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Help teach an old dog new tricks

Hi folks, I'm a retired almost 70 former audiophile enthusiast who had gotten away from the hobby aspect of music and systems for 15 or so years and could use some system updating advice. 

Background:  My current system is part old, part somewhat old, and fully balanced via (XLR).  I have an Ayre CX-7e red book player, feeding a Pathos Logos integrated, pushing a nearly 30 year old pair of Kef 104.3 that I've owned since new.  I also have a turntable that I rarely use and will likely retire in the near future.  Being on SS and a small pension, my financial means is adequate but not anywhere near enough to fund most components I'd like to have in my system, so I need to spend my money wisely with a look at probably never substantially upgrading my system again after this go-round.  I've always loved the sound of a decent system driving Harbeth SL5+ (or similar) speakers but not sure I have the coin to make a move on speakers at this time, but would want to have a system that would work well with both the British Kefs and possible future Brit Harbeths. I also know that I've suffered some loss of hearing due to age.  At nearly 70, I'm always mindful of my hearing causing me to reach a point of diminishing returns with money spent vs actual ability to hear the difference sonicly.

Where I want to be:  To date, I have never streamed any music, ever.  I'd like to change that and make music streamed from Tidal, Qobuz, etc. my main source. I've convinced myself that beyond sending my Ayre CD player back to them for a quick 'tune up', my best investment would be a separate DAC (balanced please) and a streaming device that's not computer based.  Would like to control it from an I-pad or other hand held device. I want to stream mostly hi-rez music and would like the ability for DSD and MQA (at least for the first unfolding) to provide some future proofing.  

My listening:  I listen mostly to blues music of all types (from acoustic to blues rock) and quite a bit of jazz vocal standards, American songbook, folk, etc.  Female vocals done right are what engage me most of all.

So here's where I am:   I've very recently ordered a Denafrides 2541 DAC.  It'll be a week or so before I have it here. No ability to test one but the reviews have been strong for an affordable unit ($1,200.)  Knowing that I don't want to get involved with a traditional (Mac/Mini-Mac) computer based system because I have no patience for all the potential issues involved (did I tell you I'm nearly 70 and don't play that well with computers? lol).  So what stand alone device do you recommend as my primary streaming device?  My budget for such device is $1k to $1.5k.  Ease of use, reliability and non-fussiness is what I'm striving for.
I'm open to hearing whatever your suggestions might be, and then I'll sort through them. HELP! and Merry Christmas to all!
northwoods_maine
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Northwoods, I am in somewhat of a similar situation in a few regards. I'm 73, have Tinnitus, and loath computers. I haven't seriously considered streaming, but maybe some day I might consider it.

I have a very adequate (well, I consider it much more than adequate) system. I have a fine digital front end, A very nice analog front end, a great tube amplifier, and best of all, some custom Tannoy HPD 315 speakers, and custom-built crossovers. The Tannoy drivers were built in around 1975. I absolutely love them in my large listening room. 

My turntable is a restored Garrard 401, with a Dynavector 501 arm. The system includes Home Theater, and plays multi-channel music discs very well.

Not too much of the system was bought new, much of here on Audiogon. If you wish, you can see my system at "Done For Now", named "The Summit" in virtual systems.

It's what my resources and DIY skills would allow, and some luck with the used audio equipment scene.

Also, I would think your old KEF's would still sound great. Oh, and though my hearing is not at all good, I still enjoy my music as much as ever. I have a friend that just turned 88 in November, and he listens to music at length every day, and really enjoys it. So there's hope for us old timers too.

I hope everything works out for you in the best way possible.

Merry Christmas, regards,
Dan (from way up north on the left coast) 
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,756 posts
 
Go for it. 

I'm 74 and, remarkably, have hearing my audiologist says is better than most 30-year-olds. Starting at age 19 I've gone through most every change in audio reproduction, vinyl, FM radio, reel-to-reel, cassette, CD and now streaming.

Not every step has brought an improvement but streaming Tidal through a BlueSound Node 2i to a Bel Canto DAC is the most satisfying experience of any of the previous ones. Beyond the excellent audio quality the learning experience is a huge benefit, not many days pass without hearing something new and interesting with just a tap on the iPad or a quick search. 
ljgerens
152 posts
 
You said your speakers are KEF 104.3. I don’t think they ever made a 104.3. If you meant 104.2, than they are an excellent speaker and would be hard to improve upon without spending a lot. I myself have KEF 104.2s. I have had many speakers over the years and they are still one of my favorite speakers. If you haven’t done it yet, they will need some refurbishing to sound their best. Over time, the ferrofluid drys out in the tweeters and needs to be replaced. KEF actually recommends doing this after about 15 years. This is a simple job and only costs about $10. Also the foam donuts and possibly surrounds, if you have the biwire version, in the bass drivers may need replacing.

Regarding streaming, I don’t use any internet music services but I did do free trials with Amazon, Qobuz, Tidal and Apple. What I do is stream my lossless ripped CDs via WiFi to either of my 4 systems in 4 different rooms. I set this up over 11 years ago initially using a MacBook Pro and currently using a Mac Mini running headless. I purchased a used Mac Mini for $300 about 3 years ago and after initial setup (which took a little over an hour) I haven’t touched it except when I add a new ripped CD. Absolutely no fuss and very reliable. My wife loves it because it is so easy to use. One of the 4 systems is actually her system. We use our iPhones or iPads as remotes to access and select our music files.
jond's avatar
jond
5,687 posts
 
I think your system sounds great as it is good components and well matched. Add streaming as suggested above with the Node or similar device and you're all set.
northwoods_maine OP
70 posts
 
Thanks for all the input.  Let me shorten this up this time.  My Kef 104.2s will stay.  I don't believe I can find speakers that would sound better and be in my price range.  As I said in the first post, the only other consideration (at some future point) would be a lightly used pair of Harbeth HL5+  But that's for later.
My Pathos Logos integrated will stay.  My Ayre CX7e will get a tune up at the factory, and I just purchased a Denafrides 2541 DAC. 

The only thing I'm truly looking for help on is suggestions for a streaming device.  Budget $1k to $1.5K.  Prefer native Tidal and Qobuz, and processing at the DSD128 and MQA (minimum first unfolding).  Roon endpoint also preferred.  Must have balanced outs.  File storage (1-2TB) would be a plus but storage is not a necessity.

I'm not looking to get a streamer/DAC, or a streamer/headphone amp, or streamer/preamp though I realize I might have to have some form of a 'combination' device.   Reliability and ease of set up and use is paramount.
Several of you suggested the Bluesound Node. I hear good things about it musicality but I'm concerned that too many of the remarks/reviews I've read were extremely negative about any 'after the sale' customer service from Bluesound.   I have "0" tolerance for companies who don't offer adequate after the sale help with set up, glitches, or general questions. 

On paper the new Arcam ST60 looks to cover most of my wants and has an MSRP of $1.499.  Any comments/experience with this unit or suggestions of other components I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
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