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New DAC or Speakers? What will put airy-ness in?

Okay like the title says, what is going to give me that airy sound that i had in my old setup which consisted of a Classe CDP.5, Classe CP-35, B&K Ref4420 and B&W CDM9NT speakers, it sounded so open and airy, i really miss that sound!

I have a much smaller budget system now that consists of a B&K AVR202, Pioneer ELITE BDP-05FD and KEF C-Series speakers.

I know these are two totally different setups, but what upgrade is going to put that airy-ness back into my system?

Better speakers or an external DAC?

Check my virtual systems to see my previous setup and my current setup.
mikewoodkozar
2chnlben
595 posts
 
Changing speakers will undoubtedly make a more obvious impact on sound (more readily apparent than changing out DACs). The type/brand of speakers you choose will determine the qualities such as how "airy" they sound.

Don’t get me wrong, some DACs may sound more airy than other – same with amps and sources - but any time you change speakers, you’re going to be able to hear more of an immediate difference than with just about any other component.
ahendler
416 posts
 
Find speakers that have that sound you are looking for
efner's avatar
efner
99 posts
 
Try a pair of Gallo3.1s they sound very good with most amps.
I saw a pir for $1200 here.
arni
313 posts
 
Not sure you will get much airy-ness with your receiver... this so much comes down to the weakest link in the chain, whether it is speakers, DAC or amplification.
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