So rabbit holes abound…
My current chain(s):
Fluance RT85 (w/ Ortofon 2M Blue Cart) -> Schiit Mani 2 -> WiiM Ultra -> NCx500 Monoblocks -> Warfedale Linton 85s
Sonos Port (legacy) -> WiiM Ultra -> NCx500 Monoblocks -> Warfedale Linton 85s
For reasons not entirely under my control (I’m joking), I’m staring at upgrading my phono stage and my WiiM Ultra’s DAC. For different reasons I just happen to be looking at two Cambridge Audio products: the Duo / Solo phone stage and the 200m DAC. My mad budget is in the 500$ +/- range for this foolishness.
Given my chain, and the fact that I listen to the nasty, glossy black thingies (about 40% of the time / 60% of the time is streaming), I’m questioning whether I would hear a difference by adding either of these devices (or frankly any competing phono stage or DAC in the same +/- price range such as the Chi-Fi brands). I’m struggling with that concept though. Is it a matter of diminishing returns? That is, is it a matter of paying 1k$ for a 10% improvement? Or perhaps 2k$ for a 15% improvement? Or perhaps, as I’m in my golden years, aka > 50, are my ears at a point where it’s unlikely I’m physically able to discern the differences?
After a fair amount of reading, I’ve read qualitative opinions all over the board. So I’m coming to the scientists…
Failing an upgrade target, there are plenty of black shiny thingies on my Xmas list… Sorry folks, I know they’re dated technology and imperfect in so many ways, but there’s something inherently sexy about 4 fingers of brown alcohol and a spinning platter... Changing albums… That dreaded hiss and crackle. If you haven’t given it a try, you should before you shoot it down. Yes yes, I know SACD rules them all, but, well…
(As an aside, I’ve not monkied around with the settings on the bottom of the Mani 2. Should I?)
My current chain(s):
Fluance RT85 (w/ Ortofon 2M Blue Cart) -> Schiit Mani 2 -> WiiM Ultra -> NCx500 Monoblocks -> Warfedale Linton 85s
Sonos Port (legacy) -> WiiM Ultra -> NCx500 Monoblocks -> Warfedale Linton 85s
For reasons not entirely under my control (I’m joking), I’m staring at upgrading my phono stage and my WiiM Ultra’s DAC. For different reasons I just happen to be looking at two Cambridge Audio products: the Duo / Solo phone stage and the 200m DAC. My mad budget is in the 500$ +/- range for this foolishness.
Given my chain, and the fact that I listen to the nasty, glossy black thingies (about 40% of the time / 60% of the time is streaming), I’m questioning whether I would hear a difference by adding either of these devices (or frankly any competing phono stage or DAC in the same +/- price range such as the Chi-Fi brands). I’m struggling with that concept though. Is it a matter of diminishing returns? That is, is it a matter of paying 1k$ for a 10% improvement? Or perhaps 2k$ for a 15% improvement? Or perhaps, as I’m in my golden years, aka > 50, are my ears at a point where it’s unlikely I’m physically able to discern the differences?
After a fair amount of reading, I’ve read qualitative opinions all over the board. So I’m coming to the scientists…
Failing an upgrade target, there are plenty of black shiny thingies on my Xmas list… Sorry folks, I know they’re dated technology and imperfect in so many ways, but there’s something inherently sexy about 4 fingers of brown alcohol and a spinning platter... Changing albums… That dreaded hiss and crackle. If you haven’t given it a try, you should before you shoot it down. Yes yes, I know SACD rules them all, but, well…
(As an aside, I’ve not monkied around with the settings on the bottom of the Mani 2. Should I?)