I too have a Derek Shek DAC, and recently upgraded my amp to a Parasound Halo A23. The amp made by far the bigger difference. I've since replaced the DS DAC with my own DIY DAC, and while I like mine better (it's staying), it's not as big a difference as changing the amp. That said, you must start with good speakers (which I also DIY'ed, so I can't help you there). In order of importance (most to least), my list would be as follows:
good music > speakers > room placement (and it's free!) > amp > DAC > transport > cables > insane audiophile tweaks -- ezkcdude DIY projects page: http://www.ezdiyaudio.com System: SB3->EZDAC->MIT Terminator 2 interconnects->Endler Audio 24-step Attenuators (RCA-direct)->Parasound Halo A23 125W/ch amplifier->Speltz anti-cables->DIY 2-ways + Dayton Titanic 10" subwoofer He's not hi-fi, he's my stereo. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ezkcdude's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2545 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=30552 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
