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Simaudio 390 Network Streamer | DAC | Preamp

I have not demoed this unit yet but it as a feature set that is off the charts (no DSP). Though the abundance of features concerns me as being too much of a good thing (maybe too much noise). I spoke to a dealer about the 390. He said that you need to step up to a DAC 2x the cost to notice improvements in sound.

https://simaudio.com/en/product/390-network-player-preamplifier/?v=445d337b5cd5  ($5,300)

So I wanted to ask here for people who have demoed | owned | shootout this unit. Ignoring the feature set, what did you think of the sound? What do you like better under $10K?

I have read a lot of the reviews and I get the sense that it is a very good product but I do not see it being paired with an excellent amp. I am considering pairing this with a Luxman m900u amp. What amps did you pair the 390 with?

I am also considering the Luxman c900u preamp, the Benchmark LA4 preamp, and the Mola Mola Makua w/DAC. Though for the current system I am building I realize I do not need to go crazy because it is in my home office and not critical listening.
yyzsantabarbara
peterclemens83
20 posts
 
Why not consider the Moon 330a or the 400m monoblocks? 

I love my Moon. Next step for me is a 390 with a 330a.
yyzsantabarbara OP
4,553 posts
 
I am set on the Luxman m900u amp after doing a lot of demos. It will be an amp that that can serve a couple of growing system roles in the future. So I do not mind spending extra cash on this now.

Like you I also have some gear that I really liked,  one being the Benchmark AHB2 amp. I had this amp in the past but sold it. I am going to buy the AHB2 again and also the LA4 preamp to replace my current Peachtree Nova 150 integrated (using with KEF LS50 monitors).

I will eventually buy the Luxman m900u amp when I get the funds and test it out with the LA4 preamp. I think It will work well, if not, I can home demo other preamps, such as the Simaudio 390 | Mola Mola Makua | Luxman c900u.
ddafoe
238 posts
 
If you are not looking for all of the features of the 390, you could also consider a used 380 DSD with their M-eVOL2  based volume control option and the streaming option, or one without the volume control and pair it to a reasonably priced preamp like the Benchmark.

I own the 380DSD and love it.   I find it extremely musical and easy to listen to, along with offering very good detail.

Back when I was looking for a new DAC, in my system (Pass 250.8+Sim 740P) I compared a Bryston BDA-2, Berkeley  Alpha Dac 2, and 380DSD and preferred (and purchased) the latter.   To my ears it didn't have the ulta-resolution of the Berkeley but I found it to sound more like music and was just more enjoyable to listen to.

A 740P paired with Luxman m900u amp would likely be awesome :)


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