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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?



pmreagan2

Showing 1 response by kennyc

kennyc
1,781 posts
 
@pmreagan2
@soix  @jjss49 Took me a moment to process your redirect. If I’m understanding, I should first get the preamp and DAC.   Bypass the Denon. Later on, add a
streamer. Correct?
In case you missed the point I’ll state it clearly- in high end audio everything in your audio chain matters.  A weak link component, such as your Denon after purchasing  Auralic Aries G1 feeding Denafrips Pontus, would bottleneck the performance.  Often upgrading your weakest link component would yield the best sonic benefits.  

After you iron out these purchases, you may want to upgrade your cables to seek further sonic upticks.  
You can save a lot of $ buying components used which is how I purchased my Terminator and Innuos Zenith streamer.  Cables can also be purchased used with great $ savings.
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