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 3 responses by uberwaltz

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
As far as Mini SQ, I am very impressed with it via USB to Mytek Brooklyn DAC, in my system to my ears, about all I can attest to tbh.
It was an improvement on say, Tidal streaming from my Bluesound Vault 2 which fed the Brooklyn by SPDIF ( no USB out on the Vault).
But yes versality and price are very strong suits for it and with the capability of adding in any size SSD you desire it has become a full music server in my system for now.

I am sure there are lots of even better options but at what price?

Good luck with the search, always half the fun as you say!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
The Bel Canto looks interesting although the Aries Mini does everything it can I think?
And the Aries hosts a SSD so you can store all your music right inside it making it a full on music server.
Sorry to keep banging on about it but for the money you can steal them at, it is quite the machine.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
If you do not mind slightly older piece how about Auralic Aries Mini?
find them around $500 to $600. Get a lps power supply and a 1tb ssd drive and you are ready to go for well under $1000.
its onboard dac is so so but I output over usb  to mytek Brooklyn dac and it’s quite something!
More to discover