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Time to upgrade DACs

I am currently running a Marantz HD DAC-1 with a Bluesound Node 2i. With a $2,500 budget, I can't decide between the Benchmark DAC3 HGC and the Mytek HiFi Brooklyn DAC+. My streaming service is Qobuz. 

Please help me decide which one to go with and why? Other recommendations will also be appreciated.

My other equipment is YBA Integre DT amp (have 2 for bi-amping), Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers, dual REL T9/i subs, good interconnects, speaker wires, and PCs. The room 15.5' X 20'  (sloped ceiling 8' at speaker end rising to 16') has been well treated with 10 X 4'x8'x4" acoustic panels.

My other quandary is whether or not to sell all off the speakers, ad the $2,500, and buy a new pair of Tekton Design Moabs and keep the Marantz HD DAC-1 for now.

Thanks for your help!

128x128ericnicky
ericnicky's avatar
ericnicky OP
32 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback and advice. Sounds like the consensus is to upgrade the speakers and put off the DAC upgrade for now. That said I should have about $5,000 or so to invest in speakers. My YBA Integre DT (2) are 50-watts per channel class A integrated which I love and plan to keep. (caps are redone, etc). So the new speakers will have to fairly efficient. 
Suggestions so far are:  Scansonic 3.5B,  LSA 20 Statement,  Nola KO also intrigued by the Tekton DEsign Moabs.

Please weigh-in on these and others and thanks once again for your ideas and experience...much appreciated. 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
The Scansonics have an 89dB SPL.  At 8' from the speakers, peak output would be ~104dB, at 10' 102dB.  That is plenty for music for normal to reference listening.  A little light for home theater.  
jeenam
131 posts
 
In the price range you’re looking at for speakers, one usually invests in beefier amplification. Keeping the YBA and swapping the speakers is going to severely limit your speaker options. That isn’t to say you can’t find a match that suits your tastes, but if you’re spending $3k+ on speakers I’d typically expect complementary amplification that can deliver at least 150w - 200w.

I’m still of the opinion that adding tubes to the signal chain may satisfy your requirements. To be honest, I don’t think you’re looking for neutral sound. You want exactly what tubes deliver, large images and a warm/full presentation. Kenrad VT231/6SN7's will deliver exactly what you're looking for.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/black-glass-kenrad-6sn7s-take-the-cake

Edit: Not sure where you live but I think it’s worth your while to hit up the local hifi shops and take your DAC with you. It might help you identify what components in your current setup aren’t fitting your desired sound profile.
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
One thing I am curious about....your original question around DACs.  Do you need a headphone amp?  Or are you just looking for a new DAC?  If you just need a DAC I might have an idea.  
ericnicky's avatar
ericnicky OP
32 posts
 
Well, I stepped up and bought a pair of Revel 228Be speakers. Now I am looking for amplifier recommendations to drive these beauties.  I have two YBA Integre DT (dual transformers), that I will bi-amp them with but am concerned that the Revels will want a more than 50 WPC (X2).
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