Where to start...

kharp1

Hey guys, been a member for a few years and have been a lurker more than a participant. I find myself in uncharted waters these days. I want to upgrade my system and I'm confused by some of the products in the market and where they may fit for me. I never had much of a vinyl collection and pretty much rid myself of vinyl equipment several years ago. I have become unhappy with what I'm hearing and have started the process of changing out my HT system (which was where I listened to my music as well) to a 2 channel rig. I continue to use my Pioneer Elite DV-45a universal player for source material. I picked up a Marsh amp and a Carver c-19 tube pre a few years ago and coupled those with a pair of Klipsch CF-1's. The sound was getting better, but, like most of us, it didn't take long for dissatisfaction to set in. I added a Stella DA-100 Signature and noticed an improvement. I recently purchased a Cary tube pre and amp. I connected my laptop to the DAC and have pretty much been using that as my source.

Thanks for bearing with me. I'm in search of a new DAC (or so I think) to help improve my sound. I'm confused as to whether I need a music streamer/server or a DAC. I've done some research here and see folks spending 5 figures on a DAC and I can tell you I don't have those resources. I would consider somewhere in the 3k range as the max for a DAC, but, could adjust that a little bit up or down depending on the return. Example, if a 2k DAC sounds about the same as a 3k, I'll apply the remaining to another upgrade.

A couple of thoughts/questions: Should I get away from a laptop as a source? Should I move to a streamer or similar product? Who has thoughts on DAC's in this price range? I've also considered going with an Oppo 103 or 105. I want this system to be the best 2 channel sound I can get within my budget. I'm aware that synergy between components are critical, and, along those lines, there are no good dealers within 100 miles of me. I'm not against making the drive, but, it becomes more troublesome to audition new equipment in my system this way.

Anything anyone can offer is greatly appreciated.

P.S. I'm also searching for a new set of speakers. Recently listened to the GoldenEar triton line and have a few others on the list to audition. Which brings me to another concern...I'm afraid I may be trying to do too many things at once.

Thanks, Kerry

gudnoyez

If your wanting to build a 2 channel I would forget about using a universal player like the Oppos and get a decent standalone Dac which could be obtained with the money you would have spent on a 105, or go for a dedicated SACD player which would be the perfect source and use its Dac for your laptop, assuming you also have a CD and a SACD Collection.

kharp1

Yes, many cd's and some sacd's. My initial plan was to get a good stand alone dac. Would prefer just a good transport, preferably one that does sacd. Trying to get feedback as I've gotten a little overwhelmed in searching.

gudnoyez

Dskip had a nice Marantz SA11S1 SACD for sale and priced very reasonable that would be right up your alley. You should send him a PM it's a very nice player.

Emlyn

I would get the speakers you really want long term nailed down first and build out the system from there. You can have the best components within your budget in your system, but they still won't give you the performance you are after if they are not a good match for the sound you want coming out of a pair of speakers you really like.

kharp1

Emlyn, that seems like the best course of action. I've mind screwed this thing beyond recognition.

98Badger

I second Emlyn's post. Speakers will have the largest effect on sound. I know some will disagree, but I have long been a believer in spending the largest percentage of your budget on speakers. Since you are already auditioning speakers, I'd recommend checking out Scansonic. Incredible price to performance ratio.

kharp1

I recently listen to the GoldenEar Tritons and Totem Arro. Would have liked to have heard a Totem with larger drivers. Have Revel and Sonus Faber on the short list. Will try to check out the Scansonic's if I can find a dealer. There use to be a couple of good dealers here in Louisville, now all we have is Best Buy and HH Gregg. Sad.
Contacted DSkip about his Marantz as it seems like it checks the main boxes I'm interested in.

PolkieMan

Now this is a real good deal, a steal! http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA851D&utm_source=Email+Newsletters&utm_campaign=9d0ebc57a0-Cambridge_DAC_Price_Drop_2_1_20162_1_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2d471df912-9d0ebc57a0-77512397

mikeyb128

Spending what you can on speakers is good advice. I did the same, and you can upgrade your components over time to yield the best performance from them. I haven't got my ears on Sonus fabers, but a friend of mine has some very expensive revels, not sure what model, paired with music fidelity gear and sounds phenomenal.

footwedge

gudnoyez wrote: »

If your wanting to build a 2 channel I would forget about using a universal player like the Oppos and get a decent standalone Dac which could be obtained with the money you would have spent on a 105, or go for a dedicated SACD player which would be the perfect source and use its Dac for your laptop, assuming you also have a CD and a SACD Collection.

Just make sure the player will support your computer music file types.

rpf65

May also want to look at KEF R series.

kharp1

footwedge wrote: »

gudnoyez wrote: »

If your wanting to build a 2 channel I would forget about using a universal player like the Oppos and get a decent standalone Dac which could be obtained with the money you would have spent on a 105, or go for a dedicated SACD player which would be the perfect source and use its Dac for your laptop, assuming you also have a CD and a SACD Collection.

Just make sure the player will support your computer music file types.

I had thought the Cambridge 851D was the one I was going jump in the water with until I realized it didn't do DSD. That's a must. Don't want to end up on the Beta end of tech again...

Nightfall

Check out this modded by Decware player. Plays high res FLAC, DSD, WAV, from a USB stick/hard drive or over a network. Also plays redbook CD's.

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZCD.htm

PolkieMan

I did not catch that no wonder it's on sale :-(

kharp1 wrote: »

footwedge wrote: »

gudnoyez wrote: »

If your wanting to build a 2 channel I would forget about using a universal player like the Oppos and get a decent standalone Dac which could be obtained with the money you would have spent on a 105, or go for a dedicated SACD player which would be the perfect source and use its Dac for your laptop, assuming you also have a CD and a SACD Collection.

Just make sure the player will support your computer music file types.

I had thought the Cambridge 851D was the one I was going jump in the water with until I realized it didn't do DSD. That's a must. Don't want to end up on the Beta end of tech again...

footwedge

Nightfall wrote: »

Check out this modded by Decware player. Plays high res FLAC, DSD, WAV, from a USB stick/hard drive or over a network. Also plays redbook CD's.

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZCD.htm

Does anyone have any experience with this player? Looks like it covers all of the essential features.

kharp1

I went ahead and picked up the Marantz SA-14 that DSkip was offering at a good price. The Decware is very interesting, would love to get some first hand, or, reliable feedback on it. May pick one up for use in a second system...with what it offers at that price point it seems like a no-brainer.

gudnoyez

Glad to hear that you just upped your game, that Marantz SA14 is sweet congratulations you will love it