Upgrade advice (dac, streamer, other)?


Hi everyone.  I’d appreciate any advice around upgrading my 2 channel front end.

My current set up consists of:

Revel Salon2

Pass Labs x250.8

Bel Canto Pre3

Bel Canto DAC3

Airport Express

DIY room treatments

DIY Hard Maple rack

Also, have a couple ht pieces that aren’t in the 2 channel path (Denon x8500HA, c426be (center), power conditioner, etc).

 

I’ve read as much as possible about various dac comparisons & streamers because it would seem a 10+ year old dac with a discontinued streamer is the logical weak point.  But, everything seems to suggest both devices are held in good standing among the audio community.  I’ve also looking hard at going with an analog front end (turntable, phono pre, etc), but I would like to retire one day ;)

 

Sound-wise, I love a wide variety of music, but especially nice separation of instruments, guitars plucks, etc…basically music with a palpable feel.

 

Any advice is appreciated!

mikek1

I found the DAC3VB with VBS power supply to be a significant upgrade over the basic DAC3.  Not sure how it compares to newer DACs today but it sounded damn good when I had it on demo in my system.  Streamers also matter, so maybe something like a ProJect Stream Box would yield meaningful improvements without breaking the bank.  Just a couple suggestions FWIW. 

If you’re happy with Bel Canto I heartily recommend their e.One Stream, pair it with your upgraded DAC3 and you’d be golden.

That DAC is 15 years old. You can do better. $500 current ones should best it.

Check out Lumin.  I have had the U-1 mini, D-2, A-1 and X-1.  A great DAC/Streamer with a very nice App.