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Weak link?

Hi all. I am new to the forum and wondering if I can ask for some opinions. Although I'm pleased with my current system's performance, like most, I am always in search of improvement. What would members consider as the weakest link in my system, or rather, the one item, if changed, to most likely to influence overall quality. Current system: I use a Microsoft surface pro with thousands of files ranging in quality from 256 mp3 to 96/24 flac, output through USB converted to coax in on a McIntosh 132 processor, (48/24 internal dac only but I do have a dragonfly red as well, usually for headphone use), Mc 300 amp, B&W 804 D2's. Audioquest interconnects. My musical taste is all over the place but usually rock, both classic and indie/alternative. 
(My gut tells me to search for a dedicated high quality dac, and if so, where do I start, considering the overall level of my existing components?)
Many thanks!
harry333

Showing 3 responses by blisshifi

blisshifi's avatar
blisshifi
1,243 posts
 
Your post begs the question - "Why do you think your sound is lacking?" What is it about the sound signature that needs improvement? You've got great components, so I would focus on these in the following order:

1. Room treatments (panels, positioning)
2. The best quality source files you can get (lossy files are painful on high-end systems)
3. Power components and accessories (you didn't mention any, and they make a world of difference in high-end systems)
4. Interconnects and speaker cables (Audioquest is good only if you spend for their way-too-expensive cables)
5. A better DAC (the dragonfly red is decent, but the rest of your system needs to be in top shape to really hear the benefits of a > $1.5K DAC).
blisshifi's avatar
blisshifi
1,243 posts
 
Yes, that’s what I mean. I ended up getting a PS Audio PowerPlant P3, upgrading all of my power cables, upgraded all my fuses in my components, and even replaced the wall wart with a cryo treated hospital grade one. All that, and I once thought it power would never wouldn’t make a difference, but it all did. It all started with upgrading a single power cord. Again, the higher grade my components became, the more these types of upgrades made a difference. This is a very expensive route, though.

Also what interconnects and speaker cables are you using?
blisshifi's avatar
blisshifi
1,243 posts
 
Harry, looking into your speaker cables and interconnects, I think you deserve an upgrade there considering the quality of your components. You will probably get a bigger bang for your buck than with upgrading power. I started with the AQ Evergreen cables just like you, but they are in no way revealing or the most dynamic in terms of frequency extension. You should try a few different brands - many of them have great return policies up to 30 or 60 days.

Personally the cables that got me to the “wow” moment were the DH Labs Air Matrix Interconnects (which I bought used) and the DH Labs Q-10 speaker cables (which I bought as bare wire, not terminated so I saved a bit of money that way). I still use plenty of DH Labs in my system, but I am now on their highest tiers of cables across the board as I have since upgraded my components, encouraging me to try even higher end cables like their Revelation series. 


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