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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
jacupmakeup OP
34 posts
 

@jpag If a used Totaldac pops up, imma grab it. Enjoy!

ericba's avatar
ericba
150 posts
 

Rule of thumb, get the best speakers you can for your room set up with the sound signature you like. The rest will follow. I was looking to upgrade my Harbeth 30.2 and auditioned the Devore O96. The Devore O96 are fantastic. What a soundstage and organic sound! Unfortunately my room is not large enough. 11 feet wide.  Ended up with Dynaudio Contour Legacy. A pair in in 1000. No slouch either.

ericrhodes1's avatar
ericrhodes1
257 posts
 

Aries Cerat Helene

devinplombier
1,677 posts
 

OP just asking that question in the first place 🤮

mm1tt77
256 posts
 

Speakers would make a bigger difference but if you decide to go the DAC route and want to sell your current DAC I’ve been eyeing the LTA and would buy it if you weren’t holding on to it.  O96’s are fantastic.  Your current speakers are pretty nice as well.   

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