From someone who started with a bluesound node 2i and then added an external DAC and then moved on to an Aurender streamer I can say without hesitation... it all matters. The streaming source matters and the DAC matters. Cheap streamers with lackluster interface apps are just that. If they fill your needs and satisfy your use case then knock yourself out. Why would you spend more? That said, I have yet to meet someone who made the jump that regretted doing so.
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!
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Coda is one excellent company where you get more sound quality and build vs the competition per $$ dollar spent and I have heard several over $10k not as good and 3 wpc choices ,% into pure class A .I choose the V1 option 150,300,600 wpc ,18- 1st watts in pure class A . The excellent separate preamp section is also in pure class A. and many class leading parts in this the design .the build quality is exceptional . I ordered mine with the 1.0 uf VH audio Odam ,capacitors which I feel are betterThen the very good stock Multi caps and Huge class leading 3k va potted transformer which produces over 120 amps on tap with exceptional control and dynamics. It is a steal for $6500 ,the price will be going up to $7 k soon I suspect.one more things 10 year warranty,5 year transferrable. http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/coda-csib-integrated-by-richard-willie/ |
I agree with several other folks who say your sound will be very different switching out from the McIntosh. You need to hear the Bolder or other recommendations before making a switch that big. I am a former Mcintosh owner and in my case moving to another brand gave me a big improvement over the sound of the Mc. But to be clear, nothing wrong with McIntosh, it just has it's own voice. And I realized I liked other amp's sound better. You may not find that to be true. |
@deadhead1000: What did you upgrade to?...just curious. I am a MA8900 owner. I am going to try a Lumin T2 with my amp. I currently have a ~$1500 Teac NT505 which sounds much better than the MA8900’s DAC, so as to streaming I would call out the installed DAC as being inferior. That being said, you can upgrade your MA8900 with the DA2 module which gives it a much more current DAC and more capabilities. |
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