Why would you get an integrated if you’re planning on using the A8 as a preamp? I’d think using the preamp of a $4500 integrated would be preferred to using a $1980 streamer as a pre.
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@soix that was my first thought as well. But if you already have the integrated why not use that and just take advantage of the things the eversolo has that the Yamaha doesn’t (i.e. streaming). That’s an awfully nice integrated that you’re leaving half of in the bin for something likely inferior. Seems like you’ve got some components that do too much of the same thing. If you haven’t gotten the eversolo yet just get a streamer without the preamp section. |
Agree to go with separates. I’d go with a Denafrips Ares 15th and a Bluesound Node with an external linear power supply from Teddy Pardo, Sbooster, LHY, etc. A little north of $2k but worth the stretch IMO. Down the road you could add a Denafrips Iris DDC to run i2S into the Ares for another significant performance bump. Just one idea, and best of luck. |
The Gustard R26 dac has a built-in renderer/streamer that you can use with software like Audivarna. It's around $1600. You could also pair it with a Node for a little more than 2K. Personally, I think the built in renderer sounds a little better. I eventually upgraded my streamer to an Innuous Zen Mk3, but I'm still using the Gustard dac (with a U18 ddc and LYH ock-2 clock).. |
Have you already purchased the Eversolo? If not, I would seriously consider purchasing an Aurender, Innous or Lumin Streamer/DAC instead. I have heard some disturbing comments about the firmware upgrades and customer support that you should look into. I would at least read some of the Eversolo articles on this site. I was considering the Eversolo and asked for feedback myself. I ended up going with Aurender.
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Check out the Aurender A1000 , yes it's a lot more than the A8 but you are getting a lot more. Eversolo support is bad, every firmware update has new issues and the problems they were supposed to correct aren't. Total amateurs at software development compared to Innuos, Aurender, Bluesound. Don't fall for the Eversolo hype, it is disposable HiFi. |
Hi @garrymac The Yamaha AS2200 integrated amplifier reproduce music that sounds real. Paired with Clayton's Caladan OB speakers, the music sounds real. Sorry, I am not good with words but listen for yourself. The AS2200 is all analog. Its Main In jack is SE though, not XLR. You want to use an external Pre-Amplifier to your A-S2200? This means the A-S2200 will be used as a Power amplifier only. Best is to re-confirm with Yamaha Customer Support. Hope you like your set-up. |
@garrymac - I use the Gold Note DS-10 in my office system. It combines a streamer, DAC and preamp into one device. I recommend the additional power supply that is an option. It’s fantastic and honestly competes with my primary system of much higher priced separates. I highly recommend it. |
Since you don’t need all the functions of the DMP-A8, I suggest considering the new Bluesound Icon for $1000. Alternatively, you could get a Bluesound Node and pair it with the stupidly excellent Topping E70 Velvet DAC and still come in well under budget, you just won’t have a touchscreen (which are ultimately kinda useless with streamers unless you use them at a desk). The preamp section in your Yamaha integrated is remarkably good. It’s not strictly neutral and 100% transparent IME, but it does outperform some rather pricy solid state and tube-based preamps. It’s somewhat the best of both worlds between tube and SS preamps IME. Adding an outboard preamp and using the 2200 strictly as an amplifier can yield a slightly “cleaner” sound, but not necessarily better. It’s not hyperbole to say that Yamaha could package the 2200’s preamp section into a nice standalone chassis and easily get away with pricing it at $3K^. My intuition is that the 2200’s pre is essentially what their flagship C-5000 would essentially distill down to once the PS and phono extras are stripped away.
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As an owner of the everSOLO DMP-A6 entry level unit, I’d add I’ve never been happier with than I’m at this very second, as this replaced an Aurender X100L music server ( originally priced at $4000 ) in tandem with a Denafrips Pontus ll DAC ( $1880 ) where each were sold off upon said initial listening to the A6, where it took me all of 3-4 tracks to know I had in fact discovered “ Mi-Sound “, as nice as the other devices were, as far as being refined, delicate, analogue sounding in nature……., said combination was as extended at the very top end, not offered the bass impact, weight, dynamic shadings to the same degree as said A6, which to my mind comes across as more accurately balanced top to bottom in spite of some calling it bright, which I simply hear as detailed in a manner which properly portrayed every note in a manner of which I’ve never encountered before…., my only regret is that their A8 unit was available when I had the funds in hand, yet my intent is to rectify this in the new year, as I hear it, one has to ask themselves just how much needs to be spent to earn bragging rights, as opposed to merely enjoying things as they’re intended?. Yet in said case, as I simply disconnected the A6 internal volume preamp section all together, and rely upon my Heed Audio Obelisk Si MK lll integrated amp used on its on, but……., at some point do intend to buy a separate power amp, and use the built in preamp section as needed, and being as I’ve remained true to my roots as far as a dedicated integrated amp owner, yet have owned separates during the periods of 1989-2006, but in an effort to merely simplify things after 2009, in my world, it no longer about how many components are placed atop ones rack, as it is in acknowledging synergy regardless of cost matters more…,, you’d in fact do a lot worse in spending more sonically as well as musically speaking.
You might wish to search out my post under the username of “ KT77 “, on forums like Head-Fi | Audio Asylum | HiFi Shark | Audio Karma | Pink Fish Media to get a clearer insight into how I hear things?, as we each have different sets of preferences in how we judge music, yet there are times where I’ve to question how one hears?, what’re they listening for?, or to as a means of recommending costlier items to others?, as with the concept of more expensive cabling looms are the only way to go……, as my articles on both Cable Asylum | Head-Fi both reveal my fondest towards certain Chinese cabling brands, where in fact my much more costlier cables were sold off in favor of what I now hear as once again “ Mi-sound “, of which were purchased based upon actual listening, as opposed to merely bashing things because they aren’t made in the USA, when in fact many so-called American made cables, internal passive components within one’s electronics have for years been outsourced through various Chinese or Taiwanese firms, let’s just say they’re like the Germans a technology driven culture, nuff said.
The A8 should prove more than capable and then some. |
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I haven’t had any problems with my A8 and I recently updated the software without any trouble. The latest update added support for Apple Music & Podcasts. I’m using an older CJ PV-12 for a preamp, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with what the A8 has inside. Rose Hi-Fi is twice the price and I haven’t heard it. As far as software goes the A8 is very good. A8 is an excellent product and very versatile. |
If you like sound that’s warmer and laid back, TMR has Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC Streamer. With this unit you will probably need to subscribe to Roon as the Bryston Manic Moose is not the greatest user interface ever. But…this is a good sounding DAC and with Roon it should be very nice. It also gives you flexibility to add a good streamer later on and use it as DAC only. It’s worth checking out especially if you can knock the price down a bit. This would be my choice over Eversolo. Another plus is Bryston customer support is first rate. |
If you use the analog out to your new integrate amp you’ll be using both pre-amps. That’s ok. You won’t have the sound of just your new integrated preamp. You’ll have two gain (volume) controls. That’s my current configuration and it’s fine. I’m going A8 RCA out to my Conrad-Johnson preamp because it’s single ended (RCA), not balanced which gives me a little tube sound with the CJ magic. If your new integrated amp doesn’t have a remote control, you can adjust the volume with the A8 remote. You can also adjust the gain between the two to suit your sonic preferences. |
