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.
Power Amp or DAC - weakest link, help please?
Hi all :)
I'm in one of those unenviable situations where I'd like to improve my sound but, I can only really afford to upgrade one component - my power amp or my DAC.
My system is a little laid back and I'd like it to be a bit more dynamic and kick-butt.
System:
Meridian 800 V4 Transport
Meridian 861v8 AV Preamp/DAC (the DAC inside is the same as the 818v2 processor or 808v5 cd player, if these are more familiar to readers).
Amplifiers (I own the following): Anthem P2, Bryston 4BSST, Proceed BPA. Noting my desire for musicality and less-warmth, of these, I probably prefer the Anthem the most in terms of its current tonal "match", with the rest of my my gear.
Speakers: Audio Physic Tempo III (from the early 2000's).
Cabling: Wireworld Platinum/Silver Eclipse.
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Can people see an obvious weak link above?
So I have the chance to buy Meridian's top DAC (Meridian Ultra) very cheap.
OR:
I could find a better power amplifier. Simaudio 5.3SE or W7RS are available used, not far from me. A better Bryston, umm.. not so sure about - 4BSST above is good but, lacks musicality in my system and to my ears sounds quite dry and a bit sterile - would the bigger Brystons solve this ? Pass I have never heard but I might be able to get a 150.8. Or Krell FPB 200 but I have heard this can be quite rolled off in the treble? - last thing I want, if avoidable. I've heard the FPB600 is a killer but haven't seen one available in years.
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As stated further above, I'd like my sound to be less laid back and a bit more kick-butt and in your face dynamic.
Option #1 Meridian Ultra DAC above has a volume control so would remove my preamp from the equation - entirely. Reviews of the Meridian Ultra DAC seem to say it is dynamic and lively, but it is expensive enough that if I bought this I could not afford anything else, no amp, nothing.
Or, is my existing DAC ok and, should I just blow my whole budget on a better power amp (examples above?)
From reading, I don't think my old Audio Physic speakers are difficult to drive. So, is a bigger more powerful monster amp going to help me? Or should I be more focussed on a different brand than what I currently own. (Used options listed above) - do I need quality rather than huge watts?
I've tried a lot of other highly regarded speakers in my system. I still curiously love these old Audio Physic Tempo's the most, and keep sticking with them. Thought about a pair of old Revel Studio I's available close by, to match with my Proceed/Levinson (same company) but lack of parts for Revel these days makes me worry about buying as they're still quite expensive - this aside, could these be a solution?
Thanks for any advice !
Andrew