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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
mikewoodkozar OP
22 posts
 
Do you think that a Classe CAP101 integrated will get me there?
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
Room treatments will do wonders for the sound stage and imaging.
james63
534 posts
 
Don't wast money on a DAC. B&Ws have a house sound IMO and I bet you miss it. Try a used pair of B&Ws. What is your budget?

The 703 is a newer model of what you had. The 804 would be a lot better or even the 805s if you like monitors.
mikewoodkozar OP
22 posts
 
Or could some one recommend a good integrated amp?
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
What is your budget? Are you wanting a Tube amp or SS amp ?
For around $1000 + - you can get a nice SET tube amp that will let you walk around in the sound stage.
I have an Almarro A318B and it is very three dimensional.
It's a high current amp that has powerful bass and very extended highs. The mids are SET mids (lush and full).
There are plenty of reviews out there on this amp.
It would get you started. The $1000 I mentioned is for a used one.
Hope this helps.
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