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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,116 posts
 

Upgrade your speakers ,having owned a audio store and the art of modding electronics myself Upgrading Loudspeakers weak link ,the Xover is over 80% of 

loudspeakers including many expensive Loudspeakers , why for most companies 

put in average at best capacitors, and resistors , it’s all about $$ . 
they get something that does a decent job not what’s best Ever .

man6 use either Solen, or the mid grade white Mundorf capacitors , and $4 resistors sad but true . I upgrade Every Loudspeaker I own ,ad well as many Audiophile friends. Which is a Substantial audio upgrade.

soix
9,456 posts
 

I’d look at a LAiV Harmony DAC that offers a trial and an Innuos Pulse Mini with something like a Teddy Pardo LPS.  A little over your budget but well worth the stretch I’d think.  Best of luck. 

vthokie83
832 posts
 

mike4597

As others have said, you have 3 glaring weak spots: Streaming service (move to Qobuz or Tidal), streamer, and DAC

If I were in your shoes, I would upgrade the DAC first. I'd look at: Denafrips Pontus II R2R ladder DAC (I own this DAC - $1,500 used), Schitt Yggy LIM DAC ($1,750 used), Laiv Harmony DAC ($2,700 new), or the recently released LTA Aero DAC ($3,950 new). I've not heard the LTA, but it's getting great reviews already.

Whatever is left (or when you can save more), then upgrade the streamer once you've got a nice DAC

mesch
3,470 posts
 

Treating the room should come first.

Then consider your use of streaming. Would it serve as a replacement for playing CDs? If so invest in Streamer and DAC. If not consider the purchase of a quality transport to replace your NAD player.

  

stevebohnii's avatar
stevebohnii
82 posts
 

@mike4597 - I feel you are getting a lot of bad advice. Replacing your speakers? Your speakers are amazing. I have the Fyne Audio 502SPs and love them. I am using a sub which I think adds a lot of extension. I think your weakest link is your streamer. I would start with the streamer and then the dac. If you go used and increase your budget a little you could get a streamer and dac for under $5k. I know that’s easy for me to say, but I think you will hear an audible difference with a new steamer. 

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