Requesting recommendations for simple and easy to use music streaming devices


An unusual question please:

I’m setting up my first and probably last audio system. I’ve used headphones before, but never speakers. I bought the Graham LS 6 speakers which I bought for their rich mid range. I was thinking of purchasing a streaming integrated amplifier because I thought an all in one would be simplest to use, and I was considering an Arcam SA 30 as it has both enough power and I’m told it would nicely preserve the rich mid range of the speakers. However, as I started to read about it I got scared off because as a senior I am, sorry to say, completely helpless when it comes to technology and the SA 30 has so many features there’s no way I could really use it. I would very much appreciate any recommendations for a streaming set-up, all in one or separates (integrated  amplifier plus streamer?), that would be easy enough to use. I don’t need a lot of features because I will only be using it to stream directly from streaming services (Amazon HD, TIDAL and perhaps others in the future; I will have none of my own files; no CDs; no phono). Any suggestions for a system, integrated or otherwise, that would be able to properly drive the LS6 speakers (8 ohms; 87 dB’s; recommended amplifier power 50–150 watts) and preserve their rich midrange, but also as simple and easy to use as possible? Budget could be $2000-$3000, but, again, simplicity is critical. I know it’s a difficult question because I am asking for two probably inconsistent goals: good sound and simple to use. Thanks very much.

switzer145

Showing 2 responses by jbuhl

Another Possibility:

Rogue Audio Pharaoh integrated over on TMR $1.8K

Schiit Gungnir DAC new $800

Bluesound Node on TMR $500

 

just a tad over budget. easy to set up. People here can get you going on the hookup. But do your own research on that amp to make sure it matches up to speaker specs

 

Also a Hegel H95 over on usaudiomart within your budget. Has internal DAC so you could skip the Schiit with that unit and got strait from BS node to amp.

 

Too generalize to maximize SQ.

Streamer---->DAC----Integrated.

BSNODE-->Schiit-->Rogue

You can find and integrated with a DAC (Like the Hegel) if you want to keep it simple but many times specialized DACs do better.   They are almost always better than the DACS in streamers at the BS node price point.