Please advise!

Everything Else Humor
1

Hi everyone!

I bought this cd system 4-5(?) years ago including the latest updates.

In the past period I invested in new speakers and kept checking Paul’s Posts, and yet there is another update online “Torreys”.

You may understand that I am not in the position to buy a new power amp ánd upgrade my DAC.

Just curious, what would you advise: I guess upgrading to Direct Stream may give an audible result right away as it involves an improved source? (I must say that I use the PW cd-Transport only… and not yet use the Bridge!!; I play cd’s only…)

I also heard good things about the BHK power amp and that’s also on my list.

What’s your opinion?

(My current power amp Aragon 8008, pre-amp: Krell 222, Speakers: Vienna Acoustics The Kiss)

2

The sound quality of either the DS DAC or DS Junior will be excellent with the PWT as the source. I would go for the DAC upgrade hands down.

3

+1

I, too, would first upgrade the source.

4

The upgrade sword cuts both ways, but I will remark, I never knew how good the rest of my gear was until I installed the DS into my system.

Simply amazing!

5

I’d offer an opinion, but I don’t understand the question.

6

I read the OP’s question to be whether the most immediate improvement would be realized by replacing his amp or source.

7

I’m confused by the fact he mentioned he wasn’t in a position to do either…so it’s just a hypothetical question then. In which case my opinion would be do neither…you’re almost always better off with a speaker upgrade over a DAC or amp upgrade. He mentioned he upgraded his speakers (to what I don’t know), but I would say, upgrade your speakers again.

8

You don’t say what DAC you are currently using, but generally speaking, upgrading to the DS DAC is a no-brainier. Especially when using the PW Transport. Connect via i2s, and you have an impeccable source.

9
brodricj said I'm confused by the fact he mentioned he wasn't in a position to do either....so it's just a hypothetical question then.
I interpret "not in the position to buy a new power amp ánd upgrade my DAC" to mean he can do one or the other, not both.

Hypothetical is amusing. And even if he will immediately buy something, it is not my money and still is hypothetical for me. So it is all good. :slight_smile:

. . . you’re almost always better off with a speaker upgrade over a DAC or amp upgrade.
An ancient debate with some fascinating historical demonstrations on both sides. My position is it depends, but lean to improving the source once one has basic solid components elsewhere. Given he has Vienna Acoustics Klimt The Kiss loudspeakers he has speakers nicely covered.
10

Thank you all for your remarks. @Elk, sorry my question wasn’t clear enough, however reading your and other remarks, it brought me enough to think about.

11
Elk said I read the OP's question to be whether the most immediate improvement would be realized by replacing his amp or source.
Yep!