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upgrade question regarding DAC and streamer

I want to improve my system's imaging after having carefully placed my speakers and done some room treatment to reduce reflections.

My system includes a McIntosh MA8950 integrated amplifier, Sonus faber Olympica Nova III speakers, a Silent Angel Bonn 8 network switch and its LPU, and an Innuos Zen Mini Mark III with its LPU. I use the Mini with its Sense app to stream Qobuz to the McIntosh's DA2 DAC.

I am considering a DAC+streamer such as the MSB Discrete (with render/streamer add-on, and its separate single LPU) and the dCS Lina (with built-in power supply). My budget is about 15K.

In the future, I will get a separate preamp and amp, perhaps using the MA8950 as the preamp for a while.

The dealer with whom I have a great relationship carries MSB, dCS, and Innuos (their Stream3 may also be a good option when it comes out). Of course, I will listen to the DAC+streamer options with the same/similar integrated amp and speakers at the dealer's.

For the purpose of improving imaging with my system/room/good speaker placement, does upgrading the DAC and streamer make sense, or should I upgrade to separates first? Or something else?

jrdavisphd
soix
11,233 posts
 

A good preamp is critical and is often called the heart of the system for a reason, so do nor underestimate its importance.  It is especially critical when it comes to things like imaging, soundstage, and tonality.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,442 posts
 

Let me also recommend Robert Harley's book: The Complete Guide to High End Audio. It lays out the principles of putting together a great system, what each component contributes, terminology etc. It is a must read for folks upgrading their systems.

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
810 posts
 

Good friend of mine had DCS Bartok (not Apex).  We did a dac shootout on his system with my Goldnote DS10, with optional external power supply.  He preferred his Bartok, but I preferred my Goldnote - thought it sounded fuller, more organic.  And it cost one-third the Bartok.  So I’d recommend listening, and actual a/b comparisons.  Just because you have a $15k budget doesn’t mean you have to spend $15k.

jrdavisphd OP
35 posts
 

Thank you all for your very helpful information!

bthartman
38 posts
 

I'm in a similar position, with a McIntosh C2700 preamp, currently using its DA2 DAC but am looking for a more musical/emotionally engaging experience.  I borrowed an MSB Discrete DAC from my local dealer for a couple of days and had a rather interesting experience - when I connected the Discrete DAC to balanced inputs on my C2700 I wasn't terribly impressed, feeling that it wasn't notably more enjoyable than the DA2.  What got interesting is when I connected the Discrete directly to my power amp.  It was a completely different experience and had the sound I was seeking - very open, and completely engaging.  One of those experiences where I wanted to keep listening to more and more songs.

The downside is that the Discrete (as well as the Premier above it in the MSB lineup) doesn't have an option for an analog input.  I no longer have a turntable but I do have a surround processor (McIntosh MX123) that I feed the front left and right channels to the C2700 in Passthru for watching video.  So for me this would mean a completely separate setup and getting a couple other speakers to connect to the home theater setup.

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