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
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- 14 posts total
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. |
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.
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- 14 posts total