2. misc-audio
  3. 156636-142512

What is the best thing for me to upgrade next?

Hi all, slowly working on upgrading my system and could use some advice on where to put my money next!

I only have 1 line level audio source - a streamer and that’s probably how things will stay. I’m not interested in amassing a collection of physical media. All of my music is stored lossless on my NAS.

Here’s where my audio chain started:

Phase 0:
[Source: Sonos Connect] > [DAC: None] > [Amp: Bose Lifestyle] > [Speakers: Bose Acoustimass 3]

I recently replaced my speakers. And I’m now using an amp that I had in storage that I intend to ultimately replace.

Phase 1: (now) [Source: Sonos Connect] > [DAC: None] > [Amp: Harmon Kardon PA2000] > [Speakers: B&W 805D3]

Phase 2: (next)???

So where do you think I’ll get the most bang for my buck once I recuperate from Phase 1 and am ready to buy the next things?

Do I save up to replace my amp next? Thinking something like a McIntosh MC302

Do I put a DAC between my streamer and amp? Thinking something like a Topping D90 or something from Matrix Audio (Element X / X-Sabre Pro, etc.)

Or replace the streamer? Not sure what yet, looking at Aurender, Node 2i, Sonos Port, etc.

What are you thoughts on where I should go next once I recover from the speaker purchase?
eisenb11

Showing 1 response by kren0006

kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Well, given where you're coming from in phase 1, I think a super integrated amp that includes a dac and streamer would be a nice next step, just to keep things as simple as possible.  Your speakers a def the nicest thing that you have right now.

As far as options for those all-in-ones, you could look at NAD, PS Audio, Naim, marantz, Hegel, to name just a few.  It's a burgeoning segment so there will surely be more to come soon.

If you don't value the simplicity of an all-in-one, you could perhaps get better sound by getting separate integrated amp and dac/streamer, and of course there are hundreds of combinations at that point.
More to discover