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Advice please for upgrade.

I asked for opinions almost a year ago on a good $2k upgrade for my system and was rewarded with great advice from all of you. It worked out so well, in fact, that I'm hoping for some more advice. I'm currently searching for another upgrade for about $2k that would make the most difference. The advice you guys gave last time was to concentrate on 3 areas:
1. Source
2. Room Acoustics
3. Preamp
I took advice #2 and #3 and am glad I did. I added a tubed preamp and my room was also somewhat tuned through acoustic absorption and diffusion panels. My question is: where should I go next for the most cost effective upgrade. My thoughts are:

1. Source- either a dac to use in conjunction with my current digital source, a Sony DVP-7700, which I've read works well as a transport, or a stand alone unit for CD playback only (I'd continue to use my current unit for DVD playback). I have no idea which dac to use but, through reading forums here, I'm thinking a Bel Canto, Audio Note or MF and possibly an Audio Aero, Shanling, Jolida or Sony DC-1 for a single unit.
2. Upgrade my speakers from Magnepan 2.7s to 3.6s.
3. Upgrade my SS amp.

My current system is a VTL 2.5 tubed preamp, Aragon 4004 MKII ss amp, Magnepan 2.7 speakers with a Kinergistics subwoofer and a Sony DVP-7700 source. I'm open to any other suggestions as well. Thanks
noble100

Showing 4 responses by gmood1

gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I would definitely consider a source upgrade. Preferably a Dac.
I'm sure you'll get suggestions for a ton of mainstream Dacs. I'll suggest the Audio Sector Dac or some other NON OS DAC. It took me a couple of years to get the nerve to try one.Now I feel silly for not doing it yrs back. Much better digital playback than anything I've previously spent time with.This includes the stand alone Sony DVP-7700.Which sounds 2 dimensional and etchy in comparison.

Source would be number one on my list.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Hi Noble100,
You can buy the Audio Sector Dac from Peter Daniels. Here's his site Audio Sector. Also you have the Scott Nixon Dacs.There's also the Audio Mirror Dac.

I would lean towards Audio Sector between it and the standard SN Dac.Not because of bias of owning it but because the AS Dac has a 48 volt transformer built into it. Instead of a standard 12 volt plug in transformer.This does make a difference in the music. Better presences,dynamic contrast, bass, etc.

You can buy a commercial version of this unit for around $1000 if you feel that spending more on the same internal parts will give you pride of ownership.LOL

But if your like me and want the performance without shelling extra out for cosmetics. Then the AS Dac without the standard chassis is a great way to go. This Dac won't be embarrased by anything out there. I feel it's the best audio purchase I've ever made bar none.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Listener57 what length is your cable and is there a web site for this company? I've been trying to find it without much luck.

Thanks
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Thanks Tony..I had a feeling there wasn't a site.Just wanted to make sure.I don't do a lot of cable swapping.But please let me now how they workout with you. I forgot to mention Noble100 the AS Dac comes with a lifetime warranty and has a satisfaction guarantee. If it isn't up to par you can send it back for a refund.Send it back...LOL..not hardly! You could take the money you saved and do another upgrade or experiment.

Thanks again Tony
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