Start with Upgrade to DAC?


I am ready to set out on an upgrade cycle to my system, which consists of the following, over the next couple of years:

* Rogue Audio RP-7 Preamp (Upgrades: Rogue RP-9 or McIntosh C2800--C2800 includes Phono preamp and DAC)

* Odyssey Kismet Monobloc Amplifiers (Keepers!)

* Lounge Audio LCR Gold phono preamp (Keeper!)

* Fyne Audio F-702 Speakers (Keepers!)

* Definitive Tech Supercube 6000 (Vandersteen Sub Three or Paradigm XR11)

* Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC (Schiit Yggydraseil or ????)

* NAD C568 CD Player used as transport (Schiit Urd or ???)

* iFi Zen Stream

*iPad Pro for Apple Music

* Ice Age Audio OFC Power Cords

* Audioquest and mostly Morrow Interconnects (RCA & XLR)

* Performance Audio Speaker Cables, using Mogami W3104 Speaker Wire

  I am thinking that perhaps the best place to start would be the DAC, with the idea of moving from the Bifrost 2/64, which I like, to the Yggdrasil (model TBD) DAC, which has gotten superb reviews that speak to sound quality characteristics that are of concern to me.  Budget for DAC upgrade is about $2500.  OR, should I go for room correction capability?

I recently replaced a highly-rated 100 wpc tube amplifier with the Odyssey mono blocs, and I was stunned by the improvement in sound quality, definition, and imaging, but I think there still is some room for improvement.

Thoughts and recommendations most welcome.

mike4597

Showing 1 response by mm1tt77

You have gotten some good advice, I’d take pieces of the different approaches.  I would switch to Qobuz or Tidal, easy, inexpensive change.  After that, I’d research DAC’s that fit your soundl signature along with trying some DYI, tests on treating your room, not talking about spending a lot of $$, research a bit, then experiment a bit with blankets, pillows, throw rugs based on what your research tells you.  Then, once you have a new DAC, you’ve tried to room treat a bit with household items you already have and have one of the best streaming services you can evaluate how things sound.  I’d then potentially look at another streamer.  Room Treatment will have the biggest influence on sound, followed by your DAC and then your streamer, assuming your streamer is functioning as it should.  
 

Good Luck!