It would be nice to know where you want to go with things sonically, and your $$$ for it... as all in your system could be stepped up if you think about it.
More euphonic, more resolute, sppeed? Volume? Bass? just more music in the music?
That said, anything in the cottage system is suspect.
But for more order as to my own philosophy ...
I like power cords. Once you get them, you got them. When gear changes, you've still got the pcs. Just by moving about some of my own pcs, I can alter the presentation, sound, and tone to lesser degrees.
I like what can be done with tubes too. Rolling tubes can make for significant steps upward... or sideways... which isn't always a bad thing. Again, once you've gotten those other tubes... you've got them.
I'm also big on sources. Sources & preamps. Not that I have a lot of them, but feel and have found out just how key having the begining of the signal is, and keeping it intact thereafter.
That DAC seems the logical spot for change to me primarily. shortly after, try experimenting with a better digi IC & power cable.
Past those, another preamp. Both moves however should be upward steps and point to your intended goals.
Lastly I would exchange the amp if after rolling some tubes the sound doesn't suit me enough.
Along the way do consider what stepping up power cables can do for you... sometimes it can be an immense step up... I ususally see fit to address both ends of the rig with more of an investment, with the midddle (or preamp in my case) receiving a bit lesser pc attention.
I mention all of this as I get the imp you don't wish to swap out the squeakers yet. If squeakers are in play, aiming at certain ones will tell you which way to go with the amp choice. That amp to squeaker relationship is integral.
Remember whatever is lost upstream, can not be regained downstream.... consequently, sources are mighty important. In a pc based sound system, the DAC is as a source. Add in 90% of your playback is personal confuser oriented, start looking into DACs.
Knowing something of that amp, maybe just adding a small good sub is all you need now too.
More euphonic, more resolute, sppeed? Volume? Bass? just more music in the music?
That said, anything in the cottage system is suspect.
But for more order as to my own philosophy ...
I like power cords. Once you get them, you got them. When gear changes, you've still got the pcs. Just by moving about some of my own pcs, I can alter the presentation, sound, and tone to lesser degrees.
I like what can be done with tubes too. Rolling tubes can make for significant steps upward... or sideways... which isn't always a bad thing. Again, once you've gotten those other tubes... you've got them.
I'm also big on sources. Sources & preamps. Not that I have a lot of them, but feel and have found out just how key having the begining of the signal is, and keeping it intact thereafter.
That DAC seems the logical spot for change to me primarily. shortly after, try experimenting with a better digi IC & power cable.
Past those, another preamp. Both moves however should be upward steps and point to your intended goals.
Lastly I would exchange the amp if after rolling some tubes the sound doesn't suit me enough.
Along the way do consider what stepping up power cables can do for you... sometimes it can be an immense step up... I ususally see fit to address both ends of the rig with more of an investment, with the midddle (or preamp in my case) receiving a bit lesser pc attention.
I mention all of this as I get the imp you don't wish to swap out the squeakers yet. If squeakers are in play, aiming at certain ones will tell you which way to go with the amp choice. That amp to squeaker relationship is integral.
Remember whatever is lost upstream, can not be regained downstream.... consequently, sources are mighty important. In a pc based sound system, the DAC is as a source. Add in 90% of your playback is personal confuser oriented, start looking into DACs.
Knowing something of that amp, maybe just adding a small good sub is all you need now too.