Best path to upgrade my source


I am a new start up in the stereo world. At present I have an Audible Illusions pre, 200 watt tube mono's, dynaudio 1.3 mk 11'S, and a highly modded marantz cd67se. I would like to upgrade the front end source. I am on a tight budget, and I'm considering either a Benchmark dac1 or Naim cdi or meridian 506. I prefer acoustic, soft jazz, and mild rock and roll. My listening habits revolve around detail and immediacy as my 53 year old ears have heard better. Any suggestions?
optimationman
Has anyone auditioned the Lite Audio DAC 68? I'm in the market for a DAC <$1000. Looking at Benchmark DAC 1 & Lavry Da10; Leaning toward Lavry but heard new Benchmarks have improved sound order older models.
Chichiuno,

Does anyone provide an upgrade to the power supply for the Lavry or Benchmark?
Anthony,

You're way off base. I have changed, improved and altered enough power supplies in my time to recognize when there's a problem that needs it to be made better. You may or may not believe it, but the Lavry DA-10 doesn't need help in that respect.

I don't have to forward your views to Dan Lavry for he has already addressed the issue of a switching v. linear PS in writing. His contentions are that:

1. The generic audiophile critic, by which he must mean someone like yourself, probably has not kept up with the improvements in switching technology. That in the DA-10 is more expensive and better for the application than a linear. Switching PS are harder to design and many "audiophile" designers are simply not up to it.

2. A "linear" PS is only partly linear anyway as only the regulator is "linear". A diode bridge or a center tap 2 diode rectifier is not. The current through the filter caps and/or inductor switches.

3. Linears generate heat that adversly affects reliability and performance of components. Switchers do not. Linears also generate 120 Hz noise (within the audible range). A switching PS generates noise above the audible range, and keeping that noise above audibility is accomplished with good design.

Lavry designed the original DAC module for Mark Levinson, Wadia and Pacific Microsonics. His DA924 is used by many of the top mastering facilities. He is exceptionally well published, on the internet and elsewhere. I did my homework before making the purchase. A unit doesn't measure noise at -110db unweighted if its switching PS is not extremely well designed.

Perhaps you can tell us what you have designed and published.

If your understanding of error correction and a reclocking circuits are as wanting as your understanding of modern power supplies I rest my case.

Mel

PS: Ncwogger, save your money. Having Anthony replace the PS in the manner he describes will in all likelihood degrade Lavry performance.
Sfar... Sorry for this late response. Thank you for the detailed description of the Dac ah. I will certainly consider it.