In my view there`s no point to start the upgrade from the DAC if preamp is a bottleneck. I suggest to start from preamp then amp and lastly DAC. Focals are extremely revealing so they like top quality gear upwards.
Where to go next, DAC or Preamp
I'm looking to make the next upgrade in my system and am looking for some advice on where to go next. Here's my rig, which is used for both 2 channel and HT:
Emotiva XMC-1 Processor
Emotiva XPR-2 Amp for FL/FR (600 watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms)
Emotiva XPR-5 Amp for Center and 4 surrounds (400 watts x 5 @ 8 Ohms)
Focal Electra 1028 BE II Fronts
Focal Chorus CC 700 Center
Polk surrounds
JL F113 sub
Bluesound Node 2
I'm looking to make the upgrade to help with my 2/2.1 channel experience. Today, that's all done thru the Node 2 via digital coax to the XMC-1 processor. On the XMC-1, I flip back and forth between Reference Stereo mode, which is pure 2 channel without any altering of the signal, and 2.1 using Dirac room correction with my JL sub included. I use the DAC in the XMC-1 (Burr-Brown DSD1796) as opposed to the DAC in the Bluesound Node 2 (Burr-Brown PCM5122).
I think I'm down to either a dedicated DAC or a Preamp, and that's what I'm looking for some help with. My budget ceiling is $2500. Would prefer new for warranty purposes but am not opposed to used.
If I go DAC, I'm looking at the Mytek Brooklyn Dac + or the Schitt Yggy.
If I go Preamp, I'm looking at the Primaluna Prologue Premium.
Looking for opinions on what is going to be the better upgrade, the DAC or Preamp. And if you have other suggestions for either option you'd recommend other than the pieces I've listed above.
Thanks in advance for your opinions
Emotiva XMC-1 Processor
Emotiva XPR-2 Amp for FL/FR (600 watts x 2 @ 8 Ohms)
Emotiva XPR-5 Amp for Center and 4 surrounds (400 watts x 5 @ 8 Ohms)
Focal Electra 1028 BE II Fronts
Focal Chorus CC 700 Center
Polk surrounds
JL F113 sub
Bluesound Node 2
I'm looking to make the upgrade to help with my 2/2.1 channel experience. Today, that's all done thru the Node 2 via digital coax to the XMC-1 processor. On the XMC-1, I flip back and forth between Reference Stereo mode, which is pure 2 channel without any altering of the signal, and 2.1 using Dirac room correction with my JL sub included. I use the DAC in the XMC-1 (Burr-Brown DSD1796) as opposed to the DAC in the Bluesound Node 2 (Burr-Brown PCM5122).
I think I'm down to either a dedicated DAC or a Preamp, and that's what I'm looking for some help with. My budget ceiling is $2500. Would prefer new for warranty purposes but am not opposed to used.
If I go DAC, I'm looking at the Mytek Brooklyn Dac + or the Schitt Yggy.
If I go Preamp, I'm looking at the Primaluna Prologue Premium.
Looking for opinions on what is going to be the better upgrade, the DAC or Preamp. And if you have other suggestions for either option you'd recommend other than the pieces I've listed above.
Thanks in advance for your opinions