Start with Upgrade to DAC?


I am ready to set out on an upgrade cycle to my system, which consists of the following, over the next couple of years:

* Rogue Audio RP-7 Preamp (Upgrades: Rogue RP-9 or McIntosh C2800--C2800 includes Phono preamp and DAC)

* Odyssey Kismet Monobloc Amplifiers (Keepers!)

* Lounge Audio LCR Gold phono preamp (Keeper!)

* Fyne Audio F-702 Speakers (Keepers!)

* Definitive Tech Supercube 6000 (Vandersteen Sub Three or Paradigm XR11)

* Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC (Schiit Yggydraseil or ????)

* NAD C568 CD Player used as transport (Schiit Urd or ???)

* iFi Zen Stream

*iPad Pro for Apple Music

* Ice Age Audio OFC Power Cords

* Audioquest and mostly Morrow Interconnects (RCA & XLR)

* Performance Audio Speaker Cables, using Mogami W3104 Speaker Wire

  I am thinking that perhaps the best place to start would be the DAC, with the idea of moving from the Bifrost 2/64, which I like, to the Yggdrasil (model TBD) DAC, which has gotten superb reviews that speak to sound quality characteristics that are of concern to me.  Budget for DAC upgrade is about $2500.  OR, should I go for room correction capability?

I recently replaced a highly-rated 100 wpc tube amplifier with the Odyssey mono blocs, and I was stunned by the improvement in sound quality, definition, and imaging, but I think there still is some room for improvement.

Thoughts and recommendations most welcome.

mike4597

How important is CD listening relative to streaming? In my case I use streaming to find new music, once found then purchase the CD. In your case you play CDs and spin vinyl. 

More info on the above would help. 

You have gotten some good advice, I’d take pieces of the different approaches.  I would switch to Qobuz or Tidal, easy, inexpensive change.  After that, I’d research DAC’s that fit your soundl signature along with trying some DYI, tests on treating your room, not talking about spending a lot of $$, research a bit, then experiment a bit with blankets, pillows, throw rugs based on what your research tells you.  Then, once you have a new DAC, you’ve tried to room treat a bit with household items you already have and have one of the best streaming services you can evaluate how things sound.  I’d then potentially look at another streamer.  Room Treatment will have the biggest influence on sound, followed by your DAC and then your streamer, assuming your streamer is functioning as it should.  
 

Good Luck! 

Thanks to all for the advice.  I think will sign up for one of the streaming services, whichever is easiest to use, and then look at DACs.  I guess I am talking mid-fi here, because about $1500 for a streamer with an LPS and $2500 for the DAC will leave sufficient funds for some room treatments.  Our room is pretty “soft” with carpet, Window Quilts (TM), and several leather chairs.

 

For Mesch, CDs play a big role for, although based on my use of playlists in Apple Music I can see streaming could rival CDs.

For get2the2nd:  I just upgraded my speakers two years ago, and I am VERY pleased with the Fynes, altho’ I wish I had gotten the F-704s, but they are a bit big for our room.  But the SQ is, to my old ears, superb, especially since I added the Odyssey amplifiers.

 

For Viridian: Cable from NAD CD Player to Bifrost 2/64 is AudioQuest Carbon optical.

 

again, thanks to all for your comments.

 

 

have you addressed your room acoustic yet?

That's where I would start, many people ignore the room when that's the biggest upgrade you can do bar none. like may will say the source first but if the room is not great sounding no source will sound good regardless. I'm past wasting big  money on upgrades in a room that's not optimized first. Obviously there is considerations here for multi use rooms, but I would never again spend big money on gear before I sort the room out first. learned this the hard way......

Then others have made good suggestions on upgrades after you do the room.  

I’m the least qualified person here to be providing advice but I wanted to recommend you consider a R2R Ladder DAC over a chip based DAC. 
I’m going to order a Denafrips Dac. They have 5 or 6 at various price points. I’m buying one of the least expensive ones, it’s going to be my first stand alone DAC.