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Simaudio 390 Network Streamer | DAC | Preamp

I have not demoed this unit yet but it as a feature set that is off the charts (no DSP). Though the abundance of features concerns me as being too much of a good thing (maybe too much noise). I spoke to a dealer about the 390. He said that you need to step up to a DAC 2x the cost to notice improvements in sound.

https://simaudio.com/en/product/390-network-player-preamplifier/?v=445d337b5cd5  ($5,300)

So I wanted to ask here for people who have demoed | owned | shootout this unit. Ignoring the feature set, what did you think of the sound? What do you like better under $10K?

I have read a lot of the reviews and I get the sense that it is a very good product but I do not see it being paired with an excellent amp. I am considering pairing this with a Luxman m900u amp. What amps did you pair the 390 with?

I am also considering the Luxman c900u preamp, the Benchmark LA4 preamp, and the Mola Mola Makua w/DAC. Though for the current system I am building I realize I do not need to go crazy because it is in my home office and not critical listening.
yyzsantabarbara

Showing 2 responses by panerai557

panerai557's avatar
panerai557
65 posts
 
I owned the 390 for two month. It really is a fantastic kit. I am using it as all-in-one solution. So 390 and Bryston 4B3. That’s it. I had Chord Hugo 2 before and 390 is a better sounding DAC / preamp in my system.

For 2 channel, I use the Mind 2 streamer which is built into the unit. I stream music files from my PC or Tidal to 390 which works flawlessly.

My PC is connected to HDMI in 390. Video is passed to my plasma TV and sound via HDMI is pretty good. I am using a generic HDMI 2.0 compatible cable. HDMI connectivity makes this device really usable in digital domain, IMO.

I have not demoed or tried the other devices that OP mentioned so I cannot comment on how the 390 stack up to those, but the 390 sounds great in my system. But, there is a review from hifiplus.com where the reviewer compared the 390 to VAC/Chord DAVE/dCS combo and gave a very favorable review.

One thing I learned is that it sounds much better with balanced cables. If you are like me who value simplicity, no compromise in performance, convenience, usability, and hassle free ownership, then I think you will like the 390.  Good luck!
panerai557's avatar
panerai557
65 posts
 
Sure, but good one box solution take lot of guess work out of it and don't need to buy additional cables. 
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