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Upgrade Path - Preamp or DAC?

I need some advice on what to upgrade next - preamp or DAC. I don’t currently have a DAC. This is for my second system, which may or may not end up being my primary system. I will be streaming Tidal via Heos on both systems.

My second system is:
Rotel RC-980BX
B&K ST2140
Paradigm Monitor 9

The weak link is the pre. The Heos has analog outputs so I could use it as a DAC and send straight to my pre. The Rotel pre has all analog inputs. So I could upgrade to a pre that has a better DAC than the Heos and optical/coax inputs. Or I could keep the pre for now and get a better DAC. I am lusting after the Cambridge Audio 851D on agon right now. The third option is to just get the Heos now and see how it goes before upgrading. I really want that 851D though, but have just spent a lot on recent upgrades to system #1.

Thanks.

Ken
treebeard1

Showing 4 responses by treebeard1

treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
randy-11,
I'm not sure a Dragonfly would be any better than the DAC on the HEOS.  I get your point though.  I do need a break because I just upgraded my primary system (https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/6318), and I'm already looking at upgrading the system that it replaced.

junzhang10,
Duely noted.

mesch,
My sources will be CD, Tidal and vinyl (P3).  Any yes, the 851D can serve as a pre but I can't use it because in need vinyl.  I would put my budget at 1K.

I'm thinking the pre is the way to go.  I think I will hold on to the Rotel and see how the HEOS sounds with an RCA connection before making any more decisions.  When I still had the ST2140 in the primary system, I replaced the Rotel with the CA 851N and it was night and day.  I don't see any preamps under 1K that have both digital and analog inputs.  It looks like you need to pony up for that.  So a DAC may still be in my future.

Thanks everyone.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
Thanks. I have thought of a separate phono pre. I'll have to play it by ear. My problem is I want both systems to be the best system! I'll come back to earth soon.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
Denon DL-110.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
I had not thought of keeping the Rotel as a phono pre but that's a good idea.  The path of least resistance is to buy a used phono pre and keep the Rotel for digital until I can spring for a better pre.  I will wait to see how everything sounds once I'm streaming Tidal.
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