Best significant upgrade? Dac? Preamp?


Hi guys!

Im hoping some of you with knowledge of my system can help me make a good decision about my next upgrade.
I would like a surprising and obvious difference not hard to spot subtle change.
From my research i think the next move should be the Dac.
I would like to explore DSD,i have some SACDs now.
my system:
Mark Levinson 320s preamp
(Would i see a difference with a ML no.52?) I am also looking at the no.52 ,would i see a big difference compared to the 320s? Worth the extra $$ ?
interconnects: Acoustic Research master series silver high definition RG6
ML 431 amp
XLR: +bo ? +ba ? Only info on them

Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 5.1 speakers (serie 7 tweeters) +transparent music wave plus cables
Arcam rdac (wifi) with Teddy Pardo power supply.
Running on mac air (usb) ,Tidal HIFI
(i currently listen most of the time to this vs rarely SACD).
Thanks!



128x128nicsaudio

Showing 2 responses by marktomaras

The PS Audio Direct Stream DAC is supposed to be amazing.  I have the previous incarnation, the Perfect Wave DAC mk II and it is outstanding. From what I am told, the DSD version is a significant upgrade.  Either of these units is a big step up from the Arcam model you have now.
 The previous incarnation of the PS audio top-of-the-line DAC doesn't do DSD, but it is an amazing performer. And it is in your price range. I recommend looking at the perfect wave DAC Mark two, wIth bridge Mark two if you can find it. If not you can always  upgrade the bridge directly through PS audio.   Best of all, with this type of investment which is already greatly depreciated, you can sell it for nearly what you paid for it if you decide to move on. The other option for you in the future is to upgrade this unit for the newer DSD model by replacing the internals which are available  from PS audio.