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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 8 responses by pmreagan2

pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
I couldn’t be more pleased with the generous insights you all have provided. I’m going through each of them and researching each of the pieces of hardware and reading reviews on your suggestions. I am very grateful 

The alternatives that you’ve offered particularly those which are a bit higher than my budget are much appreciated. Again my objective is great sounding music without breaking the bank. So I’m open two some redundancy in the hardware

One of the questions that is rising in my mind is the control software. I became aware of the Node 2/2i softwares popularity due to its ease of use. I’m interested to hear about alternatives there as well. (It’s not a major issue if I have to use manual controls/ no remote)

Please continue your suggestions. I’ll keep researching what you provide. I will be providing give you feedback on the purchase here on the forum. Again, thanks for your generous insight!
pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
Read several reviews of the Auralic Aries G1 and revised my thinking (thank you rfnoise).  Storage is quite functional and is used to to reduce chatter.  Who knew?

So I'm thinking Auralic Aries G1 feeding Denafrips Pontus is worth the money over budget.  

Any thinking on that pairing?
pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
@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?

I’d be interested to hear your recommendation on a new or preowned preamp. 
pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
I got the preamp message loud and clear. (Thanks for the insistence). Now it’s a matter of figuring out how to transition my components from a primarily theater setup (being frank about it) to a primarily music/ theater system. 
I know little about preamps so it’s back to reading and benefiting from experts (that’s you). 
How do I add a preamp into my existing configuration?  It had been my plan to keep the 2 channel Rotel RB 1590 power amp (300 watts), add a 3 or 5 channel power amp (model undecided). The Denon AVR3700H has 7 precuts to bypass the internal amps. The clear advice received here is that the Denon preouts are very poor quality and NOT USE them. OK, so…. 
Which preamps put me in position to transition to a 2 channel music rig while still enabling a 7 channel theater?  Or is it more than one piece of equipment?  I know you guys I’ve been down this road. 
pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks to everyone I’m seeing a path forward and learning a hell of a lot along the way. I hope the thread is of value to other novices like me. 
System design (to date):
  • Auralic Aries G1 feeding Denafrips Pontus II. (Pontus on order from factory dealer for US VinshineAudio)
  • Researching preamplifier with HT (Home Theater) bypass. 
Current thinking:
  • Retain Denon AVR 3700H in home theater setup
  • Retain Rotel RB 1590 amplifier for use in 2 channel music setup
Going forward
  • Purchase 5 channel power amp for HT system. 
MY QUESTION:
everyone on this thread has been extremely helpful and generous in their thinking. I’d like to stay here on this thread to ask the question quote what preamp do you recommend for the two channel music (home theater bypass) system?  Or would you prefer that I start a new thread?

pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
I’d really appreciate suggestions on a preamp (great music) with home theater (HT) bypass. 


pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
I’d really appreciate suggestions on a preamp (great music) with home theater (HT) bypass. Budget in the $3k area ( new or used). 



pmreagan2's avatar
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
Update 7/27/2021:  I am not operating the Lumin U1 streamer AES/EBU cable to Denafrips Pontus II using RCA cables out the Denon AVR X3700H's CD audio input.  The CD channel in the Denon required reassignment to ANALOG.  While a few on Audiogon cautioned me (thank you again) about signal denigration by the Denon...I will say the sound is detailed the tweeter and midrange and neutral fantastic.  Good enough for now as I prepare to transition into an upgrade.

some additional system specs:
A Rotel RB 1590 (300 watts) interconnects to FRONT L/R Denon PREOUTS powering the FRONT L/R Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2s.   
CENTER speaker: Bowers & Wilkins CT8.2 LCR powered by the Denon at something less than 105 watts (yeah, I know). 
L/R SIDES: Paradigm Phantoms and L/R REARS: Paradigm Atoms.

I began talking to my local HiFi dealer (Leo owner of Sound Advantage, Rochester MI) who was highly informative. He suggested a variety of configurations: Marantz 8805 or McIntosh MX123 pre amps configured with a five channel power amplifier.

Here's my question(s) to the group: What pre amp  - power amp configuration would you suggest?  I'm thinking the Denon will, eventually, need to be removed from the system.

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