2. amps-preamps
  3. 166450-150517

Integrated Amp upgrade path

I’m currently using a Macintosh MC 8900 to drive Vandersteen Treo CT’s, with a six pack of Rel S510’s, streaming only.  I understand Boulder will shortly have a software upgrade for the 866 that will include an Air Play equivalent to allow full use of most streaming services.  Looking for thoughts from anyone with experience with the 866:  how much of an an SQ improvement with this upgrade?  Incremental?  Immediately noticeable?  Thanks for any help!
cosmic_charlie
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 
Yamaha is not really a good match for the OP’s excellent system. Consider streamers from Lumin, Innuos, Aurender, Sonore, Sotm, etc. 
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 
Also Simaudio Mind Network Player is very good. 
perkadin's avatar
perkadin
286 posts
 
Yamaha’s “not good” for his system?  Care to qualify that statement?  
It’s a digital source, format and features matter more then price.  But go ahead and waste your money, op mentioned that “data is data” so I’m assuming they aren’t a sucker. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,817 posts
 
Perkadin data is hardly data there canthus be very large differences in what you can get from a dac depending on digital source

As per the op the boulder will bring out the highs and sound way more transparent Vanden are polite on the rop end and mac gear is not very transparent so the boulder should make the vandys more exciting
pedroeb
493 posts
 
Yamaha’s “not good” for his system?  Care to qualify that statement?  
It’s a digital source, format and features matter more then price.  But go ahead and waste your money, op mentioned that “data is data” so I’m assuming they aren’t a sucker.

Why are some components not considered a good match, provided the input requirements are met?

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