Streamer Advice / Recommendation for Denafrips R2R DAC


I really could use some help / recommendations on the choice of a streamer.  Here's where I am in my research:
I've decided on a Denafrips Pontus DAC (R2R) because of it's sound characteristics (musical while maintaining definition).  It is within my budget, while the Terminator is not.

My current thinking is I need a streamer that does not have memory, amplification or a DAC on board.  I will use the streamer-DAC pairing to listen to music in a AVR / Music setup: Denon AVR3700H (105 watts) connected to a Rotel 1590 power amp through the Denon precouts.  Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 (left right) speakers.  Bowers & Wilkins 802 center channel (power connection by Denon amp)  SVS and Yamaha powered subwoofers. When used for streaming Netflix it's a 7.2 setup.

For streaming music I listen to the usual list of suspect: Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify.  In it's current setup, the system is too bright and harsh.  Speaker placement is in the room from acoustic hell: rectangular 15' x 45' with the front/ center channel speakers facing the narrow width (unfortunately by necessity and I'm in the process of adding reflection panels to cover 15% of the room.

I am determined to achieve music that does not wear me out after a couple of hours listening: well produced electronic music / R&B  / piano jazz.  I like midrange dominance but without too much detail in the +8k hz.

I learned to budget more for the DAC than the streamer, but most of the streamers I've looked at are combo amp/hard drive/DAC or they have networking into multi rooms. The  Auralic Aries G2.1  is out of my budget by about $2,500 (at 5,100 US), Willing to pay more for great sound but am unsure the streamer makes that much of a difference than the DAC.

Advice? Setup Recommendations?



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xpmreagan2
I'm confused--undoubtedly due to my lack of understanding of the function of the components involved.

Soix instructs that: "Since your Denon has preouts, all you’d need to do is connect the front L/R preouts from the Denon to an input of your choice (or HT Bypass if it has one) on the stereo preamp and that’s pretty much it. Choose that input on the stereo pre when you’re doing HT and another input when listening to streamer, CD player, etc. That’s really all there is to it, and the AVR will be completely out of the signal path when listening in 2-channel."

I was my belief that when a preout was used from the home theatre receiver to a separate preamp that preamp would need to be connected to a power amp, then to speakers. If I grasp the instruction above it means the second preamp is essentially taking over for the preamp section of the receiver for the front L/R speakers and that no additonal outputs from the separate preamp would be required. Under this scenario apparently the separate preamp would control the volume of the front    L/R speakers and I assume the volume of the reveriver would be reduced to zero or slightly above in order that the front center ans surround speakers are not audible. When home theatre sound is desired I assume the receiver's volume knob is then brought into play.

The last part also leaves me with a further question. Soix says: " Choose [the  input into which the receiver's preouts are connected] on the stereo pre when you’re doing HT and another input when listening to streamer, CD player, etc." Does this mean (in my case the Bluesound Node 2i and Topping D90) should be connected to the separate preamp and not to the receiver as is presently the case? Of course the output of the Topping must still be connected to the receiver in order for the speakers to function.

Thanks.

 
I’d really appreciate suggestions on a preamp (great music) with home theater (HT) bypass. 


I’d really appreciate suggestions on a preamp (great music) with home theater (HT) bypass. Budget in the $3k area ( new or used). 



The Parasound JC2-BP is a nice option. There is currently one listed on Agon for $2600. 
Hi there. I have a Denafrips Ares 2. After a lot of research I came up with the SotM brand(Korean).
I went up all the way on the ladder product since the upgrade option exist.
I would recommend you to start with the sms200 neo or ultra first. than if your budget is still ok get the linear power supply sps500 or 500se. the se is double the price.
the cheapest solution to start is sms200 neo and the sps500. If you are happy with it you can ask your dealer to upgrade your models to Ultra and than se. Also the switch is very important but a later stage.
My system: router with linear power-cat7 silver rg45- sotm switch se with linear power sps500- Eno system rg45 silver-sms200 ultra se with sps500se with statement power cable-vertere pulse hd usb cable in test- ares2 denafrips-auris ha2sf with Telefunken 802s and 4 12bh7a sylvania.ZMF verite closed headphones with verite silver cable. later this month I will add the master clock.

ps with my source the denafpris ares2 compete with dac that cost easy 6x more as example the Sonnet morpheus or the sagra dac.

also make sure that all your equipment is on the same phase and that you run linear power supply on most of your source.

Cheers
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