1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 196365-190170

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
1bitsoul's avatar
1bitsoul
34 posts
 

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.

charles007100
253 posts
 

If you want to get rid of the sub go all in with Volti, your budget buys you a nice Volti audio speaker…you get  a tweeter, midrange horn and a woofer all in one box with a nice grill…go figure..

jacupmakeup OP
34 posts
 

@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. 

kennyc
3,037 posts
 

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.  

rsure
44 posts
 

FWIW, I recently auditioned the O96s extensively (with Leben C300, C600 as well as top of the line Accuphase monoblocks) and found them to be really poor with heavier genres of music like hard rock and metal. While they are good with other types I found them to not do well at all with heavier music. 

More to discover