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Help me build out my first system

Hi All,

New Audiogon member here, been a lurker for some time; thanks for all the tremendous info! I’m in the process of building out my first system and am hoping for some recommendations on streamer/dac and preamp. A friend has been kind enough to set me up with a McCormack DNA-1 (not yet in my possession) and a pair of Focal/JM Labs Electra 926s from a client who wanted to upgrade. 
 

At this point I’m trying to put together two sets of options: First, which components might really make the setup sing, not worrying much about budget (without going too nuts). And second, assuming a budget around $3000-$4000, what’s the best I can do?

 

The setup will live in a 14’x24’ room, and I’m in the process of building some panels for appropriate room treatment. Tidal is currently my preferred source, but am open to change based on compatibility req’s or being convinced of a better alternative for this application. I’d also like to allow for incorporation of a new turntable down the road. 
 

Am I thinking about this the right way? Thanks for your thoughts 

kdammeyer

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,036 posts
 

Neutrality is important for me too. Two of the very best preamps for a neutral sound are (I also own both):

  • Benchmark LA4/HPA4 (consider the HPA4)
  • Holo Audio Serene

There is a review online comparing the 2 preamps. The reviewer preferred the warmer Serene I prefer the BM preamps. Both are great.

I have tried a few DACs, costing $700 - $15000. I have now come to a happy result with the Schitt Yggi+ OG (neutral) and the Yggi+ LIM (warm-ish).

I called up Schitt and spoke to a musician that was working there to discuss DACs. He hated the LIM because it was a warm and limited on the top end. One reason a lot of people like it, but as a musician he said he hated it. He then told me that the best DAC he had ever hear was the Schitt Yggi+ OG. He told me to buy the last one ever made and I would not be sorry. He was right, though it took a month of heavy playing to really break-in. The replacement for the OG is called the Yggi+ More is Better (MIB). It is supposed to be close to the OG sound and not the LIM sound.

Both the preamp and DAC suggestion will be around $6k new though on the used market the cost should be around $4k.

BTW - I can only vouch for the latest Yggi+| DACs. They have been around for 10 years, but their modular design is upgradeable. So, in the used market they maybe older units. Schitt and Benchmark support home trials.

 BTW2 - I said consider the HPA4 over the LA4 because I plan to use my HPA4 with maybe the world best headphone at any price. I heard this headphone with my Serene preamp/headphone amp and it was an immediate desire to buy it. The HPA4 will be even better as a headphone amp.

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