2. digital
  3. 142420-100024

Class A Options for adding Roon and MQA to existing system

I want to add a Class A digital front end to my 2-Channel main music listening system.  My current Streamer is an Oppo Sonica DAC which has a pretty decent D/A capability that I use to stream Tidal music.  What should I look for to add Roon and MQA?  The rest of my system consists of a Linn Sondek LP12 analog front end and a Primaluna CD player both feeding a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated amplifier.  I'm currently listening through the GoldenEar Triton 3's with my eye on purchasing the Triton References next (after I solidify all of the front ends).  I'd like to keep the Oppo for D/A conversion if possible to be able to focus $$ (looking to spend ~ $,500) on the Roon and MQA processing and be able to upgrade to a higher quality DAC at a later date.  As a bonus, I'd like to be able to include a SSD drive (preferably internal to the new streamer) for local download storage.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
boeingaudio

Showing 4 responses by ezstreams

ezstreams
70 posts
 
My apologies ianrodger!  I didnt proofread my initial posting question and left out an important digit. My budget it $2,000 for this endeavor which with Roon license at $500, leaves me $1,500 for the electronics.  Ive had good luck with used equipment in the past so I'll certainly keep an eye out for Antipodes deal like you were able to find.
I'm wondering if the Roon Nucleus might be the right solution?  It has Roon and MQA capability, but i dont know if it needs to use an external DAC to handle any of the MQA processing duties which i dont think my Oppo Sonica DAC is capable of. 
ezstreams
70 posts
 
I agree ianrodger, davehg's suggestion to check out the Bel Canto e.One Stream looks like it could be exactly what im looking for.  Thank you davehg!
 Because it was just released this fall, the professional reviewers haven't had time to audition it and publish reviews.
Does anyone in the Audiogon community have any hands on experience with the e.One Stream? 
ezstreams
70 posts
 
I am serious about Class A, but i am not very computer literate. Ive looked at NUC options and they concern me due to those limitations.  I use a Synology NAS for non-music back-up/ storage and it was a challenge to set up.

I may not be able to get close to Class A at the budget I've set for this front end, but half the fun of being an audio enthusiast and hobbyist is the research, the hunt, and the dialogues like this with others that share the same interests. The other half is enjoying the fruits of that pursuit!

The Aries Mini appears to have the functionality im looking for, but several of the professional reviewers say or imply that versatility and price are its strengths with good but not great sonics. 

Im definately going to keep my eye out for professional reviews of the newly released Bel Canto e.One as well as any observations or suggestions from people on this forum community. 
ezstreams
70 posts
 
Present. Working out of Huntsville AL. 
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