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DAC upgrade

Hi, My digital system currently consists of a Logitech squeezebox touch (Jerome PSU upgrade, software mods) into a Music Hall DAC 25.2 (Tube & output cap upgrade), Marantz PM-15S2 integrated amp, and DIY Seas Thor speakers, all cabled with blue jeans cables. The PSU to the touch was an immense upgrade in terms of resolution, as was the output caps to the music hall dac, but I'm still looking for more resolution.

This was my first DAC, and kind of stands out as being the "weak link" in my system. Does this sound right? What is audiogon's thoughts on upgrading to a better DAC? How much should I spend? Or should I not bother switching DACs, and upgrade the MH unit further? Or... am I overlooking something else?

P.S. My analog front end sounds very good to me, but I don't have nearly as much vinyl as music files.

Thanks for any recommendations
acold7dusta
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Once you change to a USB DAC, you will need to convert your best files to .wav. Right now, you dont have an issue because you are networked, but the fact is that most FLAC decoders cannot keep up with the datastream real-time, so it compromises the audio quality. XLD is a good way to convert on Mac.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
acold7dusta OP
7 posts
 
Steve, I don't plan on using USB out of my Squeezebox, as I've read it is inferior to the SPDIF solution. I can rip wav files in the future, but since I'm networked, is it even worth it reripping what I already have?
vhiner
544 posts
 
Check out the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and Bridge or the Berkley Audio Alpha. I think spending more than $5k on CAC right now is risky given the current pace of innovation and upgrade process. I'd Go for a company a track record and reputation for helping customers get upgrades for less. Do you have a price range in mind?
vhiner
544 posts
 
Acold7dusta,

P.S. I got the PSU upgrade of the Jerome from Wayne at Bolder and completely agree that it's a serious improvement.
vhiner
544 posts
 
Check out the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and Bridge or the Berkley Audio Alpha. I think spending more than $5k on CAC right now is risky given the current pace of innovation and upgrade process. I'd Go for a company a track record and reputation for helping customers get upgrades for less. Do you have a price range in mind?
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