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Will adding an external DAC to my setup improve SQ significantly?

Hello everyone,
My current setup is as follows:
  • Buchardt S300 MK2 stand mount speakers
  • Peachtree Audio Nova 125 integrated amp
  • Bluesound Node 2i streamer
  • OPPO BDP93 Universal player
  • ProJect Debut Carbon Esprit DC w/Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge 
  • Bluejeans cables and interconnects throughout

The context:

Nowadays, my music comes 70% from SPOTIFY/QOBUZ/TIDAL streaming to the Bluesound Node 2i, with the rest coming from local files stored in my laptop, as well as older vinyls and CDs.

I listen mostly to all styles of Jazz, Classical, World Music, some Classic Rock, and even some easy listening tunes when the mood strikes me, all of this at reasonable volumes, but sometimes cranking it up some...

My listening room is our untreated living/dining room ( 550 square feet).

Now for my question:

While I very much enjoy the sound I'm getting for this modest but pretty good sounding system, I have read here and there that adding an external DAC can potentially improve on the overall SQ, as opposed to sticking to the Bluesound's internal DAC...

Before I go and spend hard earned money on what may not be a significant/worthwhile improvement, I wanted to ask those of you with much more experience than I your opinions. Of course, Bluesound owners are especially invited to chime in.

I really love the Buchardt speakers and would love to get the very best out of them.

Thanks very much for your input, experiences and of course, eventual advice as to what external DAC would fit the bill.

My budget is limited to around $1000, as it wouldn't make sense to spend more on a DAC in a system this modest, or am I wrong?

I have beend advised to checkout the upcoming SMSL M500. Any of you guy know much about these chinese machines (Topping/ SMSL/ Denafrips...). They appear to be very competitive price and specs wise, but I'm too much of a newbie to tell the difference, especially as it applies to my specific gear and circumstances.

Regards to all!

jlr261
jlr261
jazzman7
362 posts
 
jlr621,
In your quest, try to tune into what you are looking for.
DACs have different personalities.  Don't get hung up on the chip set.  It is the manufacturer's implementation of a given chip set is where the rubber meets the road, especially with respect to the op amps.  Two different DACs using the very same chip set may exhibit very different personalities based upon differences in their implementation.  What matters most is what you yourself like.  So my advice to you would be to go forth and listen, at friends, at dealers, to figure out what you like best.
Also seek out reviewers that you trust, and have a good sense of how to interpret.   I personally seek out reviews by both John Darko and Mike Lavorgna.   Happy hunting.  
jlr261's avatar
jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Good morning everyone!
I can't  thank you enough for your various suggestions and advice, it really helps me to learn more about this wonderful hobby, and hopefully, make sound decisions as to what the next move could be.

mahler123: thanks for sharing your experience with the Node 2 and associated equipment.

Lalitk: I am really intrigued by the Denafrips Ares II, on which they are currently offering a 10% discount on an already quite reasonable price... I can afford it !! May very well pull the trigger and resell should it not work out...

everest_audio: thanks,  I wasn't  sure there would be no difference between WIFI and wired connection... 

jazzman7: I hear you loud and clear, each person's  perception will be different. But since I currently reside in the Central African country of Gabon, where there is NO serious audio reseller, I have to pretty much rely on forums,  reviews, and occasional trips abroad  to have a listen... I have read several of John Darko's reviews, and a few from Mike Lavorgna, and enjoyed them thoroughly.  

Thanks again everyone  and keep it coming!

Regards, jlr261
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,446 posts
 
Great advice to you here! 

I agree on trying out the DAC in the Peachtree as it’s a free and fun thing to do. 

I have a NODE 2i as well. It’s a fairly good DAC but nothing special and it’s a tad noisy.  See https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-bluesound-node...

as folks say, it’s really a matter of improving overall quality while zoning in on what you want most. Some DACs are state of the art and won’t offend but may sound sterile to you. 

I moved to a tube DAC.  The Doge Audio 7. See https://www.doge.audio/products/tube-dac/doge-7-tube-dac/

It’s slightly north of your budget. 

One thing you you could do on the cheap is to reduce jitter. I love this product ! See https://ifi-audio.com/products/spdif-ipurifier/


melm
1,085 posts
 
@gadios

Will the results of the Arizona DAC shootout be published on-line?
jlr261's avatar
jlr261 OP
34 posts
 
Good evening everyone!

Just a short message to thank all of you again for your inputs and opinions, I am learning much and so glad to be a member of such a community where I can benefit from the experiences of so many fellow enthusiasts.

I have decided to first invest in a few collateral improvements, such as better cables and cleaner signal transmission, etc.

I also need to do some more experimenting of my existing three DACs before purchasing a fourth one, that certainly makes more sense...

So thanks again, I'll keep you posted on the evolution of things and most of all... keep enjoying the music, beacause it's my main goal and joy!!

Cheers,jlr261
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