Power Amp or DAC - weakest link, help please?


Hi all :)

I'm in one of those unenviable situations where I'd like to improve my sound but, I can only really afford to upgrade one component - my power amp or my DAC.

My system is a little laid back and I'd like it to be a bit more dynamic and kick-butt.

System:

Meridian 800 V4 Transport

Meridian 861v8 AV Preamp/DAC (the DAC inside is the same as the 818v2 processor or 808v5 cd player, if these are more familiar to readers).

Amplifiers (I own the following): Anthem P2, Bryston 4BSST, Proceed BPA.  Noting my desire for musicality and less-warmth, of these, I probably prefer the Anthem the most in terms of its current tonal "match", with the rest of my my gear.

Speakers:  Audio Physic Tempo III (from the early 2000's).

Cabling:  Wireworld Platinum/Silver Eclipse.

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Can people see an obvious weak link above?  

So I have the chance to buy Meridian's top DAC (Meridian Ultra) very cheap. 

OR:

I could find a better power amplifier.  Simaudio 5.3SE or W7RS are available used, not far from me.  A better Bryston, umm.. not so sure about - 4BSST above is good but, lacks musicality in my system and to my ears sounds quite dry and a bit sterile - would the bigger Brystons solve this ?  Pass I have never heard but I might be able to get a 150.8.  Or Krell FPB 200 but I have heard this can be quite rolled off in the treble? - last thing I want, if avoidable. I've heard the FPB600 is a killer but haven't seen one available in years.

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As stated further above, I'd like my sound to be less laid back and a bit more kick-butt and in your face dynamic. 

Option #1 Meridian Ultra DAC above has a volume control so would remove my preamp from the equation - entirely.  Reviews of the Meridian Ultra DAC seem to say it is dynamic and lively, but it is expensive enough that if I bought this I could not afford anything else, no amp, nothing.

Or, is my existing DAC ok and, should I just blow my whole budget on a better power amp (examples above?)

From reading, I don't think my old Audio Physic speakers are difficult to drive.  So, is a bigger more powerful monster amp going to help me?  Or should I be more focussed on a different brand than what I currently own. (Used options listed above) - do I need quality rather than huge watts?

I've tried a lot of other highly regarded speakers in my system.  I still curiously love these old Audio Physic Tempo's the most, and keep sticking with them.  Thought about a pair of old Revel Studio I's available close by, to match with my Proceed/Levinson (same company) but lack of parts for Revel these days makes me worry about buying as they're still quite expensive - this aside, could these be a solution?

Thanks for any advice !

Andrew 

 

 

 

 

rippingtonblue

The fear is that even if you change the CD player - the analog output will still get converted back to a digital signal before being converted back to an analog signal by the 861.  Even if you use the direct setting - I forgot what that was called when I had an 861- it still may alter the sound from your new CD player.  Definetly audition a few options to see if the change is worth the investment!

I have listened recently to both a Bryston and a Benchmark amp. I have stopped thinking about the DAC's importance so much and have come to think that the amp-speaker combo is where the magic happens, especially if the DAC is sufficiently good.

Given your stated musical pref's, I would consider a Benchmark AHB2.

Wouldn’t it be best to remove the Meridian 861v8 AV Preamp/DAC entirely? There are dacs (such as the one you propose - I don’t know much about it) that include volume control until you can get a separate preamp. The benchmark dac comes to mind as does the PS Audio Mark 1, both of which are reasonablely priced. OP, are you running a HT set up as well?  OP, are you planning on upgrading your entire system over time?  If so, you may want to create a 3-5 year plan and buying now based on that plan.  

Hold off on DAC upgrade.
If you want a more articulate presentation, Coda .8 V1 amplifier should do the trick. Pass Labs amps are great but they are warm and mellow. The opposite of what you’re looking for. Coda is more expressive and faster sounding.