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
I also have the PS Audio PWDII, and really like it.  Better than their fancy new award-winning Directstream DAC actually.  I think it's a good bargain.  Haven't compared it to any other high-quality non-PS Audio DACs though, so take my suggestion with a grain of salt.

jzz, I can entirely relate to you. I have been without a real stereo for almost 20 years, too.-Mostly related to starting my own business as opposed to a MIL.
I, too, remembered my experience hearing Vandersteen's in my youth.
Fast forward to 2016, Vandy's are not only still available, but are still highly regarded.  I guess my ears weren't fooling me. In any case, you can guess what speakers are in my system today.
I hope you enjoy listening to music as much as I do. Again.
Bob:   You should get a hold of me in Lewiston, Id.......If your in south east ,Washington ......Hi-Fi is my hobby, and I'm constantly working on and building  tube electronics ....Will
Hi Jzzmusician
I am sorry to hear about your misfortune,I dislike my mother in law too.
I was wondering after 20 years long visit,I understand she came in walking but did she exit walking or horizontally in a coffin. I am sorry for my black humor in advance.
George
George,

I wasn't that I disliked her.  She is a terrific person and it was wonderful for my kids to have their grandmother at the house for so many years.  The difficulty was that I was essentially living with my mother in law's daughter and not my wife.  Knowhatimean, Vern?  I gave up a lot of my space and it's sort of nice to have it back.

She moved to a retirement home nearby, complete with visits from us.  And, get this; she's got a new boyfriend!

Bob