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Weakest Link in my system... Power Supply, DAC, or...

Hello fantastic Audiogon Community,

 

I am wondering what you all think is the next highest impact upgrade to my system. I have spent the past 8 months upgrading my entire main system to the following:

 

  • SPEAKERS: Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Horn (Mundorf Silver Gold Oil Cap upgrade and high pass filter, Duelund 16 internal wiring and speaker cables to amp)
  • AMP: PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP Integrated (Gold Lion KT77 power tubes, Briar and Mullard NOS gain tubes)
  • DAC: HoloAudio Spring 2 Level 3 Kitsune edition
  • PHONO: Music Hall MMF-9 and McIntosh MP 100 Preamp (but I’m focusing on the digital for this thread)
  • INTERCONNECTS: Duelund 16 (Perfection interconnect)
  • STREAMER: Nagra Streamer (Nordost Blue Haven Coax)

 

I listen to Roon / Qubuz when streaming.

 

I was wondering what you all think would be my next upgrade with the biggest impact. Some thoughts:

  1. DAC: The Holo Audio is from 2019. I enjoy the sound, but haven’t compared with any other modern DAC’s in my system. I imagine DAC progress has been significant since the 2019 release of this DAC?
  2. POWER SUPPLY: I hear over and over that the power supply for the amp, DAC, and Streamer may matter quite a bit. I am curious about this…. Would this be the biggest gain of performance for my system? All power is stock presently.
  3. PRIMA LUNA UPGRADES: I hear a lot about capacitor and resistor upgrades to my amp.... 
  4. ROOM TREATMENT: Since my main system is in my living room, I am a little constrained on room treatment. It is about 12’ x 16’ with an 8’ ceiling, hardwood floors and rugs and sofas about. I could build book shelves for the corners of the room where speakers reside, but that is about the only thing I could add to this particular room at this time. (Bass traps are likely out of the question due to aesthetics)

 

Looking forward to your advice on my last big moves before I surrender my wallet to the joy of music.

 

Till next,

r.

whyrichard
foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
176 posts
 

@rick_n You are 100% correct. New DAC or a new digital cable is not going to overcome the shortcomings of an untreated/balanced listening space. 

 

The most critical audio component is the room.  You can keep spending more money on better equipment and only get a fraction of the benefit because the room problems will eat up the rest.

Active bass traps will go a long, long way to elevate the sound presentation in the room and many are very inconspicuous.   Also, in NY vernacular, if you have a TV between the speakers well, Forgeddaboutit.  

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
633 posts
 

Your room is definitely the weakest link. Or rather your belief there's little you can do. Acoustical treatment on the ceiling, is as important as the walls in controlling both early reflections and overall reverb and slap echo.  and using panels covered in cloth to match the ceiling, they are virtually  invisible. Wall panels can also be covered with artwork, and even your own photos. 

Corner bookcases offer a tremendous opportunity to integrate absorption, diffraction and bass traps into their design. Think an 'L' shaped piece divided into cubbies, some filled with books, others panels either facing straight on or slabs on edge - mixing it up.allows a lot of tuning options. Using two intersecting flat cases would leave a 12X12 rectangular space (assuming a 12" deep bookcase) that could house invisible bass traps - passive or active. Even doing some of this will yield far greater and immediately  audible improvements for a fraction of cost of any electronics changes or re-cabling.

bigwave1's avatar
bigwave1
255 posts
 

Being unable to tx the room, as everyone here is correct, your next major advance will be more difficult. My PAP’s leaped forward literally and figuratively when they moved 8 ft off the front wall(because I could). You might consider a SWFB or Fidelium SC’s as that horn will showcase. 

dr-boop
100 posts
 

The system "sounds" great based on components. 

Weakest link is room. You can always change DAC and amp for different/better but if you get clever with room treatments you'll have better listening sessions

zlone
917 posts
 

Great system. A virtual system with pics would be helpful.
 

Is there something about the system that you feel is lacking or that bothers you? What are your listening habits, genre, volume levels? That might be a good place to start.
 

The only piece I see that is missing is some form of power treatment. Given you are in NYC, it might make a difference for you. I have found my solution with a regenerator, but there are many options. 

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