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Sound improvement with DAC, or Amp update

Hi there, i am a newbie to audio equipment. I recently got an upgrade of speaker from a 20 years old Mordaunt short MS10 to a B&W 606 S2. I am really enjoying the new sound and music that resulted from the update, and found myself drawn to listening more and wanting more.

I am currently using an old AV surround receiver Yamaha (HTR-5830) that is  delivering 110 Watts per channel on stereo to drive the 606 S2. My streamer source is - youtube music / Amazon prime HD music, running on Ubuntu PC with on board sound card, feeding via S/PDIF optical to the Yamaha Amp.

Looking for advice on what I could do for better sound quality with another small investment, should I consider my next upgrade on a DAC (e.g.Cambridge Dacmagic 200), or swap out the Yamaha  HTR5830 to a more modern integrated Amp with DAC (e.g. CXA81), or a new streamer device ?, which would have the most positive impact on the sound quality with my new 606 S2 speaker ?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Best Wishes, Paul

 

 

paulyap2k
mesch
3,481 posts
 

I also believe an integrated amplifier would be the way to go. Many have built in DACs. Then check out the many threads here on AG regarding streamers. There are better ways to go on a budget.  Get an integrated that does justice to your speakers 1st.

At what budget is your 'small investment' ?

dougsat
374 posts
 

Cambridge Audio CXA81

Available under a grand used. Should match well with your speakers,

Check out TMR search integrated amps.

tele09
8 posts
 

I believe DAC update will involve more performance increase instead of amp update, in relation to the money spent.

Of course if you can afford it, best choice is good amp with good integrated DAC.

ghdprentice
6,963 posts
 

@mesch  +1

 

Surround processors do not make good audio components. An integrated amp… stretch to buy the best possible will put you on the long term path to better sound. 

deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
714 posts
 

Normally I would say DAC, but it's your AVR that is the weakness piece right now. I had a top-end Denon AVR which I replaced with a Luxman integrated first and it made a significant, and easy to hear difference. I doubt you'd hear that much of an improvement with a new DAC/Streamer first. If you can afford a separate integrated and DAC, that's great, but there are now many high quality integrated amps with high quality built-in DACs. In my experience, replacing the AVR is first on your list. One other item, talk with other B&W owners/sellers (forum or where you buy your equipment) for a good amp to match your new speakers.

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