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 1 response by jond

Personally I'd got the 791 you'll obviously have synergy with your amp and fewer boxers. If you go the Auralic route perhaps the Altair G2.2 rather than the Aries?

Also since ChatGPT doesn't actually have ears it may not be a good idea to take it's recommendations. wink