Any better DAC then dCS Scarlatti?

Classicjazz - I am using Spectral monoblocks (DMA360v2) and preamp (DMC30SS); they should be able to step up to the challenge of driving the TIME.

Appreciate your perspectives on the DAC choices - intriguing to see the state of the art approached from rather different (as you describe orthogonal) vantages.

Thanks again.

Wflm, Based on your list, you should definitely start with the new speakers. Seeing where you are at, there is no way you would be disappointed. The Indra to the Time will be such a tremendous leap.

The Spectral may be a very good match, but don't be wed to your amplifier. Go listen to several others, and bring 1-2 in for home demo once the speakers are broken-in. If you can't find a better amp, then that issue has been settled. The amplifier is the key to Avalon speakers. This cannot be overstated.

Next you can find the perfect DAC that is synergistic with your speaker/amplifier interface. If you stay with Spectral, then you would probably want something not as crystaline, such as DCS, Playback, EMM, Weiss, etc. If you go with a new amp and preamp with more midrange presence but not the final word in clarity, then the DAC might be Wadia or Esoteric.

Cables should come last to fine-tune the sound.

Enjoy the journey.

So, no one heard Scarlatti and preferred another DAC?
Actually I found what was the problem with my DAC.
It has 2 options in conguration of output signal: 2V and 6V.
Now I switch to 6V and very happy!
Can't imagine anything better now:)

Maybe your Gyrodec? :)

I did hear the Scarlatti and prefer the APL by wide margin.