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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
mm1tt77
255 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.   

erik_squires
17,543 posts
 

how is your room though? 

hjdca's avatar
hjdca
247 posts
 

@kennymacc 

I’m with him.  I went from hybrid electrostats with a separate subwoofer to full range Towers, and for my big room, I like the Tower setup much better.  The synergy of the sound is better. 

BTW, if you are looking for an upgrade or change in sound, then, new speakers will obviously have much more of an impact than a new DAC. 

katzenjammer27's avatar
katzenjammer27
139 posts
 

I've had my Aero for about two months, super happy with it, maybe you can bring it to a show room and try it with different speakers. Pretty simple for them to wire into any of their systems.

jacupmakeup OP
32 posts
 

Thanks everyone. I'm going to demo some more speakers and plan to upgrade from my Harbeths. I'll wait a little while for DACs to continue to improve and enjoy my LTA Aero for now. 

Speakers on my list to demo (besides the Devores):

Joseph Perspective Graphene

Fyne F703sp

QLN Prestige 3/5

Acora MRC 2/3

 

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