2. digital
  3. 182411-157137

Considering A New Streaming DAC (Pick 1 of 4)

Hi Folks, The four under consideration are Weiss 501/502, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Aurender A20, and Bricasti M1. Anyone of these will feed a signal into a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme preamp before going to a Pass XA 30.8 and out to a pair of Audio Note AN/K's ("mildly effecient" at 90 db). The K's are in a fairly large room (26x12). I currently have a Lampizator Amber 4 (bal w/vc) and do like how it sounds in this system, but wish to at least explore a one box option. Although I do stream (N100H) most of my "front end" time is spent either with a Macinstosh MR88 digital tuner or an Audio Note level 2 CD transport. I'm interested about folks preferences or experiences with any of these four DAC's taking into account my front end usage and existing system. I've also looked at the possibility of keeping my streamer and upgrading the tube DAC in the form of Totaldac or BAT Rex. Any thoughts on this are welcome.

scottya118

Showing 6 responses by scottya118

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Can't demo but hoping someone can identify 1 more than other 3 as "tube like." Not holding out hope on that. I'll check out that Lumin. Thanks.

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Rockrider, Can you share experience of A20 vs Tambaqui with pros/cons for both?

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Thanks for all your responses. Most helpful. Question to all: Keeping in mind my front end usage with streaming as a secondary pursuit and no Roon (nor do I plan to employ it) does that change anyone's responses? Thanks again for your input.

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Rockrider, Detailed response is very much appreciated. Any comments on ergonomics and ease of interfacing with the units?

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Hi Soix, Not at all and I just might do that. But you learn a lot by asking questions. At this point I'm leaning towards keeping the N100H and looking at an M1.

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Hi Rockrider, No I have not and your detailed comments have been helpful. All options are on the table. I've heard nothing but glowing comments especially about the Tambaqui. Here's the rub for me, and it's a personal one regarding ergonomics and interfacing with a device on a daily basis: I prefer controlling input selections, attentuation, etc by hand. Just a personal thing.

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