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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 4 responses by rfnoise

rfnoise
153 posts
 
I was in the same boat as you, with the Aries G1& G2 outside of my budget. I recently purchased an original Aries Femto with linear power supply, preowned, for just under $700. It was the second time I’d seen one at or around this price point, so if you’re patient you could probably come in well below budget with one of these units.

It’s been in my system for about a week, and I couldn’t be happier with it. The control app is extremely intuitive, with excellent Tidal integration, and the improvement in sound quality has been absolutely startling.

If patience isn’t your gig, there’s an Auralic Altair here on Audiogon for sale right now for about a grand, which does have an onboard dac, but has digital outputs with which you could feed a signal to your Denafrips.
Good luck!
rfnoise
153 posts
 
@soix I was thinking exactly that when I read the OP’s post, but I’m kind of leery regarding offering unsolicited advice. Good call.

@pmreagan2 you can do pretty good for a preamplifier on the preowned market. Mine retailed new for $7k, was able to pick it up used for under $2k.
rfnoise
153 posts
 
This video review of the Aries G1 does a pretty good job of showcasing the Lightning DS interface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bO1RHX3LuQ

I forgot to mention earlier, there’s also the Aries mini, which a lot of folks had good things to say about when I was shopping for my streamer. There’s one that includes an SBooster linear power supply on US Audio Mart right now for $599.

Here’s a review of the mini:

https://darko.audio/2016/02/audiophile-grade-streaming-with-the-auralic-aries-mini/

rfnoise
153 posts
 
You might take a look at your amp’s matching preamp, the RC-1590. I can’t vouch for it personally, but it seems to be well reviewed. Looks to have a competent onboard dac, which would put you in a position to buy the preamp, then add your streamer, then later upgrade to the stand-alone dac of your choice. There’s actually one for sale here on Audiogon brand new in the box for $1375, which seems like a good deal given the $2000 retail price.

Just a thought.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisab4ji-rotel-rc-1590-solid-state?
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