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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

Showing 3 responses by zmanastronomy

zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
From looking at your system I would say your reciever is the weak link as Arni mentioned.
An integraded amp would put some depth to your sound stage for sure.
The speakers you are using should be a very good speaker for what you're looking for.
As far as dac's, I don't use one. I have a friend that had one and it made the sound stage a bit small. It could have been the synergy thing though.

Good luck in your quest.
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
Room treatments will do wonders for the sound stage and imaging.
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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