Advice Needed: 2025 System Upgrade - Digital Server vs Power Conditioning

[exupgh12]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some guidance on the next upgrade path for my system. Here's my current setup:

Source Components:

• Analog Front End: Brinkman Balance turntable with Brinkmann 10.5 tonearm, Miyajima Madeka cartridge, and Brinkmann Edison MKII phono stage
• Digital Front End: Melco HA-N1Z-2EX-H50S server, MSB Premier DAC, and Luxman D10 CD/SACD player

Amplification:

• Preamp: Luxman C900u
• Power Amps: Dual Luxman M900u

Speakers:

• Magico S5 (2024 version)

System Infrastructure:

• All Cardas Clear cabling (power cords, interconnects, and speaker cables)
• Nordost QB8 MKII power distribution

I'm planning my next upgrade for 2025 and I've narrowed it down to two options:

1. Upgrading the digital server (considering the newer Melco N1, Antipodes K50, or Oladra)
2. Upgrading the power distribution (considering the Shunyata Everest power conditioner)

Given my current system configuration, which upgrade path would you recommend? I'd appreciate any insights or experiences with either of these options.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...could you describe your "current" power workflow? Dedicated lines, etc.? Cheers...

 

[exupgh12]

...could you describe your "current" power workflow? Dedicated lines, etc.? Cheers...

My electrical connection is a three-phase power supply, with one phase dedicated to your system's power line. The socket for this line is a Furutech FP-SWS (G) Schuko wall socket. except for the socket, I can't change anything at this time.
the QB8 is connected to this line using Cardas Clear PC.

 

[itay123]

I'm planning my next upgrade for 2025 and I've narrowed it down to two options:

1. Upgrading the digital server (considering the newer Melco N1, Antipodes K50, or Oladra)
2. Upgrading the power distribution (considering the Shunyata Everest power conditioner)

hello friend

As you know I have both,
I would also consider a third option and that is to integrate a Premier Digital Director.
when i demoed first The Premier DAC, had it first without the DD for a period of about a month, then got my hands on a Digital Director which just came on, it feels like I replaced the whole DAC!!

In addition, maybe A fourth option and I know that you really likes Luxman and I have great respect for the company,
BUT I recommend you going to hear Magico in combination with PILIUM audio Electronics (And not in exhibitions, but living environments like yours or similar...)
you can ask from the local distributor, A Pilium Leonidas for a DEMO in your environment, after you demoed it, my hunch you cant go back to this type of amplification that you have today, with great respect.

goodluck.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...I'm reading that as a dedicated line, so power seems sorted out. Otherwise, I would have suggested power infrastructure work.

No hum or buzz on the analog side that would prioritize the Shunyata gear?

Until this summer, I was using two M900s and the C900, with A5s, so similarities in our set-ups. And sounded great here.

But I changed that system to the Westminster Lab amps (4) and pre with the A5s. Still sounds great, and perhaps a bit more clean. Loaded word that one, as the Luxys were beautiful.

So, absent any sharp driver for power, maybe the "better" server would make sense. Probably cost more too.

I recently moved from the Extreme ti the Olympus, so I do think a great server can add value to the chain.

 

[exupgh12]

hello friend

As you know I have both,
I would also consider a third option and that is to integrate a Premier Digital Director.
when i demoed first The Premier DAC, had it first without the DD for a period of about a month, then got my hands on a Digital Director which just came on, it feels like I replaced the whole DAC!!

In addition, maybe A fourth option and I know that you really likes Luxman and I have great respect for the company,
BUT I recommend you going to hear Magico in combination with PILIUM audio Electronics (And not in exhibitions, but living environments like yours or similar...)
you can ask from the local distributor, A Pilium Leonidas for a DEMO in your environment, after you demoed it, my hunch you cant go back to this type of amplification that you have today, with great respect.

goodluck.

Hello Itay,

Thank you for your informative response.

I’m currently working on prioritizing changes, so adjustments to the DAC (are you connected via Pro ISL or another module?) or amplification are not planned for this year.

Since you’ve had experience with both the K50 and the Everest, which of these upgrades do you feel contributes the most to the overall system improvement?

Thank you for sharing your insights.

Best regards,
Guy

 

[exupgh12]

...I'm reading that as a dedicated line, so power seems sorted out. Otherwise, I would have suggested power infrastructure work.

No hum or buzz on the analog side that would prioritize the Shunyata gear?

Until this summer, I was using two M900s and the C900, with A5s, so similarities in our set-ups. And sounded great here.

But I changed that system to the Westminster Lab amps (4) and pre with the A5s. Still sounds great, and perhaps a bit more clean. Loaded word that one, as the Luxys were beautiful.

So, absent any sharp driver for power, maybe the "better" server would make sense. Probably cost more too.

I recently moved from the Extreme ti the Olympus, so I do think a great server can add value to the chain.

Hello Markus,

Thank you for your takeaways. my analog rig is exceptionally silent—no humming or buzzing sounds at all.

I see your point that if my system power is sorted out i don’t need to prioritize the Shunyata gear.

It’s interesting to hear about your switch to the Westminster Lab amps.

As for the server, I think you’re right that a "better" one could make sense, though it might come at a higher cost. I’m still considering the potential impact of upgrading the server, but I’ll be cautious about what’s needed for the chain.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

Guy

 

[itay123]

Hello Itay,

Thank you for your informative response.

I’m currently working on prioritizing changes, so adjustments to the DAC (are you connected via Pro ISL or another module?) or amplification are not planned for this year.

I plan to order the Adapter Pro USB to Pro ISL.
I have a MSB Pro ISL Interface Module that was connected when it was relevant to the ISL PRO direct connection I had on the previous SERVER,
with the Anipodes I don't have a direct connection, So actually the MSB Pro USB to Pro ISL Adapter will be an adequate and excellent solution to this issue ,I am very intrigued already to hear the result,
currently connected with the additional module that I have Balanced XLR Module (AES/EBU).

Since you’ve had experience with both the K50 and the Everest, which of these upgrades do you feel contributes the most to the overall system improvement?

Thank you for sharing your insights.

Best regards,
Guy

Thinking that they are equally critical, and each one of them, will give you a very big improvement from the existing one,
But if I still have to choose one item, I would definitely choose the Shunyata Everest power conditioner will give you more of a high overall result because all your components will be fed through it.
Take on Considertion the Shunyata's dedicated Powering cable - either the OMEGA XC or the SIGMA XC

Good luck.

 

[exupgh12]

I plan to order the Adapter Pro USB to Pro ISL.
I have a MSB Pro ISL Interface Module that was connected when it was relevant to the ISL PRO direct connection I had on the previous SERVER,
with the Anipodes I don't have a direct connection, So actually the MSB Pro USB to Pro ISL Adapter will be an adequate and excellent solution to this issue ,I am very intrigued already to hear the result,
currently connected with the additional module that I have Balanced XLR Module (AES/EBU).



Thinking that they are equally critical, and each one of them, will give you a very big improvement from the existing one,
But if I still have to choose one item, I would definitely choose the Shunyata Everest power conditioner will give you more of a high overall result because all your components will be fed through it.
Take on Considertion the Shunyata's dedicated Powering cable - either the OMEGA XC or the SIGMA XC

Good luck.

Thank you so much for your detailed answer.
i use the Pro USB to Pro ISL, therefor i never felt the need to add the digital director to the premier DAC.

Again, thank you for the information you added.