Under $3K streaming dac suggestions, Roon Ready?


Just as the title explains..

Currently using an Auralic Mini to Mytek Liberty.  Looking for a one box solution to save space/cables primarily, but if sound quality improvement is capable in the under $3K range as well, then WOOHOO!!!

Will be hooked up to a Yamaha A-S2100 integrated, Spendor A4 speakers.

I've previously used: Lumin D2, and PS Audio DSD Jr. - and both of those sounded the same as my current setup, and I'm not against going back to either of those since they fit the requirements.

Open to all/any other suggestions.  I have my eye currently on: Mytek Brooklyn Bridge and the Teac NT-505.  Would prefer a component that offers balanced & unbalanced outputs, and volume control isn't needed of course.

Best,
Rob


robelvick

Showing 2 responses by firstonetallguy

I have been looking for a DAC plus Streamer plus music server plus Roon plus MQA combination, either separately or combined, for some time now. I have been reading a lot of reviews and comparisons. Products by Matrix, Benchmark, PS Audio, Roon, Mytek, Minidsy, Denafrips, Innous, Bryston, and others.

I live in Oklahoma where there is no audio store that contains these products to review.

I depend on user knowledge obtained from the internet in forums, retail reviews, and audio magazines, to help me make a decision as to what is good and how they compare. I realize that this is not as good as actually hearing the product in a live room, but I have to do what I can. I will eventually purchase what I want from a dealer that sells the unit with a 30-day return policy with only return shipping cost by me. I will NEVER purchase any product with a “restocking “ charge. I will not buy if this is the case.

The above information is to explain why I have posted the following:

I have a complaint about individuals who find it necessary to get off topic and rant about company A or B selling said reviewed products and implying that all they are trying to do is sell, sell, sell.
This is BS and asinine.
These are people who have been able to compare more products than you or I will ever be able to compare. With the ability of the internet to be able to read about every product made from all perspectives, they are an additional asset to use. As long as they are upfront about their business connection to these products, I will treat their help with the respect they deserve.

Anyone who automatically berates these people who are trying to help and educate the public, just because they are financially linked to the products, labels everyone who works in the retail industry as liars and crooks. Since everyone, and I mean everyone, knows this is not true, their opinion is not worth the time it takes to read, nor the time it takes to forget.


eziggy82

I enjoyed your review of the 4 Streamer/DACs. I need help with your comment about the Lumin T2, “ would recommend it UNLESS you have a very transparent system”.  I have the following: Pass Labs x150.8 amp, Martin Logan Expression ESL 13A electrostatic speakers, and Marantz AV7703 preamp (whose Dac I will bypass with a new streamer/dac). This could be classified as a transparent system; I am not sure how transparent “very transparent” is but it might fit this category.

I have a few questions:
Why would a more neutral and transparent sounding Lumin T2 be a disadvantage over the other dacs?
What is the meaning of “too transparent”, not your words but mine?
If less transparent is an advantage, what would your second choice DAC be and why?

For anyone else reading this inquiry, I would love to hear your experienced input. I am in the market for any do-it-all streamer/dac/MQA for less than $6000. Feel free to give any opinion and why.

Thanks to all.