2. digital
  3. 181973-72868

Digital source & management dilema

Background
I'm now transitioning from separates to a 1-box (or fewer boxes) solution.  I've got a very capable power amp (Levinson No. 332)  so just looking at integrated DAC/preamps.   Although the system in question is the "serious" audiophile setup, I'm in a BlueOS environment, so integration with that would be nice.  I'm listening mostly to streaming but also occasional CD's and media server.

Equipment on hand

  • Power amp and speakers
  • Bluesound Node 2i
  • Lumin U2 Mini
  • Cambridge CD transport

Obviously the Node 2i and Lumin  functionality overlaps.  I could use both cause Node 2i provides BlueOS.  But Lumin seems to sound better.  The amp has balanced inputs, so balanced preamp outs- are important (cable runs are pretty long).

What to get now?

Given budget, the NAD M12 and Anthem STR Preamp would be obvious contenders.  M12 is cheaper but lacks room correction.  Cheaper still if it's sans BlueOS module that I don't need anyway.  anybody have experience with M12 or STR or both?  Are there other good alternatives out there?  Comments and suggestions would be very helpful.  Thanks and cheers,

 

128x128kletter1mann

Showing 1 response by patrickcarey

patrickcarey
12 posts
 

Can’t say if the OP

kletter1mann’s avatar
kletter1mann OP
Has found his Nirvana yet, but as a longtime Anthem user I would urge a bit of caution.
the newer Anthems have a great feature set, but the sound in 2 channel may not represent the high price tag.
For example, I would audition the Anthem in 2 Channel mode with a list of your favorite songs and see if the sound is to your expectations.
Too many times AVRs are demoed in DD or another surround mode and in my experience the ss modes can mask the true 2 channel sound character of the internal decoding and amplification.
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