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.
Of course you’re confident!
It’s obvious the guy has a problem, @soix. |
WOW. Did I set off a storm! I appreciate all the advice guys (and gals if any are involved). Being quite pleased with the Schiit Bifrost 2/64, I queried Schiit as to whether I would be able to detect a significant difference between the Bifrost and the Yggdrasil, and their surprising answer was "no." So, based on what I have read here, I am going to start by replacing my streamer and going to either Tidal or Qobuz (I need to check them both out). One key criteria I have in my purchases now is to avoid buying things from the PRC; that is not to say they don't make some good stuff, but having spent nearly four decades as an Intelligence officer, I see China preparing for war in the Pacific, and I don't want to contribute--via taxes on their companies--to the Chinese military in any way. Having said that, I realize that such a position radically constrains my choices in a streamer. One brand I have found is Innuous, which makes their streamers in Portugal. Given that my budget is around $3Kto $4K for a streamer, I am thinking of the Zen MkIII, which can rip CDs and has a linear power supply. The Pro-Ject S2 Ultra has some ambiguous reviews, so I eliminated that. Are there other non-PRC options out there? As for the streaming service, I like convenience, so between Tidal and Qobuz, is one more convenient to use than the other? Finally, thanks to all who commented, and I can see that there are those who are even a bit more passionate than me about this business of getting the best music reproduction possible within certain financial constraints. )Fortunately, we live in a still free country, and people are entitled to their own opinions.) I think I am pretty close to what I can achieve within my financial limits. Thanks again ... to all who commented. |
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@mike4597 you’re on the right track with replacing the streamer. As to non-PRC options, Aurender is awesome. If you don’t need Roon, a used Aurender N10 is going to be amazing. |
