Which dac or other suggestions


First time poster here. I am looking for advice to increase the sound quality of my existing system. I have a Marantz SR7009 being used as a pre-amp powered by Emotiva's XPA-5, 2 revel m22 bookshelf speakers serving as my L & R, revel c52 center speakers and 2 revel timber matched C563 in ceiling rear surrounds. I mainly listen to music and switch between L &R stereo only and sometimes "all stereo" or matrix through all speakers. We do watch movies but seem happy with our home theater experience thus far although always open to suggestions. We mostly listen to music through a Sonos connect but we also do have an Orbit turntable. I know that the turntable will one day need to be upgraded to maybe a Rega RP3 or similar. I am in the process of adding two SVS SB12-nsd subs to the mix. Our room is large at 20x30x10 and I hope these subs will make some sort of impact. We also use an Apple TV. Now for my question.

I am looking to increase the sound quality of my Sonos driven music. I spoke to an audiophile (owner of Echo audio in Seattle) and he suggested a dac. In particular, because he knows I'm cheap haha!, he suggested the California Labs Sigma ii, Enlightened Audio Designs DSP-7000 mkiii, and some Krell dacs (stealth and ??) that I have never seen listed for sale. I missed an opportunity on both the Cal Labs and the EAD and I'm kicking myself. With ALL this being said, what other dacs should I consider? My budget is $750 or less and I would prefer $400 or less. Old vs new? Tube? NOS? DSD? Yadda yadda. I am looking for an increased sound stage and dynamic range. If I get more clarity and warmth then yee haw!

I appreciate all of your input in advance. Thanks for letting this first timer ramble.

Btw, I listen to mostly indie rock but I seriously dive into ALL types of music and yes I like it loud.
troydunnagan

Showing 1 response by bondmanp

I agree with mhart032 - you are unlikely to improve on the DAC in the Marantz AVR without spending a good deal more.  I haven't heard the Emotiva amp, except at a show, but I have listened a bit to some mid-priced Revel speakers.  I liked them, but I would not catagorize them as particularly warm.  If you are looking for a warmer sound, I would focus on the amp and speakers.  The Marantz AVRs I have heard are also just to the warm side of neutral.  For an amp, at least for the front channels, consider Odyssey Audio.  I have an HT3 3-channel amp for my front channels, and it is as warm as I would want without losing any detail or extension in the mids and highs.  It was noticeably warmer and smoother sounnding than the Rotel amp it replaced, and an AVA amp I also auditioned at home.  I know this may be more than you want to spend, but a call to Odyssey might be worthwhile. 


And don't ignore the cables and power.  Better cables and better quality, cleaner power can make a system sound warmer by reducing RFI and other powerline hash, which, I believe, people hear as etch and grain in the treble.