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Proper DAC Upgrade for my modest system.

Looking for some advice from people with lots more experience then me

My local dealer has recommended the RME ADI-2 DAC, or the New NAD 658. Buying a DAC is "hard". But was looking for some veterans thoughts. The NAD I could replace the Yamaha Streamer and get some money back.

Anyone have an opinion of the Wadia 122 DAC? I got one on clearance so decided to pull the trigger, its 100% better then the Parasound zDac Gen 1 I was running, but making sure for around the $1200 ( My budget ) price point I am making the right buy.

System is WXC Streamer --> Wadia 122 DAC -->AVR/Pre-Amp - B&K 125.7 Bi amped to KEF R11’s via Rocket 44’s.

I use Tidal for all content - I don’t do anything other then stream Tidal and some Apple Music if certain songs / albums are not on Tidal. Some day I might progress into "higher res" but the cost of files seems a low ROI vs Tidal at the moment.

Appreciate everyone’s insight on this topic.
crock442
freediver
1,397 posts
 
Ok I looked at your system & speakers..With your budget sell the AVR PreAmp & put it with your $1200.00 & get yourself a Quad PA-One...I promise you a COMPLETE & TOTAL massive upgrade to current setup!
Addendum:I guess you need to keep the AVR Pre for BiAmping though?
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 

Addendum:I guess you need to keep the AVR Pre for BiAmping though?
 I use a Sony ES3100 for home theater purpose, simply use the aux passthrough to control volume through on source. New Sony ES series has a pretty clean passthrough from what I have read - I know its unbalanced which isn't optimal.

My goal when I get some more room is to get a Pre with balanced that can go to B&K but then I will pick up a better amp to potentially drive the towers... I am 80% Music 20% theater. 

That Quad seems interesting - never heard of them.  I can also say that the Wadia has a much better sound / sound stage then the parasound it replaced... I was just making sure I bought the right product. 
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
RME is very solid.

I would say room treatment would lead to a sonic upgrade that’s magnitudes better than any other thing you can do with your budget.

Quad PA-One
Their tag line:

the closest approach to the original sound
And it’s a tube DAC, so a completely BS statement, tubes by their very nature deviate from the original sound.

ljgerens
161 posts
 
You made a good choice. It is a better DAC than the zDAC as you have already observed and it matches your system well. Your KEF R11 speakers are no slouch. Just enjoy your music.
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 
You made a good choice. It is a better DAC than the zDAC as you have already observed and it matches your system well. Your KEF R1
haha Solid advice, I pulled the trigger on the Wadia because I got it at a steal.. I think? I was just making sure in the say 800-1500 price range I wasn't missing some amazing purchase. It's only got about 30-40 hours on it right now and ( same with the speakers ) so it could sonically change for the better .... So I hear. haha

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