I got my stereo back after almost 20 years!


As the subject says; I got my stereo back after almost 20 years.

The short story is that my mother in law came to visit and didn't leave until last October.  As she aged she started taking over the house.  My reading chair became hers and the family room was where she watched TV.  I've been listening to music on my computer, (with small stacked Bostons and a pawn shop sub) for almost 20 years.  It finally dawned on me that I could buy another stereo.  So for the past 5 months I've been cobbling together a system.

I bought a pair of Quad 2805s as I love the planer/esl sound and listen mainly to jazz.  They arrived with only one speaker working so I had them completely rebuilt and upgraded by Kent at Electrostatic Solutions.  My system currently is:

Quad 2805 speakers
Prima Luna Dialogue HP
Cambridge Audio CD transport
DacMagic 100

I ripped all my CDs to a Macbook using DBpoweramp and stream with Spotify.

So here's the dilemma;

I really can't hear much of a difference between Spotify, my ripped music on my Macbook or the transport.

I realize that the weakest links are the front end.

Here are my questions I need help with:

1. Should I buy a new DAC?  Something like the Schiit Gungiar (sp?) or PS Audio NU Wave?  Or would I be better off getting a network player that can also stream?  I do like running things off the Mac.

2.  I'm 64 and my hearing is obviously not what it once was.  If I upgraded would I hear any difference?  The downside of being 64 is not hearing as well but it may also be an upside as I could save considerable dollars!

3. I'm also 250-275 miles away from the nearest dealers and that presents a problem auditioning gear.  Also most dealers don't carry Quads. 

4.  And finally I am comfortable spending around $2000 plus or minus. 

Any suggestions?  I live in the SE corner of Washington State and would gladly pm my telephone number if you'd like to call and walk me through some ideas.

Thanks in advance,

Bob
jzzmusician
You mention that you've been working on your current setup for 5 months.  How long has it been stable (complete) and you have you been sitting and listening to it?  In addition to possible break-in issues (especially with rebuilt speakers), after so many years away from a high-resolution system, it may take some time for your ears to become readjusted.  It's possible that as you become attuned to the new system's sound, you will begin to notice differences you didn't before.  I'd let things settle in before I spent significant money.  Dick
I have the Schiit Bifrost and am loving it. I think think price wise it is a better move than the PS (which I have heard great things about). As mentioned before, they have a return policy. The nice thing about the Bifrost is that it is upgradable (according to Schiit).
My hearing, too, is compromised by age, so I am not going to split hairs when it comes to sound- I'll leave it to the yung'uns and those with lots of discretionary income.
Have you heard something better that makes you think the three all sounding the same is a problem?

based on my experiences with various digital sources in recent years multiple good quality digital sources going through the same DAC and system may very well all sound similar. That’s not a bad thing in off itself. Only if that sound you are getting is deficient to you in some way.

Its not uncommon I have found for an inferior digital source like a low res internet station or stream to sound worse than other sources that are CD quality or even reasonably close for some lesser recordings.
Another consideration would be the Sony HAP1ZES. I own one and have paired with the PrimaLuna HP.  Very happy with the sound and the convenience of the Sony. Good luck
Congrats on getting back into it...*G*

As for "when I'm 64...", welcome to the club.  As for your hearing not being as it was when you were younger, that comes with age and abuse of whatever you've been about before and in the interm.  Mine isn't either, but I can still hear what I like and don't.  You're obviously able to discern that as well, so just go with it.

And I'll leave you to the tender and tended mercies of those 'deeper into it' than yours truly.  My tastes tend to the unusual..

Good luck and enjoy. *S*