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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 soix

soix
8,891 posts
 

I think the Denafrips Pontus would be a great sonic fit for what you’re looking for, and paired with their Iris DDC you get a significant and very cost-effective performance bump along with the ability to take advantage of the i2S connection. Here are some nice used units available now that’ll save you some $$$.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650097309-denafrips-pontus-ii-black-r2r-dac/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650045633-denafrips-iris-12th-digital-to-digital-converter/

Pair this with a Pulse Mini and add something like a Teddy Pardo LPS to it and you’d have an excellent setup for about $3500. That’s what I’d do, but alternatively you could substitute this Audio Mirror Tubadour for the Pontus (but still keeping the Iris for i2S) if you’re looking for maybe more tube goodness and still be under your budget.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650074205-audio-mirror-tubadour-iii-se-nos-tube-dac/

Just some ideas, and best of luck.

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