Does this exist? Preamp/Streamer/DAC with MQA, Roon and more


I'm looking for a particular set of features that seem to be very hard to find in a stereo (2.1) product. My budget is preferably around $2,500 but there is some flexibility. Here's what I would like:

Must have
-Preamp
-Network streamer
-DAC
-Roon endpoint
-MQA compatible (not interested in your opinion of MQA)

Want to have
-HDMI inputs/output for video switching only and 2 channel audio (to allow TV sound through stereo)
-Room correction
-Subwoofer management

I recently purchased the newly released NAD C658 which, when adding the optional HDMI module, covers every must have and want to have (Dirac room correction is coming in a later FW update) for a total of $1,800. Perfect! The problem is that so far the thing sounds lousy. I'm trying to let it burn in more and see if Dirac comes and makes it better, but it's not looking good after the first few days. The DAC seems to be the problem. It seems to suffer from audible time smearing and sounds too clinical and harsh so I am suspect about Dirac helping with that.

I've also seen the SimAudio Moon 390 but it's $5,300 and doesn't have room correction or subwoofer management. On the less expensive end, SimAudio also has the Moon Ace for $2,900 which has the same features as the 390, minus the HDMI inputs. I'd use the preouts to my own amp since the Ace is an integrated amp.

Then there is the Aurender A10. It costs even more than the Moon 390 and doesn't have HDMI inputs.

Cambridge Audio has some well regarded streamers but they aren't Roon compatible.

Finally, there is the PS Audio DirectStream and DirectStream Junior. I recently purchased the DSJr since it can be had close to my budget and while it sounds incredible as a streamer and DAC, it's not viable as a preamp. I spoke to PS Audio about this and they recommend using a separate preamp for the DS and especially for the Jr. I can't remember exactly why but they told me the signal to noise ratio when used straight into an amp wasn't ideal. I tested this myself and found that the DSJr sounded better even running through a Marantz AV receiver as preamp than it did straight into my amp (the receiver uses pre-outs to the same amp). I don't want to run a DSJr through a Marantz receiver and if I blow the budget on the DAC, I won't be able to get a capable preamp worthy of mating with it. Plus I'm really trying to get down to fewer boxes.

Are there any other options out there that I'm missing?
jnehma1

Showing 3 responses by mbolek

Jon,

Interesting thread.   I'll need to look at Audirvana.   Thanks Edsky.

I'll be trying both the DSJ and a NAD M12.   I also have the 7703 and plan on replacing it with the T758v3 for the HT room.  Auditioned the C658 and didn't feel it was that much better than the 2i.   Maybe I should have kept it longer and given it a better assessment.   Goal is to try and simplify as much as possible, but I'm steadily moving up the DAC $$$ food chain looking for the right product.

I'm now listening to the M10.   Love the build and ease of use.  Unfortunately, not using the nCore amp as I have a pair Emotiva Stealth 8s that I'm using in my stereo room.  If you remember my post over at AVSforum, my kids are older and I now have more time to listen.   Love all the new options with streaming, MQA and miss how good 2 channel audio can be..
Yes.   Emotivas are active.   I have Monitor Audio SoundFrame in-walls in the HT room.

They are nice but may not be a fair speaker to test with the M10 or any of these higher $$ DACs.   May be able to get my hands on some KEF R3s.   That would be a better comparison.   
I'll jump back in and say that the Dirac on the M10 is very impressive.  Both Jon and another friend have the 3400 and think that is the pinnacle to date.  M10 is a new design (compared to the C658 and even the T758).   I had the 658 and it seemed like old technology.   I have kept the 758 as it is a solid processor for the price (especially w/ Dirac).

M10 is a cool box.  I have always tucked away my gear in audio cabinets.  Not the M10, I have it paced on top of my sideboard and love the touch screen and VU meters.  Roon/Tidal/Dirac/nCore lets me sit back and enjoy...