System remained pretty static for a dozen years and I thought I was done (see picture). Main pieces that are now gone were a factory upgraded Cary SLI-80, Resolution Audio CD player/DAC and a Bluesound Node 2. But the lust for better sound became too great to ignore and I was soon riding the upgrade merry-go-round.
Added the MiND2, the DAC3, then the Atma-Sphere trio. Did each upgrade in steps, so know well what each change brought and it's all good. I've lusted over AS equipment for 15 years, but it always seemed just out of reach. When the opportunity came, and though it was financially a bit of a stretch, I happily took the plunge. Zero regrets!
Definitely got what I sought and expected. Extension up and down. Clarity across the board. Smoothness throughout. The system is run fully balanced and my satisfaction with the entire setup is quite high.
For anyone considering the purchase of a MiND2, let me share my opinion. The sound quality is excellent. It was a drastic upgrade from the Bluesound Node 2 it replaced (both were run through the RA Opus's DAC). But Moon's Android control software is poor; word is the Apple version is better. The MiND2 also requires a DLNA server. After a couple of months I upgraded to Roon and now have the interface (and more) that should have come with the MiND2. Roon does not require the DLNA server. The pair are a great combination, so consider factoring in the price of a Roon license if the MiND2 is on your shopping list.
That said, I'm not finished upgrading.
Next up are new speakers and audio furniture. To get the most out of the Atma-Sphere gear requires high impedance and efficient speakers. I also want to remove the subwoofer, so the speakers will be "full range" (at least down to 30Hz). Primary candidates are offerings from Devore and Zu.
Somewhere in the mix will be a heavy wood rack and amp platforms to replace the now ancient Atlantis rack should round things out nicely.
And yes, I need to work on the room's acoustics, though right now it does measures quite flat. First reflections aren't an issue. Biggest need is absorption/diffraction on the rear wall.
I'll update this as changes occur. Pictures of the new setup are coming.
