Those are all great speakers, but other than the Devores, I’m not sure they’re SET-friendly. Something to think about.
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....
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My nudge, given your VAC and tastes. If you want a clear shift toward energy and presence, audition Fyne F703SP right next to the DeVore O/96. Pick the one whose midrange color you love more; both will light up with the VAC. If you want to retain Harbeth virtues but feel a step up everywhere, try QLN Prestige 5 first. If you’ve been secretly wishing for “studio crisp with real shove,” book time with Acora MRC 2. |
@1bitsoul Thanks, the O96 sound great with my VAC. And I have a really good feeling about the QLN Prestige 3s and love the way they look. A lot of it is gonna come down to looks and size. These might be the top 2 contenders. |
Interesting. I view Harbeth and the O/96 somewhat differently. I love the Harbeth 30.2 + Hegel combo, if I needed another system…. The Devore O/96 speakers are one of the most musical speakers I’ve demoed. I have the very high efficiency Volti Rival 100db which I plan to investigate tube amp midrange magic including flea watt SETs. Would be great fun to compare adequate powered tube amplification of the neutral Volti vs the O/96. |
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