Thanks, everyone. These are great suggestions and give me great ideas to research.
Cheers,
Paul
Cheers,
Paul
DAC/Preamp/Amp Recommendations
Hello all,
I listen only via streaming (Tidal) from a Bluesound Powernode2 to PSB Imagine B speakers via Audioquest Rocket 44 cables to tame any high frequency harshness. I’m reasonably happy with this setup but would like “more.” Bigger soundstage, better imaging, more “open” sound, etc. I listen mostly to jazz and blues, plus some classical and rock. I am decidedly NOT a bass-head and I listen at moderate levels. I prefer a neutral to slightly warm tone. Listening chair is about 7 feet from the speakers. I am 66 years old with a touch of tinnitus.
My budget is $10,000 total. If I allow $4K for speakers and $1.5K for an Innuos Zen Mini with LPS (I would like to use Roon*), that leaves $4.5K for all the components in between. The NAD M33 would fit right in that budget slot (can I bypass the DAC?) or I can go for separates. This is where I need the advice. One possibility is getting the NAD C298 amp and then spend $2.5 for a DAC and preamp. The idea of a tube preamp is intriguing although I have never had a tube component.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
* from what I have read, this would be the most stable, futz-free way of using Roon.
I listen only via streaming (Tidal) from a Bluesound Powernode2 to PSB Imagine B speakers via Audioquest Rocket 44 cables to tame any high frequency harshness. I’m reasonably happy with this setup but would like “more.” Bigger soundstage, better imaging, more “open” sound, etc. I listen mostly to jazz and blues, plus some classical and rock. I am decidedly NOT a bass-head and I listen at moderate levels. I prefer a neutral to slightly warm tone. Listening chair is about 7 feet from the speakers. I am 66 years old with a touch of tinnitus.
My budget is $10,000 total. If I allow $4K for speakers and $1.5K for an Innuos Zen Mini with LPS (I would like to use Roon*), that leaves $4.5K for all the components in between. The NAD M33 would fit right in that budget slot (can I bypass the DAC?) or I can go for separates. This is where I need the advice. One possibility is getting the NAD C298 amp and then spend $2.5 for a DAC and preamp. The idea of a tube preamp is intriguing although I have never had a tube component.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
* from what I have read, this would be the most stable, futz-free way of using Roon.