Ok. Things have finally settled down to the point where I can post pics of my system, without thinking I will swap out half of my gear over the next 6 months. This is what I settled for:
Power: Shunyata Hydra and Python, Alpha digital and analog cabling, and Anaconda umbilicals between the wall and conditioners (shunyata conditioners are behind the main rack)
Amplification: Spectral DMC 30SS Series II, DMA 360 series 2 monos (I have a Bel Canto amp for my surrounds)
DACs: 3 x PS Audio DirectStream for stereo and Multi Channel application
Sources: 2 channel: CAPS 3.0 with battery SotM USB, MCH audio / video: Monster fanless server with HDMI card and Lynx for audio (MCH server is behind the Spectral - completely controlled remotely over iPad)
Software: Jriver, Jremote, Dirac
Speakers: Evolution Acoustics MM3 for mains, Linn Klimax 340A active center, and B&W in walls for surround
Cabling: MIT MA-X, HD90 and Transparent reference between DAC and preamp
Other: I run my video (from satellite TV and MCH server) through an Oppo 103D, which I use as an HDMI switcher and video upscaler. Technically I can use it to spin discs, but I really never do this anymore. All audio and video content has been ripped to harddrive.
It all works beautifully. Few thoughts:
I am confident that running server with Lynx / Dirac straight into a stack of audiophile DACs beats the crap out of ANY processor. Fortunately, keeping the volumes between the three DACs in synch is a breeze. They respond to the same remote control and NEVER miss a volume up/down command.
Only issue is volume restriction on MCH. The low sensitivity center channel restricts the maximum volume I can play at. This is only an issue on MCH SACD rips and with Dirac applied (with Dirac you lose about 10dB gain) Sometimes I want to play louder than my system is capable of in MCH. I have a gain stage on order that will go between my DAC and the active center channel, which should give me about 8dB boost, which will solve this problem.
.
Power: Shunyata Hydra and Python, Alpha digital and analog cabling, and Anaconda umbilicals between the wall and conditioners (shunyata conditioners are behind the main rack)
Amplification: Spectral DMC 30SS Series II, DMA 360 series 2 monos (I have a Bel Canto amp for my surrounds)
DACs: 3 x PS Audio DirectStream for stereo and Multi Channel application
Sources: 2 channel: CAPS 3.0 with battery SotM USB, MCH audio / video: Monster fanless server with HDMI card and Lynx for audio (MCH server is behind the Spectral - completely controlled remotely over iPad)
Software: Jriver, Jremote, Dirac
Speakers: Evolution Acoustics MM3 for mains, Linn Klimax 340A active center, and B&W in walls for surround
Cabling: MIT MA-X, HD90 and Transparent reference between DAC and preamp
Other: I run my video (from satellite TV and MCH server) through an Oppo 103D, which I use as an HDMI switcher and video upscaler. Technically I can use it to spin discs, but I really never do this anymore. All audio and video content has been ripped to harddrive.
It all works beautifully. Few thoughts:
I am confident that running server with Lynx / Dirac straight into a stack of audiophile DACs beats the crap out of ANY processor. Fortunately, keeping the volumes between the three DACs in synch is a breeze. They respond to the same remote control and NEVER miss a volume up/down command.
Only issue is volume restriction on MCH. The low sensitivity center channel restricts the maximum volume I can play at. This is only an issue on MCH SACD rips and with Dirac applied (with Dirac you lose about 10dB gain) Sometimes I want to play louder than my system is capable of in MCH. I have a gain stage on order that will go between my DAC and the active center channel, which should give me about 8dB boost, which will solve this problem.
.
Last edited: