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I got my stereo back after almost 20 years!

As the subject says; I got my stereo back after almost 20 years.

The short story is that my mother in law came to visit and didn't leave until last October.  As she aged she started taking over the house.  My reading chair became hers and the family room was where she watched TV.  I've been listening to music on my computer, (with small stacked Bostons and a pawn shop sub) for almost 20 years.  It finally dawned on me that I could buy another stereo.  So for the past 5 months I've been cobbling together a system.

I bought a pair of Quad 2805s as I love the planer/esl sound and listen mainly to jazz.  They arrived with only one speaker working so I had them completely rebuilt and upgraded by Kent at Electrostatic Solutions.  My system currently is:

Quad 2805 speakers
Prima Luna Dialogue HP
Cambridge Audio CD transport
DacMagic 100

I ripped all my CDs to a Macbook using DBpoweramp and stream with Spotify.

So here's the dilemma;

I really can't hear much of a difference between Spotify, my ripped music on my Macbook or the transport.

I realize that the weakest links are the front end.

Here are my questions I need help with:

1. Should I buy a new DAC?  Something like the Schiit Gungiar (sp?) or PS Audio NU Wave?  Or would I be better off getting a network player that can also stream?  I do like running things off the Mac.

2.  I'm 64 and my hearing is obviously not what it once was.  If I upgraded would I hear any difference?  The downside of being 64 is not hearing as well but it may also be an upside as I could save considerable dollars!

3. I'm also 250-275 miles away from the nearest dealers and that presents a problem auditioning gear.  Also most dealers don't carry Quads. 

4.  And finally I am comfortable spending around $2000 plus or minus. 

Any suggestions?  I live in the SE corner of Washington State and would gladly pm my telephone number if you'd like to call and walk me through some ideas.

Thanks in advance,

Bob
jzzmusician

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
I have the Schiit Bifrost and am loving it. I think think price wise it is a better move than the PS (which I have heard great things about). As mentioned before, they have a return policy. The nice thing about the Bifrost is that it is upgradable (according to Schiit).
My hearing, too, is compromised by age, so I am not going to split hairs when it comes to sound- I'll leave it to the yung'uns and those with lots of discretionary income.
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
jzz, I can entirely relate to you. I have been without a real stereo for almost 20 years, too.-Mostly related to starting my own business as opposed to a MIL.
I, too, remembered my experience hearing Vandersteen's in my youth.
Fast forward to 2016, Vandy's are not only still available, but are still highly regarded.  I guess my ears weren't fooling me. In any case, you can guess what speakers are in my system today.
I hope you enjoy listening to music as much as I do. Again.
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
jzzmusician, you must be a really nice guy. I think your kids probably had a better childhood because of her-nothing like the continuity of generations in a household. In any case, now you can stream music through the internet and listen to anything you want with the click of the keyboard. This was something I didn't even consider when I got back into hifi, but, boy am I loving it.
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