Weak Link in chain as I upgrade from mid-fi?


This is a long post but want to be thorough in giving my setup and thoughts on it. Any feedback or thoughts welcome:

I finally caved and started to invest in a stereo setup after years dedicated to head-fi. Currently it's a 'starter' 2 way system focused entirely on digital and I'm pretty happy with it but want to sort of map out a good upgrade path, and am curious what if any 'obvious' weaker links I have in my chain...if theres something I could make a singular upgrade for and notice improvements without having to change a whole lot at once

Currently:

SF Sonetto i
Arcam SA-20 for amp + dac
Bluesound Node 2i for streaming/Roon
Marantz CD-5005 for transport

I love the SF...maybe Id endgame at Olympica Nova or Electa amator standmounts or Sonetto V floors. I generally subscribe to the thought of affording the most full range in a 2.0 possible before getting standalone subs but if theres a sub that would blend well with my current Sonetto i's musically id be interested to know about it.


The Arcam is a purchase Im also very happy with for now. I do want a bit more convenience of the sort the Sa30 would provide, Roon endpoint, wireless etc, but when I do upgrade amp might opt for standalone dac/streamer and better analog int amp.

The CD5005 I like enough but curious how much more Id need to spend to get noticeable improvement, especially given the other gear I have. I only use it as transport currently. I can't even tell what Im missing...beyond knowing just how much better a system could be overall from my local hifishop listening.

If it matters, I want to stick with integrated as I upgrade, and maybe endgame with a Luxman 505 or something all analog, which would mean a proper dac as well (maybe replace blue sound as well to get a nice dac/streamer?)

I will not anytime in the foreseeable future have a 'listening room'...it will for a long time be combined living room/tv/stereo setup.

Open to any feedback or thoughts! 

 

128x128zander024

Just my thoughts.
first of all, you have done a good job building what you have. Second, I am so glad to see you did not mention cabling as I don’t think they really make a bit of difference at this level.
I would recommend a stand alone DAC. I would not get a DAC/streamer combo. Too much is changing in the streamer market to lock into a single dual use function. The Bluesound node will work fine with an outboard DAC. I suggest you look very closely at the offerings from Gustard. The x26 Pro ($1,500) for a delta-sigma DAC or the R26 ($1,650) if you want an R-2R/Multibit DAC. Both offer fantastic sound at a great price point. Lastly I would upgrade speakers. I always buy speakers for my NEXT amplifier as having them as the strongest link is always the best path IMO. If you like the Sonus Faber sound, have a look at the Dynaudio line of speakers. I feel they offer more value in speakers with out flashy leather wrapped cabinets, etc. personally I prefer stand mounts. I own Dynaudio Confidence C1 Platinums (now discontinued). I would suggest trying the Dynaudio Contour 20 or 20i, Heritage Soecial, or the Confidence 20. All are amazing 2-ways and can run alone or be complimented by a sub for only the lowest octaves as they go down to ~35Hz.

enjoy the journey.

Stick to your gun.  SF Sonetto 1 is an excellent pair of speakers.  Ignore some forumers' dissing here.  I am not sure about the SQ of the internal DAC of SA20 or Node 2i.  I have heard audiophile comments about the so-so sound quality of the internal DACs in Node 2i,and a variety of the integrated amps.  To fulfill your curiosity and if you want to invest on a DAC, the highly raved Schiit Bifrost 2 is a good start under $1k.  Sky is the only limit if you go beyond that price range, which diminishing return will start kicking in imho.

 

After reading this thread I am glad I am not the OP. 

No one is reading what this guys goals and limitations are. 

 

At your level you need to sell it all…not upgrade this or that.

You will need a real DAC like a Lampizator or Esoteric or MSB.

Then save up 20-50k for speakers. I would hear a pair of YG acoustics Carmel 2 or go up to a Magico A5.

Your amp will be a Pilium integrated, their small one is only 30k and it is fantastic. 

 

@juanmanuelfangioii haha, thanks for that. Im not new to hifi forumers, just loudspeaker ones...so Im not naive enough to believe stuff like that post you quoted, but people gonna try 🙄

I will say I didn't 'give' a 'limit' in price...partially because im not looking for 'hey if u had a dream 2 way setup what would u put in it', and I think im getting enough useful feedback to know that came across to many. 

I could imagine dac mattering but no matter how much source matters I couldn't imagine having a $6k T2 makes any sense until ive upgraded speaker and amp, though am curious what's the entry point of other gear when a DAC like that makes sense.

For now Im likely going to get some small Rel T subs, then eventually separate int amp/dac pieces...then speakers.

Regarding my choice of Sonetto I if it gives understanding why I chose the speaker...The SII is almost 2x the cost and I found it was lower on the value/$ scale which is already tough for SF given import costs to NA. The S1 gets close to the S2 (at least closer imho, compared to idk...lumina I and 2 or dyn emit m10/m20s, other big/baby brother 2 ways Ive heard), and will be sort of my training speaker for paying attention to depth and imaging on a loudspeaker setup.

@lanx0003 thanks haha. Yeah I know the sonetto is not the maxima amator, or ON 1 etc...let alone their 'true' high end lines...but I view it as the lowest point of entry to have usable training ground for what SF can offer. Lumina imo sacrifices too much on imaging to use as a chain in SF upgrade path that teaches you what to listen for. 

As for the Arcam its actually a really nicely done thing. I didn't trust the added electronics for the SA30 (wireless/dirac etc are something I could use down the line but not for now), and I know id upgrade the amp relatively soon anyway. The dac is easily best bang for buck Ive heard for a digital int amp at 2k or below, and I got it new for like 1100...was an easy choice! Its generally an easy going amp, and some of the lower end Hegel construction concerns me (was considering h95 but something irked me about the way everything mounted to chassis). That said, I wish it had less plastic and more metal, and the standby light can be seen from space.

 

Way back in the day, Arcam made some good CDPs and their Brit-integrateds were competitive.  But then they went off into class H, and that model and subsequent never seemed to get any traction, at least in the US.  There are literally dozens of excellent integrateds in the 3K-10K range, and there are a lot of threads about them on this site.