2. digital
  3. 190834-171779

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 zarf

zarf
48 posts
 

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___________

If we can move back to the original questions about what might be suggested as the next area for upgrade of the poster's listed system, that would be enjoyable. I am new to streamers as of 2-3 years, having started with the humble Bluesound Node, third generation. Purchased new, still in play.

I was also stunned by having access to all the music available from streaming.

My best guess in looking at your system would be to get a dac that you might stick with for a while. The 2/64 got decent reviews, as did the Bifrost 2 before it. I liked my Bifrost 2 at the time, but the Holo bettered it. There are good choices if you choose to upgrade here. I am unable to say whether a dac or a streamer would make the most difference.

I've heard an Innuous setup briefly at a neighbor's house. It was very detailed. I have to return the book I borrowed, so that I might listen again. The speakers were two days out of the box and lovely.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/users/cosmic_charlie

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