Streamer and Dac ~$4.5k for Vinnie Rossi, Dynaudio system


Hello! I’m seeking input on a streamer and dac (separates or combined) to complement my Vinnie Rossi L2i integrated and Dynaudio Heritage speakers. My Naim Nova, which was replaced by the Vinnie Rossi, is currently serving as a streamer/dac through its pre-outs. 
 

I’m hoping to complement the tonal balance of my system: warm yet detailed, a dense midrange, a touch sweet/romantic, and a bit of heft/body. I’m also looking to keep this digital front end in place for a few years, with minimal upgrading except perhaps power supplies or maybe upgrading the streamer one rung up (eg pulse mini to pulse etc).

I’m likely looking to the used market or demo deals for the purchase(s). Through reading reviews and forum posts, I’ve come up with the following potential candidates as I’m unable to demo anything except rose streamers nearby:

  • Weiss 204 + Innuos Pulse Mini (or other entry-level streamer): this Dac seems to provide a dense and detailed sound with some lushness for good measure. 
  • Merason Dac1 MkI (not MkII) + Pulse Mini: I see merason paired with Vinnie Rossi in show reports, but not sure if this may be too rounded off on the high end based on what I’ve read. 
  • Lumin T3: likely the best value and seems to have a smooth and detailed sound.

Does anyone have any experience with the above or recommended alternatives that might mesh well with my current system? Thanks!

cold_pillow

Showing 1 response by bluethinker

@cold_pillow - I also have the Dynaudio Heritage speakers. I rotate them with QLN Prestige 3 speakers, which I also love. I don’t have any desire to explore other speakers at this point… The Dynaudio Heritage speakers are wonderful, but need to be driven with a higher watt amp in my opinion. I drive them with a Conrad Johnson Classic 120 tube amp with EL34 tubes and the results are wonderful. 

For streaming, I have an Innuos Zenith Mkiii. 
 

I also have the Merason Dac1 mki. Admittedly, I have not experienced a ton of other dacs. That said, I’ve been extremely satisfied with it. I feel the reviews on it align with my impressions. It’s somewhat relaxed, musical and delivers on the details of the music.  I’ve been intrigued with the Mola Mola Dac, but it’s a little out outside of my current budget. Instead, I plan on upgrading to the Merason mkii in the future.