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looking for a new pre/amp or integrated amp

I am new here, and this is my first post.  I am looking for either a pre/amp or integrated amp, specifically for listening to music.  Here is what I'd like the solution to have:
  • Ethernet jack (for connecting to my home computer to play music files of CD's I've ripped)
  • 2 channel (this is not going to be a surround sound setup)
  • Wifi (I'd like to play Spotify)
  • XLR inputs (for the CD/DVD/Blu ray player) - I'm not sure this is critical, as I think optical digital might be just as good.
  • 90-140Watts 
  • Phono input
  • Price range: $1000-2000
Does anyone have any suggestions?  I've looked at Yamaha, Anthem, Marantz, and Parasound, but I haven't found anything that checks all these boxes.  Thank you!  Doug
dougmint

Showing 2 responses by joey54

joey54
435 posts
 
Yes, most DAC’s don’t have an Ethernet input anyway. Today USB is one of the most popular inputs for DAC’s when you want to play music stored on your computer. I believe the maximum distance supported by USB is 5M.

Ethernet is used to connect your network to a streaming device like my Aurender N100H. But most of these devices then need to connect to an external USB DAC. The Bluesound Vault mentioned earlier needs an Ethernet connection but also has a built in DAC. It does not have an amplifier built in though.
joey54
435 posts
 
I have not seen any integrated amplifier that has an Ethernet input except for the Auralic Polaris which does not have XLR inputs and is outside your budget .  It is mostly streaming devices that use Ethernet.

 Once you move your computer closer to your system why not use the USB output from the computer to the amplifier. Any integrated with a built in DAC will have that option. The Parasound Halo integrated checks off all of your boxes that way,  but no Ethernet. They are regularly listed for less than $2K used. Good luck!
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