Power Amp or DAC - weakest link, help please?

The Meridian gear is nice.  Are you able to audition the Ultra DAC?  That's the only way you're going to know if it gives you what you're looking for.  I suspect if you find the 861 too laid back, the Ultra likely will be similar.  I've never heard it mind you.

If the front end of your system (Source/Pre) isn't forward enough for your tastes, no amplifier will fix that.

I would caution with a dac upgrade until I would know if the procesor has a digital bypass mode meaning an analog signal stays analog which means connecting an external dac means you will be actually be hearing that dac

having sold Anthem and Bryston amplifiers we think you can gain more by upgrading your amplifier we would recomend two amplifiers coda .8or the zsto bia 200

the zesto bia 200 is an extrordinary tube amplifier

Summary

In my experience, the Bia 200 Select is the most mellifluous and realistic-sounding amplifier, tube or solid-state, currently produced anywhere within its power rating, and with only two output tubes per channel. It is an absolutely breakthrough design, fabulously flexible, and capable of maximizing current and NOS tubes for decades to come. As a Class A tetrode design, it never runs out of gas, and never disappoints the listener. It is more neutral and quieter than any amplifier with tubes made by anyone I’ve heard, and that would hold true for most solid-state designs that I know, too.

The Bia 200 Select is a wonder. It is well worth its not inconsiderable price. Most highly recommended by me, regardless of your predilection for tubes or solid-state. The Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Amplifier is state of the art.

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/zesto-audio-bia-200-select-stereo-amplifier/

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

zesto and coda dealers

previous Anthem and Bryston dealers also previously

Audio physic salesman

Great point audiotroy!  I forgot that the 861 digitizes all inputs.  You may want to consider a preamp that keeps the analog output of the DAC in the analog domain.

Thanks guys :). 

Unfortunately I don't have an ability to audition the Ultra DAC before purchase.

Neglected to advise my system is integrated home theatre/2ch, thus my (home theatre) Meridian 800v4 DVD/CD player and AV Pre/DAC.  The result being I'm kind of tied to these.  But:

I agree with your post above :  to avoid warmth my solution probably should be to just buy a completely different cd player.  Everything starting at the source..

Thanks

Andrew 

The fear is that even if you change the CD player - the analog output will still get converted back to a digital signal before being converted back to an analog signal by the 861.  Even if you use the direct setting - I forgot what that was called when I had an 861- it still may alter the sound from your new CD player.  Definetly audition a few options to see if the change is worth the investment!

I have listened recently to both a Bryston and a Benchmark amp. I have stopped thinking about the DAC's importance so much and have come to think that the amp-speaker combo is where the magic happens, especially if the DAC is sufficiently good.

Given your stated musical pref's, I would consider a Benchmark AHB2.

Adding a couple subs may provide what you’re looking for. 

Wouldn’t it be best to remove the Meridian 861v8 AV Preamp/DAC entirely? There are dacs (such as the one you propose - I don’t know much about it) that include volume control until you can get a separate preamp. The benchmark dac comes to mind as does the PS Audio Mark 1, both of which are reasonablely priced. OP, are you running a HT set up as well?  OP, are you planning on upgrading your entire system over time?  If so, you may want to create a 3-5 year plan and buying now based on that plan.  

Hold off on DAC upgrade.
If you want a more articulate presentation, Coda .8 V1 amplifier should do the trick. Pass Labs amps are great but they are warm and mellow. The opposite of what you’re looking for. Coda is more expressive and faster sounding. 

Thanks everyone!

Yes - if I purchased the Meridian Ultra DAC, the signal would bypass my Meridian 861v8 AV entirely. Signal would be Meridian 800v4 transport, spdif 75ohm digital coax cable into Meridian Ultra DAC (Variable Output = volume control) directly into power amp via RCA L/R interconnects. My Meridian 861 is bypassed entirely.

Versus:

Buying a new cd player, or power amp, in which cases the 861 remains my DAC/preamp no matter what.

To quote a YouTube person,  start with the speakers 🙂

You might take a look at Benchmark Media Systems.

I have no personal knowledge of their DAC/Pre or PA products - but they offer a 30 day evaluation at home.

The DAC3 L is a DAC + PRE and the AHB2 their PA.

Their products are known for neutrality.  I use the LA4 pre and it does essentiality nothing to the sound.

Such changes can't be tweaked with a dac or amp.

Sell your scrawny li'l audiophysic ('lifestyle' WAF compromised speaker) and get this fat boy. It is called a Epic 15 by Tekton ($2200) and will run over your audiophysic like a mack truck.

I'd like my sound to be less laid back and a bit more kick-butt and in your face dynamic. 

Another vote for changing your speakers first.  Speakers can be tuned for more punch and or more bass. Depending on your finances, check out JBL. They should have the punch you’re looking for.

All the best.