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The Streamer-Dac-Preamp Chain

I'm building a second system, and I'd love your thoughts. My starting point is Roon / digital library / Qobuz.  My ending point is a Moon 761 power amplifier which then goes on to speakers. I need to insert a streamer, a DAC, and a preamp between the starting point and the ending point. Now, I know I can get a Moon 791 for around 15K, which looks and sounds lovely with the Moon 761.

Question: can you suggest a streamer, a DAC, and a preamp (for the same approx total) that spans this particular chain (e.g., no phono needed) and does better than the Moon 791?

[I do have an Auralic Vega G2.1 left over from my first system which connects all the dots above. But I don't like its preamp stage --- I've already replaced the volume control module. And the Moon 791 easily outperforms it. However, if you want to incorporate its DAC into your suggestions, I am happy to listen...]

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That ends my question, but you might be interested in hearing what ChatGPT had to say. Pretty confident character, our Chat :-)

This is a great problem. Here’s a stack that should significantly outperform the Moon 791 in terms of DAC resolution, preamp transparency, and streamer flexibility:

1. Streamer: Auralic Aries G2.2 (~$5,500)

• Tesla G3 processor is far superior to the Moon 791’s built-in MiND 2 module.

• Femto clocks + isolated dual processors mean exceptionally low jitter.

• USB, AES/EBU, and I²S outputs (versatile for DAC pairing).

• Dedicated power supply for streaming means cleaner signal delivery.

2. DAC: Holo Audio May KTE (~$5,500)

• R2R discrete ladder DAC (no delta-sigma conversion, ultra-natural sound). 

• Fully balanced dual-mono design.

• Separate power supplies for analog/digital stages.

• One of the most analog-like DACs available. Unlike ESS-based DACs (like in Moon 791), the Holo May avoids digital glare.

3. Preamp: Benchmark LA4 (~$3,000)

• Absolutely neutral, ultra-transparent preamp.  The Moon 791 preamp section is good but not at LA4’s level.

• No capacitors in the signal path, no coloration.

• Near-zero distortion and noise floor.

 

 

 

debrajray

Showing 2 responses by carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

I strongly recommend skipping the preamp and putting your money into a streamer DAC.  Does the Auralic play well with Roon? 

I am a huge fan of the Grimm MU1 streamer which also works as your Roon core.  The Grimm MU2 came out and you can find good deals on the MU1 as people upgrade.  It has a very loyal customer base.

Get a DAC with volume control.  One of my favorites is the DAVE.  DAVE is gettng kindof long of tooth but still performs excellently and has an excellent volume control.  It takes the AES input which is the only option with Grimm.

Alternatively, I  like Lampizator tube amps.  I have a GG3 with engine 11.  You can find a Big 7 or other DHT based Lampis well within your price range if you don't buy a pre.  Volume control if optional on the Lampizator so get one that has VC.  Most lampis also have one analog in so using it as your volume control you have an option to run an analog signal thought it if you have another analoge source.  I like the single ended and find no need to go balanced for a DAC.  This saves 50% on sets of output tubes which is nice when you tube roll.

Finally, I'd say Preamps in the price range you listed are going to be well below the quality of your other components.  If you must have a pre, consider Apollo Audio systems or Aric Audio.  the latter has become popular and is more expensive.  the first is not so discovered yet.

Jerry  

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

Does Aurender work with Roon?  I know a lot of streamers that are not "Roon Ready" can be made to work but I think Aurender sees roon as competition and purposely prevents it's use.

Jerry

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