He isn't using the DAC in the node. The node is a fine streamer.
Amp Search and Upgrade
So currently I have a Parasound Integrated, the Hint 6, that are driving my Dali Opticon 8. They are rated as a 4 ohm speaker with an 88 db sensitivity. I am looking to upgrade one item this year so I want to make it count. The integrated has pre-outs so I can adda 2 channel amp or a pair of mono blocks.
At this point would I be better off getting just an amp and using the Hint 6 as pre temporarily until I can afford a better pre amp or should I get both pre and amp at once? I'm thinking something used {hopefully) in the $4k range.
I only stream using a Bluesound Node 2i feeding a very nice DAC, an Aqua LaVoce S2, I also have a pair of REL T/7i subs.
Recommendations on what would pair with the Dali's and whether I should stick with the Parasound as pre please!
Showing 4 responses by carlsbad
That preamp is gonna make whatever amp you get sound muted. I have a P6 and it is a swiss army knife. It will do everything but processes the signal too much in the process. Best buy in amps right now is the Kinki Studios EX-M1+. It is an integrated so you don't need a a preamp. It should make you happy until your budget is $10K plus per component. Jerry |
I'm not going to argue with you guys on whether it is worth it to upgrad the streamer but at least don't try to convice a guy to upgrade his streamer before his amp. the streamer is at least a questionable improvement as show my how many disagree with it's value and should at least be one of the last upgrades you do. --Jerry |
@dadork Funny you don't like the looks of the Kinki. It is highly complemented in reviews. I certainly don't think I have good taste in what looks good so my opinion isn't very valuable but I like the simplicity. It is generally referred to as a swiss look as is the sound. But I agree you shouldn't buy it if you don't like it. I'm just saying you should realize that the pre is really going to hold back any amp. I don't know how you can evaluate any amp with a bad preamp. think of perfection as total clarity and every amp or pre removes some of it. Lets use some numbers I'll pull out of my armpit: suppose your great amp removes 2% and your pre 1% of the "goodness". Now you've got a 97% signal. Now put a peamp removing 30% of the goodness and it doesn't matter much waht the amp does. It will be hard to tell a 2% amp from a 10% amp on my arbitrary scale. I retired my parasound system when I switched from inefficient speakers to efficient speakers. However, I wanted the HT bypass function on the Parasound preamp so I tried it in front of my new tube amp that I would call a 97% amp on my arbitrary scale above. It was like putting up a thin wall between me and the speakers. My amp couldn't shine. Lasted 5 minutes. Jerry |