Slight upgrade - adding a CX

Upgrading
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So, does your DS-3 only have a USB output? Since you’re using the S20 to add SPDIF, it can’t be the same as the Antipodes DS Base Music Server reviewed by Christiaan Punter, correct?

Edit: Found this. : Increasing my storage on DS-3

Christiaan Punter:
With USB the DS sounds calmer and more refined. The sound is now more even (less rough) and more nurtured yet every bit as lively. With USB, the DS in generic comes close to the overall performance of the Aurender but deviates on some points. For example, the Aurender is still more finely detailed and refined, but the DS is more lively and engaging in the midrange as well as timbrally slightly more convincing. Incidentally, just as with the DX, there is no artificial sheen whatsoever to the DS sound and although there is a considerable difference between USB and coax, each output sounds very natural.

Your DS-3 has the upgraded USB (see review), like all later versions. However, the drive is likely an HDD. Ideally, today it should be a quieter SSD—or better yet, no hard drive at all in a player or endpoint to minimize noise.

This is a simple process, but it should be handled with caution, as there’s potential for sound quality improvement. Have you opened up your DS-3 to check inside? If you choose to proceed at your own risk, you could try disconnecting the HDD SATA (data) and HDD power cable.

  • If the unit doesn’t start up, the OS is likely installed on the same drive rather than a separate NVMe SSD.
  • If it does start up, you can test playback using files stored on the CX’s Samsung PM893 SSD with Squeeze to Squeeze. At this point, the endpoint’s PSU is only powering the player and USB.

Now, the quality of the final cable to your DAC becomes even more critical—just like the quality of the DC cable, especially if you’re using a JS-2 or an equivalent power supply. Who knows, maybe you’ve got yourself even more than a slight upgrade :wink: