2. digital
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Start with Upgrade to DAC?

I am ready to set out on an upgrade cycle to my system, which consists of the following, over the next couple of years:

* Rogue Audio RP-7 Preamp (Upgrades: Rogue RP-9 or McIntosh C2800--C2800 includes Phono preamp and DAC)

* Odyssey Kismet Monobloc Amplifiers (Keepers!)

* Lounge Audio LCR Gold phono preamp (Keeper!)

* Fyne Audio F-702 Speakers (Keepers!)

* Definitive Tech Supercube 6000 (Vandersteen Sub Three or Paradigm XR11)

* Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC (Schiit Yggydraseil or ????)

* NAD C568 CD Player used as transport (Schiit Urd or ???)

* iFi Zen Stream

*iPad Pro for Apple Music

* Ice Age Audio OFC Power Cords

* Audioquest and mostly Morrow Interconnects (RCA & XLR)

* Performance Audio Speaker Cables, using Mogami W3104 Speaker Wire

  I am thinking that perhaps the best place to start would be the DAC, with the idea of moving from the Bifrost 2/64, which I like, to the Yggdrasil (model TBD) DAC, which has gotten superb reviews that speak to sound quality characteristics that are of concern to me.  Budget for DAC upgrade is about $2500.  OR, should I go for room correction capability?

I recently replaced a highly-rated 100 wpc tube amplifier with the Odyssey mono blocs, and I was stunned by the improvement in sound quality, definition, and imaging, but I think there still is some room for improvement.

Thoughts and recommendations most welcome.

mike4597
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,804 posts
 

In my opinion…both the streamer and the DAC are your weak links.
You upgrade the DAC first and probably not get its full potential with iFi Zen Stream  

There’s more to be squeezed out of that schiit with a good streamer. So it’s kind of a wash but…
I would try a good streamer first and use quality source like Qobuz or Tidal. Keep your iPad as controller only. Apple music does not sound as good as Qobuz or Tidal so might as well just listen to it via airplay.

ghdprentice
6,870 posts
 

@audphile1 

 

+1 

Schiit makes good budget DACs a Yggdrasil would be  better… but not sure up to the level of your speakers. You might look at used in the $5K to $10K new range and you will get a much more fully fleshed out natural sound. 
 

I would look at a Aurrender Streamer… and definitely stream via Qobuz. 

 

viridian's avatar
viridian
4,992 posts
 

Why do you have a phono preamp and no phonograph?

mike4597 OP
77 posts
 

Viridian, Oops, left that out.  My TT is a Thorens TD 126 MK—I am the original owner and recently had it refurbed—with an Audio-Technical VM540ML cartridge.  Frankly, I think the output from my LPs, especially the 1980s Sheffield discs and some 45 RPM discs I have, is better than the CD quality I am getting; it seems more “organic,” more alive, more “oomph.”  Sound stage is particularly good.  May have to see if I can get CDs of the same LP to compare them.  Thanks for noticing my omission!

mike4597 OP
77 posts
 

Viridian, Thorens TD126 MKII.

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