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Advice from members

I have just started putting my first system together and have been enjoying it for about 6 months or so and am starting to research what I should upgrade in the current system next. I am looking to improve both clarity and soundstage. This is what I am currently running, the biggest and most noticable difference to date has come with the introduction of room correction via the Dspeaker Dual Core. Here is the current setup. I am debating on simplifying by going to a all in one solution like a Anthem STR integrated OR introducing a higher quality DAC into the current system:
  • Source: Innuos Music Server (MINI MK2) running Roon server and being used as a player
  • DAC/Preamp/Room Correction - Antimode Dual Core. - To leverage the best input on the dual core I am using a Musical Fidelity VLINK USB to SPDIF (24/96) converter
  • AMP - Using a Jolida 1501P Hybrid AMP
  • Speakers - ELAC Unifi UF5 Floor Standing with a ORB Audio 200 watt Sub that is corrected via the Dual Core.
I am wondering what the weakest link the chain is and the one I should look at upgrading next.
Many thanks in advance, looking forward to everyones feedback.
palakapatel
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Sorry I cannot correct the typo anymore: 'convert' rather than 'cover'.
palakapatel OP
7 posts
 
Willemj - Thanks for the response.  The reason I am using the SPDIF (optical) over the usb is because the USB on the dspeaker is limited 24/48 where as the SPDIF goes upto 24/96.  The US distributor has also suggested that the best sounding and performing input is indeed the SPDIF, something I was able to confirm after a series of A/B tests.  
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
you are also getting galvanic isolation with the converter

where are you on room treatments?

same question re source material and the best recordings/masterings?

it won't be easy to make significant improvements, as you have already skimmed most of the cream...
jafant
18,984 posts
 
Welcome! palakapatel
congratulations on your 1st system. We all were there once upon a time.
I, too, am considering an integrated amp, possibly, the new Anthem.
Keep us posted as you obtain your bearing and audition more gear.
Have fun.
Happy Listening!
rbstehno
1,407 posts
 
USB is not that great of an interface but it usually has better specs that spdif and especially toslink. If you do use usb, get the best cable you can afford, huge differences between cables, don’t let people tell you different. 
I would swap out your music server and external dac and get an updated dac with a bridge that supports 24/192, dsd, and especially MQA. If you get a bridge, you can use a better connection than usb. 
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