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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
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,816 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?

mrklas
441 posts
 
I have a Moon by Simaudio 280D with MiND2 a significant upgrade from my Node 2i and the DAC in my C2600 preamp. 
Lots of options of course depending on your budget. And the Boulder DAC/preamp could be an option too. 
rh67
307 posts
 
pedroeb

Not trying to be rude, but are you serious?
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 
@mrklas - I’ve heard nothing but praise for the Mind2. Can you elaborate in what way it is better than the Node? I would love to audition this component sometime in the next few weeks. 
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