2. amps-preamps
  3. 190477-102598

Need help choosing preamp for streaming

Greetings,

I recently purchased a new pair of JBL HDI-3800 speakers. I have an old Aragon 8008 amplifier that I would like to use with them. I would like to stream music from Tidal and also listen to YouTube videos through them. I have never streamed music, so I have no idea exactly what I need.
I would like to be able to use my iPhone 15 to choose the music to stream. I have no intention of playing CDs or LPs, so I don’t need anything with those capabilities. From what I’ve read I imagine I need a preamplifier, and perhaps a BlueSound Node. If that’s the case, I don’t want to spend much more than $1,000 on the preamp. The preamp must have a remote control. If purchasing an integrated amp is my best option, I would not want to spend much more than $2,000 on an integrated amplifier with a remote control. I don’t mind purchasing used, but I prefer new because of the warranty.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

francotirador2

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,183 posts
 

@pennfootball71  The ST60 does have a DAC.  To me, the biggest downside is using its volume control that’s probably not very good instead of a dedicated preamp, but that can be added later if desired. 

soix
10,183 posts
 

The input impedance of the 8008 is 22k Ohms and the output impedance of the Freya is <1k Ohms so they should be perfectly fine together as long as the Freya’s sonic characteristics match with what you’re looking for — just read some reviews for that.  It’s nice you have the option with the Freya to run tubes or not depending on your mood or which sounds best to you. 

soix
10,183 posts
 

As recommended above, an Eversolo DMP-A8 (with a better DAC than the A6) would do everything you’re looking for, but they’re a relatively new company and their customer support doesn’t seem to be all that great if that’s important to you. Personally I like keeping things separate and would prefer something like a Schiit Freya+ preamp with their Bifrost or Modi Multibit DAC and a BlueSound Node for its user-friendly interface (as a streamer only as its DAC is only so so). You can also upgrade the power supply (Teddy Pardo, etc.) of the Node later for a meaningful and relatively cheap performance improvement. For around the $2000 range I think this would give you a lot of performance/$ and allow flexibility for future upgrades if desired. Hope this helps, and best of luck.

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