Combined Streamer/DAC/Preamp


I'm trying to put together a system for my bedroom (not my primary system) and I don't want a complicated system with lots of boxes. I have a DIY Purifi-based amp with balanced inputs that I built in a small chassis that I can mount vertically on the floor against the wall, so it hardly takes any space.

I'm looking for a single box unit that can encompass the rest of a digital streaming system. I have a Roon server and also subscribe to Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify (the latter mostly for podcasts and listening in the car), so I'd like a flexible streamer that can act as a Roon endpoint as well as run Spotify Connect. And I'm looking for balanced outputs.

I'm currently using a Bluesound Node 2i feeding a Schiit Yggdrasil which is my backup DAC. This is one too many boxes, and this forces me to use the digital volume control on the Node 2i. Since I usually listen at low levels in the bedroom, this is a significant compromise in sound quality. 

I'd like a box that is no bigger than the Yggdrasil, with a true built-in preamp with analog volume control and balanced outputs. 

The Auralic Vega G2 looks just about perfect, but it is somewhat pricier than I'd like. Any comparable, somewhat lower priced, alternatives? I'm happy to buy lightly used (no more than a few years old) but would (ideally) like to keep it under $3K. I might be able to find a G1 at that price, but I'm not sure how much SQ I'd be giving up. 

Thanks.


128x128jaytor
I found a used Auralic Vega G2 for a good price so decided to go with this unit. This had all the features I was looking for in a nicely styled package and has excellent reviews. Also, Auralic's North American offices are only 20 minutes away which doesn't hurt.

I am expecting to receive it on Saturday. I will report back after I've had a chance to listen to it for a while. 
@mahler123 - while the Node2i is a nice unit for the price, I'm not satisfied with the sound quality and it doesn't have balanced outputs which I would like. 

@ipd_dk2 - the Matrix Audio units look interesting, particularly for the price. Do you know whether the Element i uses an analog volume control, or is it adjusting volume in the digital domain like the Node 2i? Also, is it possible to turn the display off? 

Another member sent me a PM regarding the Gold Note DS-10. This looks like a very nice alternative to the Auralic Vega G2. I think the Auralic is still at the top of my list based on the reviews I've read and its feature set, but I'm going to continue to think about it for a while and try to sell some of the gear I'm no longer using. 

Thanks for your suggestions. 
Since you listen at low levels in your bedroom, I would just use the DAC in the Node 2i and call it a day