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Where’s My Weakest Link?

Hi All,

I often find myself wondering where to put resources (money) to take my system to the next level. Over the years I have slowly acquired equipment and sometimes I am impressed with the “upgrade”, others I am disappointed with the change/cost ratio. I recently purchased Jim Smiths book, Get Better Sound and was blown away with the changes I was able to make with what I have but I am now back at crossroads of , whats next?

I am running a Bluesound Node 2i> Carver C-16 pre> Conrad Johnson Sonographe SA250> Thiel 1.2.

So what do you think the weakest link is / whats the smartest upgrade?

Thanks in advance!
otterbein
otterbein OP
7 posts
 
@mahler123 do you have a favorite DAC in the $1000 range?
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,532 posts
 
^^^^You can’t go wrong with Denafrips Ares II.  

https://www.denafrips.com/ares
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Or mhdt Orchid.
A little more at $1200 but you get options to roll tubes and have it hot rodded by Grannyring right here.
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,667 posts
 
otterbein.....pseudo-psychoanalytical....Maybe.....*L*

AKA cheap shots.....mho....;)

(I'm a ghost....the bullets hit Nothing) 
mahler123
3,354 posts
 
Otterbein 

I haven’t heard to many DACs in that range, but the Mytek Liberty and the Schiit DACs in that range would be high on my list.

if you buy used, perhaps a Benchmark or a Chord QTest.

All will be huge upgrade over the DAC in the Node2i.

I don’t know much about your speakers, and they may be an issue, but I can tell you for sure that your DAC could be significantly upgraded
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