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

Without question, change the speakers.  Differences between DACs are rarely night and day, but changing your speakers will have you up late into the night rediscovering your music collection.

Agree that speakers are where you want to start with system building.  And going from your Harbeths (86 db efficiency) to the Devores is a pretty significant change, requiring far less power to drive.  What about the Devore appeals to you? Another highly efficient speaker at about $20k that is really impressive is Wolf Von Langa Son.  A speaker that comes from the same sonic direction as Devore is Audio Note An-E.  Have you considered Tannoy or Fyne coaxial designs?  You can get some pretty nice models within your budget.  Last thought: if you like Harbeth sound a lot, ProAc and Spendor seem like natural alternatives to consider.

@mdalton I demo'd quite a few speakers, including Fyne and Proac (they were great speakers) and Spendor 2/3 Classics (that I really did not like) - the Devores were the only ones that wowed me. Hard to say that the wow factor wasn't attributable to the amazing room, the 50K DAC feeding them, etc.... But it was the only room that blew me away. 

I like the idea that they're more sensitive. I've discovered that I am a tube guy for sure. I love my VAC Sigma 170 amp that puts out 85 watts and I plan to use it with the Devores, but I see myself moving to a SET amp in my future. 

@wsrrsw Yeah, I recently learned that the room isTHE most important part of your system. I've got a buncha GIK

I have a totaldac D1, the least expensive of the bunch. I love it! It and HQ player give me give me the analog sound that I'm looking for.