Upgradeitis!

[LeeC]

Contemplating an upgrade…
I continue to be amazed by my system and yet am absolutely positive there’s more to come. After listening to some $$$ systems with Solution and CH Precision I’m quite sure an amp upgrade I’ll help my Magico S5’s deliver there all. Despite the MK2 and soon to be Mk3 the original S5 is till exceptional and would be a small fortune to better from the used price I paid!
So, amplification it’s.
I’m contemplating a Merging Nadac and Pass Labs X250.8 not least because it’s available locally. 
That being said there’s also a Krell FPB700 in my town too!

The question is: what’s a worthwhile step up in DAC and amplifier that won’t break the bank BUTbwill be a big step forward?

The biggest thing I’m looking for is soul, body, substance and realism coupled with enhanced spatial out and sound stage.

Thanks in advance.

[ray1234]

Have a listen to Playback Designs DAC, these are one of the recent DACs that impresses. Playback Designs also promotes that their designs does not need an external clock. The sound of Playback Designs seems to suit your needs, it definitely has soul and body.

MSB also got quite a lot of praises, although I haven't listened to it myself. Good thing again, MSB also do not encourage external clock.

I listened to a few times dCS, but I really don't like the sound of it. With brands other than Playbakc and MSB, clock seems to really improve sound, the trouble being having to match all these clock and power cables for different components. Big hassle..... In fact, if you don't mind going through cable matching, even a Chinese DAC combo with clock at one tenth of the price of DACs like Playback Design can produce sound that is worthy of calling high end.

[audio_engr]

Contemplating an upgrade…
I continue to be amazed by my system and yet am absolutely positive there’s more to come. After listening to some $$$ systems with Solution and CH Precision I’m quite sure an amp upgrade I’ll help my Magico S5’s deliver there all. Despite the MK2 and soon to be Mk3 the original S5 is till exceptional and would be a small fortune to better from the used price I paid!
So, amplification it’s.
I’m contemplating a Merging Nadac and Pass Labs X250.8 not least because it’s available locally. 
That being said there’s also a Krell FPB700 in my town too!

The question is: what’s a worthwhile step up in DAC and amplifier that won’t break the bank BUTbwill be a big step forward?

The biggest thing I’m looking for is soul, body, substance and realism coupled with enhanced spatial out and sound stage.

Thanks in advance.

If you're able to get a FPB700C, grab that one. It will make a helluva difference. Next step would be a DAC with pre. Playback Designs MPD-8 and the less cheaper MPD-6 are excellent. But they are still pricey like heading for dCS Bartok or Bricasti DACs ... all of them are excellent with slight difference in flavors. What I find 'bang for the buck' is the Meitner MA-3. Check this out. A MA-3 - -> FPB700 will be great !!