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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
erock79
43 posts
 

Wonderfully complex question and you’re sure to receive lots of opinions. I recently upgraded from a McIntosh C52 preamp which uses the same DAC as you are currently using. You are wise to consider upgrading because I know now that the Mac DAC was very limiting. My path led me to a Roon Nucleus+ with upgraded power supply and network filter, quality USB feeding an Allnic D-10000 DAC. Well, at the upper end of your budget, this solution seems like endgame. The tube DAC is OTL (read about it if you are unfamiliar). It produces an analog-like sound that even discerning vinyl only friends find impressive. It is forgiving with poorly recorded 90s digital music yet brings the most out of well recorded music. I absolutely love it.

charles007100
121 posts
 

I would follow all the advice you are getting with these guys, I have been going round and round for a couple weeks on a streamer that fits my listening tastes and what’s fits in my system. All the advice from this forum made me read, audition, talk a lot  with the wife, friends and finally decided on the Nagra streamer. It’s easy to use, no fluff and stuff, I don’t need art work looking back at me from a distance, I have my iPad, a Ethernet cable, a RCA cable and a electric plug in and you are done. It’s small, high quality, easy to integrate into your system and you are not paying for a dac you don’t need, in my case. All the streaming services are built in..

grogon65
2 posts
 

I have Revel be228 dr8ven by orchard audio starkrimson ultra with a quad artera pre. I am using zen mini IV with lpsu and denefrips Pontus 2...I tried other days and the Denefrips opened the soundstage up and gave me the resolution I wanted. Ladder dac definately did the trick. 

kennymacc
587 posts
 

There's a thousand great DACs out there that would fit you're needs.  You ask a thousand audiophile for recommendations, you get a thousand different answers, then you're right back to square one, LOL!!!  Happy listening.

grogon65
2 posts
 

I have Revel be228 dr8ven by orchard audio starkrimson ultra with a quad artera pre. I am using zen mini IV with lpsu and denefrips Pontus 2...I tried other dacs and the Denefrips opened the soundstage up and gave me the resolution I wanted. Ladder dac definately did the trick. 

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