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upgrade question regarding DAC and streamer

I want to improve my system's imaging after having carefully placed my speakers and done some room treatment to reduce reflections.

My system includes a McIntosh MA8950 integrated amplifier, Sonus faber Olympica Nova III speakers, a Silent Angel Bonn 8 network switch and its LPU, and an Innuos Zen Mini Mark III with its LPU. I use the Mini with its Sense app to stream Qobuz to the McIntosh's DA2 DAC.

I am considering a DAC+streamer such as the MSB Discrete (with render/streamer add-on, and its separate single LPU) and the dCS Lina (with built-in power supply). My budget is about 15K.

In the future, I will get a separate preamp and amp, perhaps using the MA8950 as the preamp for a while.

The dealer with whom I have a great relationship carries MSB, dCS, and Innuos (their Stream3 may also be a good option when it comes out). Of course, I will listen to the DAC+streamer options with the same/similar integrated amp and speakers at the dealer's.

For the purpose of improving imaging with my system/room/good speaker placement, does upgrading the DAC and streamer make sense, or should I upgrade to separates first? Or something else?

jrdavisphd

Showing 1 response by drmuso

drmuso's avatar
drmuso
163 posts
 

@jrdavisphd     I think others have given good advice--your streamer is not likely to be the problem. 

I would want to know what you're seeking when you say "imaging."  More pinpoint focus, perhaps?  I don't think real, live music sounds like that, but some audiophiles want that anyway.  Are the images your system produces larger or smaller than the real instruments?  Answers to those questions might yield more useful directions.

I think speakers and the room contribute a lot to imaging.  I'm not familiar with your speakers.  If your room is too reflective or asymmetrical, that can screw up imaging and require room treatments or different speakers for improvement.

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