I listened to the NAD M32/Focal Aria 936 combo at Upscale Audio in California and loved what I heard. I also
listened to the M32/926 combo at Upscale
and the Moon ACE and the 926s (not at Upscale). I really didn't like the ACE/926 combo (although I think the reason was a bad presentation - room, placement, cables, etc.). The 926 with the M32 were OK, but not amazing. Also, I just yesterday
locally
listened to the 936s with the Hegel Rost. Really liked the Rost/936 combo also, except, while you can stream Tidal, etc. with the
BubbleUPnP app,
the Rost still won't do MQA (except one MQA unfolding using the Tidal desktop app with a direct computer/USB connection. You could add a Bluesound Node 2 to the Rost to do full MQA).
The 936s are REALLY great, made even better by the relatively low cost.
BiTW, my Upscale Audio experience was first rate. Got to meet Kevin "Mr. Tubes" Deal briefly, but Craig Hoffman, who is very knowledgeable (audio AND music) was GREAT. He spent a LOT of time with me (as he has done by e-mail for many weeks) and is very patient. I just made my 936 "color" decision (dark walnut), and I've just asked Craig at Upscale to send me an invoice, so, to answer the question, I haven't had them in home, yet, but I'm buying the NAD M32/Focal Aria 936 combo. I think you'd like them. GET GOOD CABLES! :-) I'll post when I've had some M32/936 in home listening. Hope this helps. If you get the M32/936 combo, post your thoughts on the combo.
The 936s are REALLY great, made even better by the relatively low cost.
BiTW, my Upscale Audio experience was first rate. Got to meet Kevin "Mr. Tubes" Deal briefly, but Craig Hoffman, who is very knowledgeable (audio AND music) was GREAT. He spent a LOT of time with me (as he has done by e-mail for many weeks) and is very patient. I just made my 936 "color" decision (dark walnut), and I've just asked Craig at Upscale to send me an invoice, so, to answer the question, I haven't had them in home, yet, but I'm buying the NAD M32/Focal Aria 936 combo. I think you'd like them. GET GOOD CABLES! :-) I'll post when I've had some M32/936 in home listening. Hope this helps. If you get the M32/936 combo, post your thoughts on the combo.