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Seeking advice/tips on improving sound quality

Greetings fellow audiophiles,
Lately I have gravitated towards streaming music from my iMac to a Audioengine B1 bluetooth receiver just for the sake of convenience and the ability to play the same music in my main listening room as well as the patio/backyard (which is extremely convenient when we have large gatherings) The primary system comprises of Mcintosh C27 preamp + Mccormack DNA .5 + Vandersteen 2CE and Vandersteen 2WQ. It's a modest system and works very well. 90% of my audio files on the IMac have been ripped from original cds to Apple lossless format. Although this setup sounds very good, I was curious to know what else can be added to this chain that would bring about significant improvements to the sound quality, i have no experience with any software packages that claim to enhance the sound quality and have occassionally used an Arcam rDAC which has not sounded any better than the dac that's in the Audioengine. 
uditnaik
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Bluesound Node 2 plus a Tidal HiFi subscription. Or depending on your budget, go with a new Bryston BDP-2 or a used BDP-1 if you don't care about MQA.
mesch
3,503 posts
 
If the goal is to improve the sound from your main system at the source to your preamp I suggest a playback program such as mentioned here and purchasing a used DAC.

I use Pure Music program and PM allows a 15 day trial period. There are many others. I would purchase the DAC prior to giving any program a try. 
uditnaik OP
20 posts
 
I guess based on everyone's feedback the lowest common denominator is a DAC. For some odd reason my Arcam RDac doesn't jive with the Macintosh pre amp and when I turn up the volume all the way to the max I get a sound level that is moderately acceptable. Hence I am a little reluctant to purchase a DAC only to find that I am still experiencing the same issues. I will take my C27 to local dealers to find a day that can actually work well with it.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Do you have the system on a dedicated line, and if not, have you ever considered doing a dedicated line with upgraded outlet?

bigkidz
3,387 posts
 
The weak link is your source.  There are various options as mentioned CDP, DAC, build your own server which will sound better than the MAC, etc.  Best option is a really good DAC IMO this will give you the biggest improvement.  You really don't describe what you are searching for so it is hard to know what to advise you on.  It is best to mention what music you listen to and where is lacks what you would like to change.

Happy Listening. 
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