Just Getting Back Into Audio and Need Help


So I am getting ready to purchase a new Integrated Amp and speakers after not having a system for quite a while. Things have changed(A LOT) since I last had a system. I am deciding between an Arcam SA20, Parasound Newclassic 200, or Musical Fidelity M3Si integrated. I am probably getting the Focal Aria 906’s. My question is, what kind of sound quality would i get by using something like the Wiim Pro running to the internal dac on the integrated amp? Do I need a separate external dac? I really prefer not to have to do that. Or should i spend a little more on a streamer with a good dac? Will the sound be that much better than using the dac on the integrated? Thats probably a loaded question. I want good audio quality, but I’m not one to spend a fortune on cables and other upgrades. If I have to struggle to hear minor differences, I’m not spending the extra money. Thanks in advance for the help!

jmill88

Showing 1 response by vonhelmholtz

I did the same thing a bit over a year ago. I rationalized that I wanted as much as possible in an integrated amp. I was going to save on cables..etc. So, I prioritized hearing the integrated and speakers together. I then proceeded to put together both analog and digital, but my priority was analog. Then I hooked up with a large internet dealer and a very helpful sales person. I would start off picking the integrated/speaker combination and audition with the dealers best DAC/Streamer or Server combination. I say this because my integrated had a very good DAC and phono stage, but I soon found out that this was a great way to start out, but maybe not ideal when you decide to sell a car, or two and buy an external DAC and streamer.  Make sure that you have the proper inputs for future expansion. For example, I wanted at least two balanced analog inputs. Depending on how much is handled internally with the integrated, accept that your other components might not be ideal, but at least you know that with upgrades to your system and your room, you should be able to match what you heard in the dealers showroom. After this, upgrading power cables and conditioners, interconnects, digital cables, DAC and streamer can be upgraded with time.

For me, I just moved into a new house and had only six months to put together my full system before my wife moved from California to Texas. Her move meant that I had to do all upgrades in six months. So, now on a spending freeze. I upgraded and sent back many components and cables and discovered the unfortunate truth that everything from the wall power to the wall/floor ceiling treatment, equipment stands, furniture…everything mattered. The most shocking realization was how much power cables and conditioners improved the sound and that the last Ethernet cable to my streamer was critical. After all, how could miles of electrical and networking cables be improved in the last few feet? I ponder that and that the universe is expanding, but the energy density per unit of space remains constant.

BTW…my wife figured things out pretty fast…That’s another story…