Where Next? (Streaming Rig)


My current streaming rig is a ZeniTH mk3 into a very heavily modded Black Ice Glass fx DSD (VCap ODAM, AN Kensai, NewClassD etc) which holds its own against DACs <£4k.

Somewhen in the next 6-8 weeks once my downsizing house sale completes (at the 4th attempt) I will be in the enviable position of being able to afford what I hope will be a final but significant upgrade to my streaming rig. I'm not unhappy with the sound I'm getting and could easily live with it until I earn my wooden overcoat. However I know that this is a one time deal to take my streaming from very good to superb.

My current thoughts are to move up from the ZeniTH 3/ Black Ice, to a Pulsar and Aqua La Scala mk3 Optologic. This is based on reading both commercial and user reviews, I will ofcourse be auditioning before purchase.

The rest of my kit is: 401/Jelco SA-750D > BB3 valve phono, Lector CDP 603, MasterSounD Compact 845, Heco Direkt Dreiklangs, the room (once I move) is 21'x14'.

I like a rich, detailed organic sound signature, from experience I prefer the sonic signature of valve DACs, most SS DACs to my ears sound just sterile and too upfront.

Other DACs I've considered are the Merason DAC1 and Holo May L3 KTE unfortunately living in the UK there is no opportunity to listen to them first, and £5k+ is too much to spend on a blind punt.

What do you guys think, could I get a better combo with <£15k to play with?

NOTE: Any streamer UI needs to work with Android, don't have a PC nor any Apple products.

lurch-uk

Given what you’re looking for I’d be giving Lampizator DACs a very hard look.  By all accounts the Pulsar is a significant step up from the Zenith, so between the two I’d expect you’d be making a huge improvement.  Best of luck. 

@gkelly 

Thanks for sharing. I admire Innuos zeal for continuous improvement and full library integration beyond the two very popular streaming services like Qobuz and TIDAL. The two elusive streaming platforms like HighResAudio and Idagio are certainly a welcomed addition for end users. 

Innuos would be on top of my list if I ever change my setup to a two box (DAC + Streamer) solution. 

@lurch-uk I am personally a big fan of your CD player if you like how it sounds maybe consider a Lector Dac? I've heard it and it sounds great.