Linn AkurateDs or external Dac?


Hi,
my first post here, greetings to all of you!
I want to upgrade my source from Linn Majik DS.
Logical choice would be Akurate DS.
The rest of my system is PassXP10 and XA30.5. Speakers are Dynaudio Special 25.
Music is 70% Classical 30% Jazz.
I'm interested in people's opinion in keeping the Majik DS as a source and buying an external dac instead.
I'm thinking of an AMR DP777 or ARC Dac8.
Did anyone compare Akurate DS to the AMR or ARC?

Before the XP10 I had an Akurate Preamp. Since then I notice how "sterile" and "flat" the Majik DS is.
Resolution isn't everything.
I would like to add a little more "flesh" and "body".
Could the AMR do this?

Over here in Germany I could buy the AMR new for the same price as the Linn Akurate (or ARC) used!
There is no way I can compare these two units at the same time in my system.
The reviews of the AMR make me think that this is the way to go for me.

Asking this in the Linn forum is nonsense ;-)
"No dac beats AkurateDS besides Klimax DS!" Obviously.

Thank you.
phreak12
Realhifi,
I will not sell my XP10 therefore the DSM with integrated Pre is not an option (any more).
Could you please describe the sonic differences between Akurate and ARC Dac8?
I think the MajikDS does not fit well with my XP10.
Maybe the AkurateDS has a different sonic character which fits better.
I would love to keep the Majik as a source because it works absolutely perfect with no problems whatsoever.
Just a little more body is what I'm looking for.
Thanks for your reply.
Lose the XP10! I had one and was not impressed. Bought a Modwright LS/PS 36.5 tube preamp to drive my PS audio PWD instead. Much better! Then the PS audio PWD MKII upgrade came along, and I ditched the pramp altogether. It has all the body I need and then some. Just one man's experience.
Hey Edorr,

it's hard but i have to admit.
I bought a DP-777 some months ago and never thought I would use its pre amp function.
Man I was wrong. This piece is just music.
I will sell my Xp10.
I assume this is not everyone's Dac of choice but in my MY system for MY taste it beats everything I've heard so far.
I still use my Linn MagikDS as a source and its perfect.
The soundstage is so much deeper and wider its incredible.
Less cables, less worries just more music.