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Dac+Amp recommendation for streaming-only system

A couple years ago I bought supremely good speakers (Zu Audio Definition MK IV). I was supposed to replace my old amp and DAC at the same time, but life got in the way and moving countries a couple of times + having a kid put a dent in the plan. Now I finally have the time to get back to this.

I know absolutely nothing about hifi and brands etc, so here's my question:
What devices (amp and DAC, or if such a thing exists, something that has both) should I be looking at for a great streaming music experience? Basically the system needs to play either Spotify or Tidal and do it well. Nothing else is needed (well, I'll hook up my tv to it too, but that's it). Budget around 5k.

For the reference:
- My current system is Plinius 9200 + MHDT Havana Balanced + Argon2 streamer.

The Plinius is a good amplifier, but super impractical (especially love the "too quiet - WAY TOO LOUD" binary remote) so now would be a good time to replace it. However, if nothing better has materialized in my price range I can live with it. MHDT Havana, which was popular at the time, was a good match for my old speakers, but just sounds sloppy and lazy on the better speakers. Also, it's super old so something wayyyyy better must be out there. Argon2 doesn't do anything except provide an optical Spotify stream for the DAC.

- I prefer something "musical" which to me is neutral or slightly warm, dynamic, precise and not harsh. Daily music played on the system goes from super-well produced (metal, old-school rock) to produced-by-pressing-record-and-hoping-for-the-best (northern soul, punk) so terribly recorded music should still sound palatable.

- As I said, I know pretty much nothing about hifi. I just listen a lot of music, so I bought the bits and pieces after auditioning them (the Plinius test especially was fun, as a local store supplied half-a-dozen amps for comparison). Unfortunately I don't live near a good hifi-store right now, so testing is a bit more difficult and would be grateful for some tips on where to start with all this.

kosmonautti

Showing 2 responses by reubent

reubent
7,082 posts
 
You are going to need to replace the amp or the speakers to resolve the issue with the volume control steps being too big (too soft to WAY too loud) in one step. Otherwise you are going to need to find a way to attenuate ALL of your sources. If that's a single source component, easy enough. Just get one the has a built-in volume control.

If you don't pay any attention to this issue when you get new components, you will likely always be unhappy.

BTW, I had the same issue with an Anthem Integrated-2 back in the day when I had efficient speakers. It drove me crazy because I could never find a happy volume step. It was always a little too soft, or too loud. No in-between....
reubent
7,082 posts
 
@kosmonautti - Regarding the "too low, way too loud" description of the Plinius: This is probably due to the very high efficiency of the Zu speakers. At 101db off. those speakers will play very loud with very little power, so a single step of the volume control of your 200 w/channel amp creates a large change in the volume from the speaker.

You might want to consider auditioning some low power amplifiers, such as Pass/FirstWatt or a SET Tube amp. You would most likely gain much better control over your volume with a much lower powered amp. You should only need an amp that produces a few watts to make those Zu speakers sing.

You might want to reach out to Zu or a Zu dealer for their recommendations. They should know what works with your speakers. 

Good Luck and happy listening......
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