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DAC/Streamer/PreAmp

I hope this question will allow everyone to have some fun. I have a pair of Focal Sopra 3 (I dont consider them bright, but just right), 2x REL S812 subs, and a Bryston 6bsst2 amp. I know it is a 3 channel amp. It was being used in my Movie Theater. Going forward I will be using it for a 2 channel system until I decide to buy mono blocks. This 2 channel system will only be streaming digital music, but might consider adding a photo stage later, so would like analogue inputs. The room is fully treated from 30hz on up, and is 16'w x 30'd x 10'h.  

 

I am looking for a Streamer/DAC/Preamp to run this system. I really do not want to add a computer to this system to run files through it. I prefer a plug and play solution. It can be one piece or 3 separates. I like a rich sound from top to bottom. I prefer a sound like Aretha Franklin over Allison Krause. I would like a big Soundstage. I also have 1 gig speed thriugh ethernet. The final item is the budget. I really like Value, so if you can come in below the budget it will be considered. $10-20k USD max. Will consider new and used.  I have considered T+A, Naim, Mola Mola, and some other manufacturers, but would like yalls input.

 

Let's Go!!!

dmaddox77

Showing 4 responses by hsounds

hsounds
133 posts
 

Tomic601, I have been keeping an eye out for the Tung Sol 6550 black plate. I just bought two NOS SED Winged C 6550. Very, very nice! Way better than EH or Sovtek. I was thinking about upgrading to the Ref 10 SE. I don’t feel that way anymore after the NOS tube. This is a note to the OP. Two people who love the $5k-$6k Ref 5 se. You will probably not be able to demo one. Don’t worry, you won’t need to. 

hsounds
133 posts
 

I would say a Lumin P1. It is all of those things. Plus it has LEEDH volume control for great sound at any volume. Also it has an analog RCA/ XLR input. The power supply is linear. They say it is pretty close to the Lumin X1. I was setting up anti skate at a friends house yesterday and his P1 sounded amazing. Try to listen first to see if you like the sound signature with your Focals. I just heard the new Borensen speakers at Next Level Audio. Pretty amazing sound for $5500 with stands. Jays Audio Lab had a private event. They are supposed to be at AXPONA this year. 

hsounds
133 posts
 

I like SOIX’s idea about the ARC Ref 5se. Make sure you get the SE. it’s worth the used $1k upgrade. I own one right now and it’s amazing. That being said I would still start with the Lumin P1. It does everything. My friend who owns it has it going into an ARC LS28 SE preamp. The great thing is because he has the LEEDH volume he can adjust the volume without touching the ARC preamp remote without degradation. So you start with a killer piece and later use it as a DAC/ streamer. The other reason I am considering this is my turntable setup is off to the side for easy access. Because this Lumin has a regular input say for my phono stage I can run it right into the lumin which would be connected to the REF 5 SE. I hope this helps. 

hsounds
133 posts
 

Gold note has the top of the line PH1000 phono stage/line stage. It is a phono stage with a preamp built in. It’s $4k more than the regular phono. For another $2k I say get the ARC ref 5 SE. 

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