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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
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.
listener57
730 posts
 
When you go the transport to DAC separates route, strongly recommend you audition the Auricle Audio Encore Signature Digital IC for a superior low jitter/highly musical connection.
The revelation of performance inherent in my no longer manufactured EVS Millennium II DAC quite astonishing. Discovered that many CD's previously thought to be mediocre now sound beautiful when the digital IC changed for the tenth (? and, final) time. Same sense of discovery when connecting to my antique Scott Nixon Anodyne tube DAC so I think not just a "lucky" synergy with one DAC design.
I never realized how crucial to system optimization is this single wire between transport and DAC.
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
pardales
652 posts
 
Make an offer on teh Dodson 217 MK II-D DAC that is for sale right now. You should be able to get it for less than 2K. It makes great music.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
Gmood1,

They don't have a website. There is a cable on auction right now. There is an email address for the contact and I think a phone number. I won a pair on auction and when I called the owner he agreed to let me try a few others. I am eagerly anticipating hearing these cables. The cost of entry is quite low at the moment but if what I hear about the cables is true, they may not be at these prices very long.
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