Your assessment of the Marantz house sound echoes my own in that it’s full and rich but lacks upper octave detail and “air.” IMHO it’s best to keep DAC and streamer separate as they’re both equally critical to get the best sound and combining them in one box invites both compromise and lack of future upgrade flexibility. For your tastes I’d recommend looking at the Denafrips Pontus ll R2R DAC and the Innuos Pulse Mini streamer with their separate linear power supply (I think they may be about to introduce a new linear power supply for the Mini). Hope this helps, and best of luck.
Gustard R26 vs hi end streamer
Hi,
I have in plan to upgrade the source of my system:
Source: Newtork streamer Marantz NA8005
Amp: Arcam A32
Speakers: build to me
Headhone: Denon AH-D5000
Actually the options are:
1) Purchase a DAC like Gustard R26 or X26 or Schiit OG Yggdrsail (I’am bit undecided to choose one of these DACs).
2) Replace my Newtork streamer with a Hi end Streamers like: Auralyc, Cocktail Audio, Rose or coming soon new Marantz that replace ND8006.
I have a preference for a sound relaxed, warm, analog, with a deep bass, I listen only FLAC files with USB disk and no others, so I’am not interested to streamer services.
My actual Marantz match my sound preference, but lack of details, soundstage, etc...
The ideal is upgrade the Newtork streamer, but for what I read on many forums, an exterenal DAC like Gustard R26 or Schiit OG Yggdrsail sound better of every integrated streamer like: Auralyc, Cocktail Audio, Rose, etc.. and apart this is also a cheap option.
To match my sound preference do you suggest to wait the next Marantz models or consider directly an external DAC like Gustard or Schiit ?
Showing 3 responses by soix
@arafiq Given the sound characteristics the OP is looking for, your observations were exactly why I recommended the Pontus II. Plus, add an Iris or a Hermes DDC to take advantage of the Pontus’ i2S input and there is significant further upside potential to be had. Thanks for your helpful and insightful thoughts. |
@arafiq How would you compare the Zenith to the Aavik? Reading between the lines it seems that you prefer the Aavik but the Zenith doesn’t fall very short, and I’m assuming the Aavik costs a lot more. Appreciate your thoughts…again. |