Amp & Pre or Integrated for Dynaudio Heritage Special

Streaming or CD would probably come down to the DAC implementation. There are a lot of choices that cover the gamut. Maybe something R2R would give you the extra heft you’re missing with your current DAC.

Not sure why I assumed you had the hybrid. As inefficient as the Dynaudios are I can see the fully tubed 300 falling just that last little bit short. The more powerful tube types don’t seem to have the same sweet midrange magic as the EL34 though. Maybe the 400 would be just enough power, but doubling the watts only gets you 3dB more headroom. I still think a tubed pre with SS power might do the trick. Know anyone with an extra 100W+ amp of suitable quality that you can borrow to try it out? Maybe a Modwright or a Pass?

I auditioned the Heritage Special and Contour 20i. I went with the Contours; I did very slightly prefer the HS speakers, but it was close enough that I opted to save the difference in money. I power them with an integrated amp that many will consider a bit low brow, but it mates very well with the Dynaudio’s. It is the Yamaha A-S2200. The specs don’t tell the full story on how well it powers and controls the speakers, and has a great midrange and top end. Very musical with no harshness, and a fantastic phono stage. 

Not sure why I assumed you had the hybrid. As inefficient as the Dynaudios are I can see the fully tubed 300 falling just that last little bit short. The more powerful tube types don’t seem to have the same sweet midrange magic as the EL34 though. Maybe the 400 would be just enough power, but doubling the watts only gets you 3dB more headroom. I still think a tubed pre with SS power might do the trick. Know anyone with an extra 100W+ amp of suitable quality that you can borrow to try it out? Maybe a Modwright or a Pass?

@cat_doorman  

I love the mids of the EL34 so it defeats the purpose in my view to run other power tubes.  I tried the 400 but it generates way too much heat so it went back.  Currently have a McIntosh 8207 multi channel amp I use for HT, so may try to get a tube pre and see how that pairs for now.  This that would be a good start until I can find an amp.  

I am using a Coda CSIB V1 with the HS speakers and I have no urge to try tubes or anything else. I would also suggest you look at Luxman integrateds as well. 

+1 for the CODA CSIB and the HS, I have the V2 driving the HS, but I suspect the V1 is slightly sweeter with more Class A bias. To the OP, the CSIB is a very smooth sounding SS integrated with more current than you’ll ever need (70+ amps!), and retail for around $6K new so a relative bargain these days. 65 lbs of metal, a 10 year warranty and made in the USA (Sacramento CA).

BTW, there are a few queries above as to the quality of your digital source chain, and I concur that would be an area in your system that should be at least on par in terms of $ with the rest of the components of your system. The HS are demanding and reveal weaknesses in anyone’s setup, so perhaps whatever you feel is lacking might not just be a lack of grunt from your PrimaLuna.

Regarding your query regarding a CD transport vs streaming, IME they are equivalent, though a good transport is a bit cheaper on average than an equivalently good server. As for your DAC, I’ve spent the bulk of my $ on DACs (and the digital source chain in general), and am very happy I did as the sonic payoffs relative to other gear upgrades have been very clear to me in my system.

Also maybe try cable and isolation tweaks before making a huge investment, they often work for me, at least more often than not. Case in point, I recently bought some Transparent XLR interconnects, and they have been a wonderful addition to the synergy of my system.