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  3. 133627-90014

Where to go next, DAC or Preamp

I'm looking to make the next upgrade in my system and am looking for some advice on where to go next.  Here's my rig, which is used for both 2 channel and HT:

Emotiva XMC-1 Processor
Emotiva XPR-2 Amp for FL/FR (600 watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms)
Emotiva XPR-5 Amp for Center and 4 surrounds (400 watts x 5 @ 8 Ohms)
Focal Electra 1028 BE II Fronts
Focal Chorus CC 700 Center
Polk surrounds
JL F113 sub
Bluesound Node 2

I'm looking to make the upgrade to help with my 2/2.1 channel experience.  Today, that's all done thru the Node 2 via digital coax to the XMC-1 processor.  On the XMC-1, I flip back and forth between Reference Stereo mode, which is pure 2 channel without any altering of the signal, and 2.1 using Dirac room correction with my JL sub included.  I use the DAC in the XMC-1 (Burr-Brown DSD1796) as opposed to the DAC in the Bluesound Node 2 (Burr-Brown PCM5122). 

I think I'm down to either a dedicated DAC or a Preamp, and that's what I'm looking for some help with.  My budget ceiling is $2500.  Would prefer new for warranty purposes but am not opposed to used.

If I go DAC, I'm looking at the Mytek Brooklyn Dac + or the Schitt Yggy.

If I go Preamp, I'm looking at the Primaluna Prologue Premium.

Looking for opinions on what is going to be the better upgrade, the DAC or Preamp.  And if you have other suggestions for either option you'd recommend other than the pieces I've listed above.  

Thanks in advance for your opinions
snafujg
4425
861 posts
 
My limited experience with a Mytek Manhattan indicates an extremely well designed unit with truly great sound. The feature set is excellent to include a well conceived analog volume control. My friend who owns both finds any sonic benefit to the Manhattan 2 to be slight.
mdelrossi1
79 posts
 
If you’re looking at getting better 2.1 sound, get a used Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated. 
I have the smaller brothers the Focal 1008be2’s and the Bluesound node 2. And the PM gives me a wonderful presentation. It also has a home theater bypass (so it works as just an amp) and sub out, so you can use it in conjunction with you current setup. 

Look for one used, I got mine for 2k.

I also have a Bifrost multibit, and though there is a difference between its output and the analogue out of the Bluesound, it’s not much. 
I had an Emotiva set up (amps only) and when I went to a tube integrated amp it blew the Emotiva away.  

Good luck.
jazzgirl
10 posts
 
In my view there`s no point to start the upgrade from the DAC if preamp is a bottleneck. I suggest to start from preamp then amp and lastly DAC. Focals are extremely revealing so they like top quality gear upwards.
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