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DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

Hey all!

Currently at a crossroads in my HiFi adventure. I want to know what you guys would recommend as my next upgrade to my system. Here is the equipment I currently have:

Bluesound Node

Yamaha A-S1200

Sony UBP-X800 (Using this as SACD player)

Rega Planar 2 Turntable

Pair of B&W 704 S2

 

I have had the amp for around 45-60 days now, and I love the sound now that I have had time to burn it in. Mostly stream music from Tidal right now (trying out Qobuz), and play the occasional Record/SACD with the equipment above. I feel the only things I am really desiring in this system is some type of room correction, and subwoofers.

When looking at room correcting software, what all do you guys recommend? With new Preamp/DAC would I need it to support MQA, or would my Node be able to take care of that? Budget is around $2500-3000, but I'm open to frankly any other suggestions. If you guys need any other info please let me know, looking forward to the discussion.

chuck_tamu

Showing 1 response by re-lar-kvothe

re-lar-kvothe's avatar
re-lar-kvothe
184 posts
 

@chuck_tamu

I have the C-658 and have been using it for a year or so. I currently use it with a FirstWatt F6 as a streamer, DAC, phono stage (MM cart) and believe it to be the best bang for the buck out there. I also have the HDMI card installed and run a Panasonic UB9000 through that. It all sounds great to me. I previously used the C-658 with Rogue M-180 tube amps, a couple vintage power amps (Onkyo M-504, Sony TA-N80ES), all going into Focal Kanta No.2s. I have compared the DAC to an Auralic Altair G1 using a Yamaha CD-S1000 as a transport and I believe there is a slim line between the 2 devices as the G1 does add a little to the overall listening experience but again, at a significant cost increase. Are there better DAC/preamps for function and sound? Yes. But, IMHO not for the same monies.

 

I was considering selling mine but since I hooked it up to the F6 I may keep it as part of a 2nd system. It certainly is versatile.

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