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New DAC or Speakers? What will put airy-ness in?

Okay like the title says, what is going to give me that airy sound that i had in my old setup which consisted of a Classe CDP.5, Classe CP-35, B&K Ref4420 and B&W CDM9NT speakers, it sounded so open and airy, i really miss that sound!

I have a much smaller budget system now that consists of a B&K AVR202, Pioneer ELITE BDP-05FD and KEF C-Series speakers.

I know these are two totally different setups, but what upgrade is going to put that airy-ness back into my system?

Better speakers or an external DAC?

Check my virtual systems to see my previous setup and my current setup.
mikewoodkozar
mikewoodkozar OP
22 posts
 
Haha sounds like the opinions are all over the place! I really would like a different set of music makers, have no idea what to look for, any suggestions for a decent under rated used speaker?

And what would be a good preamp to start with? I think that Classe might be a little out of my budget (right now).
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Speakers dont determine airiness as a rule. It's mostly the source. If you want the very best, eliminate the preamp and go directly from DAC to amps. Start with the digital source and make this as good as you can afford, then the DAC, then the amps.

I have some original KEF reference spaekers that are highly modified. Really outstanding. I have not really liked the new KEFs with the integral tweeter, even the highest models.

I agree on the receiver. You cant expect to get world-class sound from this. Look for something used on Audiogon.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mikewoodkozar OP
22 posts
 
Do you think that a Classe CAP101 integrated will get me there?
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
Room treatments will do wonders for the sound stage and imaging.
james63
534 posts
 
Don't wast money on a DAC. B&Ws have a house sound IMO and I bet you miss it. Try a used pair of B&Ws. What is your budget?

The 703 is a newer model of what you had. The 804 would be a lot better or even the 805s if you like monitors.
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