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Streamer and DAC for Mcintosh MC462 and C22

Hi I have been upgrading my system.  

I have an MC462 Amp, C22 Pre and Revel 228BE speakers.

Currently I am running a node 2 into a Berkeley Alpha dac 2 for streaming.

I am going to upgrade these 2 and I am trying to decide what to buy.  

Either a 1 piece combo like a Lumin or a streamer and dac.  

My budget is 10 to 15K.

Some of the Dacs I have been looking at:

Chord TT2 and M scaler
Aqua 
Lumin S1 or X1
Total Dac

Streamers include:

Lumin U1or U1 mini
Moon Mind 2
Auralic G1 or G2
Innuos

I would say I lean more toward analog sound.  I would like something I can listen to without fatigue.

Basically question 1 - 1 box or 2?

And what to buy ?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.




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mayoradamwest
429 posts
 
Another option is the dCS Bartok. If you need local storage, you can always run Roon. 
photomax
169 posts
 
I would also listen to a dCS Bartok. And maybe a Linn Klimax DSM and or an Akurate Exaktbox for reference. 
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efoo OP
87 posts
 
Thanks for the all the input.  

Some great suggestions.

I will check out the DCS Bartok sounds interesting.

I also like the Aqua/innuos and the Lumin/Chord suggestions.

I was actually looking at the Lumin T2 tonight as well.  Wondering if a $4500 product can get me 90% of the 15K combos.

I have a lot of research to do and will keep you posted,




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efoo OP
87 posts
 
Is anyone using the DCS Bartok as a preamp?
photomax
169 posts
 
I have heard the Bartok. Very smooth sound. It is expensive at around $15K, depending on headphone option. There are several options above $20K.
Depends on system matching and your other kit of course.
I just upgraded and am very happy. I went from a base Linn Majik DSM ($3K) to an Akurate system Sub with an eternal Exaktbox with eight Akurate amps and eight Katalyst DACs. The new Linn Katalyst DAC architecture is amazing. The Sub box and Exaktbox box are linked with a data cable(can be 300 feet long). With new custom made Transparent speaker cables(8) the system costs $14K. I run this via M140 speakers and love the sound. A different way of getting there, but highly recommended...
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