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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
yyzsantabarbara
4,941 posts
 

@debrajray I use an older version of this network switch to convert Ethernet to fibre optical In my office I have 2 DAC and 2 OpticalRendu’s connect to this switch. Hook up your Ethernet to this switch and the connect the fibre SFP to the OpticalRendu.
Amazon.com: Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 8, 8-Port Managed PoE+ Gigabit Switch with SFP, 150W (ES-8-150W),White : Electronics

What is a SFP?
SystemOptique Certified – Small Green Computer

Optical Networking – Small Green Computer (see SFP and cables here)

You can get cheaper but these match and work with OpticalRendu, which they also sell.

I have 3 of the fibre supporting network switches. The one linked above (older version) and the other 2 cost $79 and $49. They all sound the same to me.

 

charles7
112 posts
 

All a streamer needs to do is receive digital audio via your LAN wi-fi or Ethernet cable and pass it on to a DAC via optical or coaxial cable. You just check whether it can handle the file types, sample rates, and frequencies that the source provides. Check out the user manual for the specs of the Denon LinkHS2 streamer, for example – quite versatile. You don't need to spend more than a few hundred dollars on it.

A DAC with excellent digital signal processing that gives you volume control, a five-band parametric equalizer, and other controls is the RME ADI-2 FS. It costs around US $1200. So why would you need a preamp? You can feed the DAC's analog output, RCA or XLR, to your power amplifier.

 

debrajray OP
9 posts
 

Hi @charles7 thanks. Yes I do know what a streamer needs. I’ve had a couple of them for years. But the chat with @yyzsantabarbara is super interesting for me as I’m learning a bit about optical Ethernet connections and like these crazy rabbit holes. I’m going to investigate — thanks so much @yyzsantabarbara 

ghdprentice
7,282 posts
 

Aurender N200... or used N10. 

kennyc
1,624 posts
 

@debrajray

As others mentioned, probably a bad idea to get a preamp+streamer+DAC in one box because most DACs are an afterthought rather than a high-quality DAC which is costly. Therefore it’s generally sonically better to get DAC separately. A few integrated have good DACs, but you’re only interested in the preamp.

Both the MBL C41 Network Player and the Linn Klimax DSM/2 with Organik streamer DACs offer great price/performance- see reviews.

Looking at your more neutral requirements, maybe the T+A DAC 200 would be an ideal choice

I’m puzzled why you started this thread under “Pro Audio”, when you’re looking for not professional audio but high-end audio. Some might not view your topic under “Pro Audio” aka less results.

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