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New DAC or New Speakers?

I’m planning to blow some money on my system and can’t decide if I should upgrade my DAC or my speakers. I’m going all in on one or the other, not both. 

I have ethernet and fiber optic switches feeding a Lumin U2 mini modded with an external power supply. Two USB reclockers going into an LTA Aero DAC. Running a VAC Sigma 170 tube amp to Harbeth SHL 5+ XD speakers with a sub. 

Everything sounds great, and I recommend all said equipment, but I have a chance to make an upgrade. I’m considering swapping the Harbeths for some Devore O96s or swapping the Aero for either a Totaldac, or maybe a used Aries Cerat Helene. 

I can’t decide which route to take....

jacupmakeup
larsman's avatar
larsman
3,168 posts
 

You don't say what kind of music you listen to, but if it's rock, you might look into something other than those Harbeths. I had Super HL-5's for about 5 years and they sounded good, but when I replaced them with other speakers, I realized I'd really been depriving myself with the Harbeths of the punch and dynamics I like. Which is fine - they were not designed to really 'rock out', but they're awesome for classical, jazz, and smoother sounds. 

jacupmakeup OP
34 posts
 

Not really a rock guy. Harbeths sound great for what I’m into: world music, new jazz, ambient, beats. But I need a sub with them for sure. Thanks!

kennymacc
726 posts
 

If you really like the speaker/sub combo you have, just stick with them and go for a new DAC.  Me, personally, I'd go for new more full-range floor standing speakers.  Happy listening.   

lanx0003
1,961 posts
 

What is the reason for injecting two DDCs in series into the chain? Have you done an A/B test and found it to be cleaner than using just a single DDC? The Aero DAC’s internal clock is already quite decent, so I’m not sure what the benefit of the additional DDC would be.  Negative effects even occur due to accumulative latency, phase smearing, additional capacitance / inductance because of the extra cabling.

Also, what is the main reason you are thinking about changing one of these two links?  Sound too warm (valve DAC into valve amp)?  Does the sub integrate well with Harbeth?  If first, if I were you I will audition different DAC like the one you have in mind BUT I will sort out if the serial DDCs bring any negative effects as mentioned above.  If second, I will try audition a full range floorstander.

jacupmakeup OP
34 posts
 

Oh lots of AB testing. One DDC (LHY UIP) adds warmth and density, the 2nd (Gieseler Reinigen) expanded the soundstage by a huge amount, all while keeping the benefits of the first DDC. 
System sounds excellent and I find no faults. I just have an opportunity to improve it further and am treating myself. 
I’m probably going to demo some floorstanders, Acora MRC 3, but the wife I know ain’t gonna like those. Much safer with the Devores. Thanks 
 

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