Weak link?


Hi all. I am new to the forum and wondering if I can ask for some opinions. Although I'm pleased with my current system's performance, like most, I am always in search of improvement. What would members consider as the weakest link in my system, or rather, the one item, if changed, to most likely to influence overall quality. Current system: I use a Microsoft surface pro with thousands of files ranging in quality from 256 mp3 to 96/24 flac, output through USB converted to coax in on a McIntosh 132 processor, (48/24 internal dac only but I do have a dragonfly red as well, usually for headphone use), Mc 300 amp, B&W 804 D2's. Audioquest interconnects. My musical taste is all over the place but usually rock, both classic and indie/alternative. 
(My gut tells me to search for a dedicated high quality dac, and if so, where do I start, considering the overall level of my existing components?)
Many thanks!
harry333
Harry, looking into your speaker cables and interconnects, I think you deserve an upgrade there considering the quality of your components. You will probably get a bigger bang for your buck than with upgrading power. I started with the AQ Evergreen cables just like you, but they are in no way revealing or the most dynamic in terms of frequency extension. You should try a few different brands - many of them have great return policies up to 30 or 60 days.

Personally the cables that got me to the “wow” moment were the DH Labs Air Matrix Interconnects (which I bought used) and the DH Labs Q-10 speaker cables (which I bought as bare wire, not terminated so I saved a bit of money that way). I still use plenty of DH Labs in my system, but I am now on their highest tiers of cables across the board as I have since upgraded my components, encouraging me to try even higher end cables like their Revelation series. 


I'm sorry I didn't notice your last post about auditioning at a dealer, which is smart, IMO.  Unfortunately for your wallet, maybe you need to reevaluate your budget.  Sometimes the sticker shock of an item puts us off, but once you get used to the price, you may figure out how to afford it in a responsible manner.  Once your taste evolves past what you have, the only choices may be to content yourself with what you have, buy some other similarly-priced gear and satisfy yourself with a sideways change, or just bite the bullet and upgrade for real.  Contrary to what is often thrown around here, sometimes spending more money does bring significant improvements.  
Nobody can tell you what you are going to like better than what you have because there are too many variables.  You will get many well-meaning suggestions here, and that's good.  But, IMO, the only way to really figure this out is to make an appointment with a dealer and find something that you believe gives you that "wow" moment you seek.  Then figure out how to integrate the parts of the system creating the "wow" into your system within your budget and space constraints.  IMO, anything other than this is stabbing around in the dark, but of course you could luck out.  Many people are intimidated by dealers and I can certainly understand why, but IMO you should give it a shot.  I learned alot from dealers, even the pricks, and there are plenty out there.  For example, through a change in preamp, I found the system gave me the upgrade I thought I knew would come from the amplifier.  Just an example.  Anyway, that's my 2 cents.  Good luck.
SVS speaker cable, biwired.  
Audioquest Evergreen interconnects, 
And just a basic power surge protector at the moment. 
These are great ideas and I appreciate your input as I'm not quite  a newbie to the world of audio perfection, but have much to learn. 
The D3 series sounds fantastic, just demoed  800 D3 with mono McIntosh 601 at local dealer and was floored but even 804 D3 are out of my current budget, and I just purchased the D2s from an acquaintance at a great price. 

Yes, that’s what I mean. I ended up getting a PS Audio PowerPlant P3, upgrading all of my power cables, upgraded all my fuses in my components, and even replaced the wall wart with a cryo treated hospital grade one. All that, and I once thought it power would never wouldn’t make a difference, but it all did. It all started with upgrading a single power cord. Again, the higher grade my components became, the more these types of upgrades made a difference. This is a very expensive route, though.

Also what interconnects and speaker cables are you using?
I too agree you have some decent components here. I also owned B&W 800 Series speakers. Liked them very much. About the only thing I can see as to what you have is go to the D3 800 Series? That to me would make the most logical difference, in my opinion. Albeit, an expensive one.....
I very much appreciate your input. 
I suppose that there isn't a specific disappointment in my overall sonic signature, but rather, is there something I'm overlooking that would create that "wow" moment. I will certainly experiment with room treatments and altering speaker position.
By power components, do you mean a power line conditioner/voltage regulator? 
Your post begs the question - "Why do you think your sound is lacking?" What is it about the sound signature that needs improvement? You've got great components, so I would focus on these in the following order:

1. Room treatments (panels, positioning)
2. The best quality source files you can get (lossy files are painful on high-end systems)
3. Power components and accessories (you didn't mention any, and they make a world of difference in high-end systems)
4. Interconnects and speaker cables (Audioquest is good only if you spend for their way-too-expensive cables)
5. A better DAC (the dragonfly red is decent, but the rest of your system needs to be in top shape to really hear the benefits of a > $1.5K DAC).