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Suggested upgrade paths

So, I am looking at spending 5k to improve the sound of my very modest system. I currently have a Rotel 1592. Being fed by an Eversolo DMP A6. I’m using the Rotel DAC, as I didn’t like the ESS DAC. This feeds a pair of Wharfedale Super Lintons. 

While it sounds ok with the volume at 60-65. If I want it louder, the treble is shrill to my ears and the bass not as clear/punchy as I prefer. I run the bass at +3. I am considering purchasing a subwoofer, along with a DAC/DDC. 

The room is roughly 450 sq ft with 10’-12’ coved ceiling. Looking for upgrade path suggestions for the mentioned 5k investment. Thanks in advance.

nucleardog61

Showing 2 responses by lanx0003

lanx0003
1,299 posts
 

Can Op record the shrill sound and post it on YT?  It might make the remote diagnosis easier.

lanx0003
1,299 posts
 

I owned the Lintons. Both the Super Linton and the OG are terrific speakers, but they need careful setup to really shine. The A6 and the Rotel’s internal DAC are the weak links. I recommend replacing them with a good streamer and an R2R DAC, since you don’t like delta-sigma designs.

The Node ICON ($1,200 new) with the Teddy Pardo LPS mod ($485) is a highly regarded streamer option, and the Bluesound app runs smoothly. The ICON is even being praised by TAS as an easy alternative to a $35k Aurender N200 and a $28k DAC combo, though I think pairing it with an external R2R DAC would do it more justice.

A Harmony DAC ($2,700) with the Micro DDC ($850) would make a terrific combination. Altogether, the upgrade would run you just over $5k.

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