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What might pair well with a combined Laiv Harmony uDDC and Laiv DAC?

Beyond the title, not much to say. I am somewhat new to (some) digital equipment (though I have used it a lot at work in other realms, so some of the techno-babble sort of makes sense to me).

So I want to stream music (Qobuz) via a transport or streamer (DAC need not be part of it) to a DDC to a Laiv DAC (which arrives tomorrow!)(not the mini-DAC).

Other than the often-mentioned Rose RS130, can anyone comment on a streamer that would fit into this well? I think the uDDC opens the door to more inputs (it outputs as i2S or USB to the DAC).

Thanks.

Tim

timothy468
mbolek
187 posts
 

Two more from Matrix that I'm eyeing to use with my Harmony...

https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/117/NT-1

https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/115/TT-1

 

bassbuyer
385 posts
 

Another recommendation for an Innuos streamer.  I have the Zen MK3 I got used from a great local dealer for $1800.  It connects out using USB.  It has a CD ripper and storage so you can run any CDs you have and stream from the same system.  A big factor with a streamer is the operating system and the Sense app that Innuos has works beautifully with Qobuz.  Allows me to control from my iPad and iPhone.  I tried the Holo Audio Red.  Sounds great and well built but I didn’t like having to use my laptop to control.  I Went with the Innuos instead.  

toneranger58
153 posts
 

I just got the LHY LPS from Vinshine Audio today and what a great addition to the uDDC. Really kicked things up sonically. You might want to check it out.

timothy468 OP
28 posts
 

I have a Transparent Power Conditioner which removes noise from the power supply, but I confess ignorance about the various power supplies people recommend. Others have also recommended that particular LPS, especially in regards with these components. Tim

timothy468 OP
28 posts
 

For now, I am going to go with a used iFi Audio NEO Stream from ECHO Audio in Portland, and then likely change it to the Laiv NET2 when it is released. I am strongly considering the Laiv preamp and, when they are released, their 200 W monoblocks as well. In for a penny, in for a pound...

Otherwise, I may yet go to a Rose RS130. In my delving into many of these fine recommendations, I discovered that Innuos is quite back-ordered for the Zen MK3 (months) and I am in fact concerned about the tariff war brewing, wherein EU products may go from 10% this week to 20% tomorrow. Buying used has it's place in this world! But not much in the way of used Laiv products are to be had so far.

And (for now) paired with my Bluesound Node in streamer-only mode, the Laiv Harmony DAC is really very detailed and warm and presents an immediate and notable improvement in the sound stage and depth.

Tim

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