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Component recommendations for Wilson Audio Alexx

hi forum - i'm especially interested in opinions from fellow Wilson Audio Alexx owners on this topic.

I took delivery of my Alexx a couple months ago and am looking at upgrading my streamer/DAC and pre-amp. I feel all set on my amp, which is a Soulution 710 and my cabling, which is purist audio for speaker cables and XLR interconnects. I only listen via streaming and use Tidal hifi, which has masters/mqa, so would prefer a DAC that could support that.

my main dilemma is while my local dealer is fantastic, they carry a relatively narrow range (at the upper end) for streamer/DAC and pre-amp. Their main lines for streamer/DAC are dCS and Linn. I think they also carry Naim but to be honest it's never in the reference room for some reason. In the pre-amp space, it is ARC and D'Agostino. I have read lots of reviews on MSB, CH Precision, Aurender, Lampizator on the DAC side and Soulution, CH, ARC, Kondo on the preamp side, but it's very difficult to actually demo any of these brands.

On the specific questions, I'd love input from other Alexx owners on 1) what setup you've landed on for your digital source and preamp, and 2) what options did you explore (or have) and decide against?

Budget is not a big deal, but if it gets spend-y I look at the pre-owned market first for electronics.

Thanks forum!
kantian22

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Congratulations kantian22 it seems that you got a terrific deal with the DCS Rossini . It's good to know that you have an audio dealer who worked earnestly on your behalf.  I'm looking forward to your further thoughts and listening impressions. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I agree with the above posts, I don’t see how one can proclaim that any single audio product is the "best". My listening encounters with DCS mirror the description of jafox  of. But I also understand that the DCS could sound astonishing good to poster mtdining based on his particular taste.

Again a matter of taste but some listeners would prefer the Lampizator Pacific to a DCS product. It just depends on what you want in terms of sonic character. There's truly something for everyone. 
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Excellent and wise advice has been provided in this thread. Kantian22 is in a position to acquire exceptional audio components and needs to be methodical in his approach. Direct DAC to amplifier versus insertion of a superb preamplifier. Listen and "trust" your ears. You’ll find countless debates in audiophile forums on which approach is superior. There will never be consensus as it's too personal a decision with multiple factors/variables  to consider.   When all is said and done, have confidence in yourself and trust what you hear. Kantian22 you have an opportunity to assemble a truly fabulous audio system and I believe that you will.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

ianrmack,

Your response to kantian22's  inquiry comes off as snarky and sarcastic. Are you a bit envious of his endeavor to get the most from his audio system within his means? We all have our budget parameters/limits and certainly there’s quite a broad spectrum. if you meant this as humor, my apology.

Charles

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