I use a bluesound node 2 with the Ares 2 and the sound is incredible. So good that I will soon be upgrading to the Pontus 2. I admit this is the only streamer I’ve ever owned, so take that for what it’s worth. But, the jump in sound quality when I added the Ares and bypassed the bluesound’s DAC was night and day. The ease of the user interface on the node is what seals the deal for me. I also need to mention that cable upgrades and vibration control are a must for the node. As much as you’re willing to spend on a power cable and a digital coax will reap huge rewards. BDR cones on the bottom and a heavy weight door stop on top of the unit will bring immediate improvement, too. These additions will likely at least double your cost of the streamer. Still a bargain.
Streamer Advice / Recommendation for Denafrips R2R DAC
I really could use some help / recommendations on the choice of a streamer. Here's where I am in my research:
I've decided on a Denafrips Pontus DAC (R2R) because of it's sound characteristics (musical while maintaining definition). It is within my budget, while the Terminator is not.
My current thinking is I need a streamer that does not have memory, amplification or a DAC on board. I will use the streamer-DAC pairing to listen to music in a AVR / Music setup: Denon AVR3700H (105 watts) connected to a Rotel 1590 power amp through the Denon precouts. Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 (left right) speakers. Bowers & Wilkins 802 center channel (power connection by Denon amp) SVS and Yamaha powered subwoofers. When used for streaming Netflix it's a 7.2 setup.
For streaming music I listen to the usual list of suspect: Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify. In it's current setup, the system is too bright and harsh. Speaker placement is in the room from acoustic hell: rectangular 15' x 45' with the front/ center channel speakers facing the narrow width (unfortunately by necessity and I'm in the process of adding reflection panels to cover 15% of the room.
I am determined to achieve music that does not wear me out after a couple of hours listening: well produced electronic music / R&B / piano jazz. I like midrange dominance but without too much detail in the +8k hz.
I learned to budget more for the DAC than the streamer, but most of the streamers I've looked at are combo amp/hard drive/DAC or they have networking into multi rooms. The Auralic Aries G2.1 is out of my budget by about $2,500 (at 5,100 US), Willing to pay more for great sound but am unsure the streamer makes that much of a difference than the DAC.
Advice? Setup Recommendations?
I've decided on a Denafrips Pontus DAC (R2R) because of it's sound characteristics (musical while maintaining definition). It is within my budget, while the Terminator is not.
My current thinking is I need a streamer that does not have memory, amplification or a DAC on board. I will use the streamer-DAC pairing to listen to music in a AVR / Music setup: Denon AVR3700H (105 watts) connected to a Rotel 1590 power amp through the Denon precouts. Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 (left right) speakers. Bowers & Wilkins 802 center channel (power connection by Denon amp) SVS and Yamaha powered subwoofers. When used for streaming Netflix it's a 7.2 setup.
For streaming music I listen to the usual list of suspect: Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify. In it's current setup, the system is too bright and harsh. Speaker placement is in the room from acoustic hell: rectangular 15' x 45' with the front/ center channel speakers facing the narrow width (unfortunately by necessity and I'm in the process of adding reflection panels to cover 15% of the room.
I am determined to achieve music that does not wear me out after a couple of hours listening: well produced electronic music / R&B / piano jazz. I like midrange dominance but without too much detail in the +8k hz.
I learned to budget more for the DAC than the streamer, but most of the streamers I've looked at are combo amp/hard drive/DAC or they have networking into multi rooms. The Auralic Aries G2.1 is out of my budget by about $2,500 (at 5,100 US), Willing to pay more for great sound but am unsure the streamer makes that much of a difference than the DAC.
Advice? Setup Recommendations?