna Wavelight (a bit higher price), Mojo Mystique, Schiit Yggy to name a few from the top of my head
While I’ve not heard the spring 3, if I compare to a spring 2 kte and may kte for somewhere in-between, I’d say all of those sans the yggy are upgrades, not sidegrades imo. I think the yggy is a solid sidegrade though depending on priorities although it’s not going to be as technical in most aspects
I read sidegrade as similar(ish) price category but different focus or just another piece but if getting better for same money doesn’t cover that lol then maybe only yggy than 
Ah I read sidegrade as shooting for same level of performance regardless of price lol
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Lol perhaps. Why would someone do that is beyond me tbh
Ideon ayazi mk2 is worth a look for a very different sound. It’s performance may be half a step down from spring without the reclocker though
which yggy would you recommend? There are like 20 different models
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Only one I could personally suggest is the og one with either the a1 or a2 card depending on preference (generally a2 is the safer choice). I’m personally skeptical of the mil or lim, but not tried them so can’t say anything. I would say that if you enjoy the spring and don’t really have many qualms might be wise to just stick with that and then upgrade within that vein (unless you’re looking for something pretty different from what you have, since imo the yggy isn’t all that similar to the holo dacs)
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What’s a good price for an a1 or a2? I was looking at this but it seems a bit above market value: Schiit Yggdrasil DAC; D/A Converter; Unison USB; Analog 2 - The Music Room
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That’s actually pretty fair, typically the price will depend on the level of USB card, unison card og a2 imo tend to be around 1700-1800 typically, and gen 5 usb tend to be more around 1600 ish. If you aren’t using usb then gen 5 can save you a few hundred bucks, but if you do use usb the unison card is worth it (that being said, you can actually send in a g5 to upgrade to unison for schiit and get a refreshed warranty as well.
In terms of A1 prices, they tend to be more all over, they are slowly becoming more sought after as there’s not really a replacement for them as new A1 cards aren’t being produced, but at the same time a wider range of people prefer the A2 so it’s not like prices for those have exploded
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Looking to borrow a streamer or bridge with AES output. Any brand will do it’s simply for testing. Should be able to turn it back around to you in a week or two at most. If you’ve got something sitting on a shelf unused, I’d appreciate the help.
Of course I’ll cover shipping both ways.
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I have a PI2AES if you want to borrow that.
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Multiple offers… what a community! 
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Hey guys, i have recently found a sweet spot for my setup which delivers all i am looking for in my music (well except comfort, it involves a 1266), and i am wondering if any part of my chain is worth upgrading while still maintaining the exceptional synergy i am experiencing.
My setup:
PC running Windows 10 + Qobuz;
Leafaudio DDC (crystek CCHD-957-25) + low noise power supply from aliexpress;
Schiit Gungnir Multibit via coaxial from DDC;
Inexpensive but apparently well built interconnects;
Quicksilver amp;
Abyss 1266 (either stock cable or Forza Noir Hybrid);
I have recently found that the 1266 does not really need all the power the HYPSOS + OOR deliver, for me the Quicksilver adds this smooth sound to the analytical 1266 character while still maintaining a punchy bass and awesome bass control. Bass is very important to me, is one of the aspects i enjoy the most about the music i dig, which is mainly Rock / Metal / Prog / Blues.
I may decide to sell the OOR so i can accommodate one “last” upgrade to my chain, as long as it makes sense, i mean something that will be clear noticeable like when i switched from the Modius to the Gungnir.
I should add, i don’t really have a budget available for this, that is why i would have to sell the OOR so i appreciate if we could keep suggestions below $2k, hahaha. Unless it involves, for example, selling the DAC to get a different one or something like that.
I am not even sure how this could sound even better than it sounds right now, but i am pretty sure you guys will have one or two ideas 
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The only sensible upgrade in YOUR path and this is only my OPINION would be to get OFF the PC and onto a dedicated streamer.
That would allow for a cleaner background, free of jitter and noise found intrinsically on the laptop. It would provide a blacker background and better separation to be heard from the rest of your chain and thus maximize the abilities of the equipment you already own and ENJOY.
Good luck in whatever you decide, that’s my recommendation based on experience with other equipment, nothing that you are using. 
happy listening!
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I have just started reading about streamers, since i already have a pretty good DAC do you have any recommendations for a budget streamer without a DAC that would be worth getting?
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Your device will at a minimum need to operate Quoboz since that is your service of choice. I am technically inept and had help with each of my streamer choices and thus am the WRONG person to recommend anything within your price range and relative to the rest of your equipment.
Having stated my technical ineptness clearly, I do enjoy the quality of my Innuos and find their streaming software SUPERIOR to everything else I have personal experience with. They have top notch technical service, and thus far between them and my dealer they have kept me up and operating steady since about 2019 or so…
Provided is a link to their newest product line.
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