I second samac's recommendation for a Yamaha A-Sxxx integrated amplifier. For stream input, you'll probably want to choose a model with a Toslink input. I believe the Bluesound uses Bluetooth. If you prefer wi-fi, consider the Audioengine B-Fi, which has Toslink output and also line output from its DAC chip.
One box do it all
Enough of separates. Too many boxes, too many cables, don't care for those anymore.
I am willing to get a simple box that will do for me:
- AMP driving Dynaudio special forty, at least 100W
- Pre Amp for digital and analog
- Needs to have phono input as I still do some 20% listening on those, possibly MC but can live with MM
- Streaming, has to be Roon Ready as most of the time I do Roon or Roon on top of Qobuz
- Budget 2500, can't really stretch it much more than that
Seems like Cambridge EVO 150 and Arcam SA30 fit the bill but I will not get a chance to listen to those comparatively and the reviews (the "honest" ones that I could find) are kind of OKish but several complaints on Arcam stability and not so convincing on Cambridge SQ. NAD C388 also come to mind but doesn't seem to have much of a reputation
Anyone here has had personal experience with those ?
Any alternative that I should consider ?
Thanks a lot for reading so far,
Mark.
I am willing to get a simple box that will do for me:
- AMP driving Dynaudio special forty, at least 100W
- Pre Amp for digital and analog
- Needs to have phono input as I still do some 20% listening on those, possibly MC but can live with MM
- Streaming, has to be Roon Ready as most of the time I do Roon or Roon on top of Qobuz
- Budget 2500, can't really stretch it much more than that
Seems like Cambridge EVO 150 and Arcam SA30 fit the bill but I will not get a chance to listen to those comparatively and the reviews (the "honest" ones that I could find) are kind of OKish but several complaints on Arcam stability and not so convincing on Cambridge SQ. NAD C388 also come to mind but doesn't seem to have much of a reputation
Anyone here has had personal experience with those ?
Any alternative that I should consider ?
Thanks a lot for reading so far,
Mark.
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- 55 posts total
I’ve never heard one, but PS Audio makes an integrated with a DAC & Streamer for $2999. It’s called the Stellar Strata. https://www.psaudio.com/products/stellar-strata/ 100wpc @ 8 ohms, digital, analog & balanced inputs... I saw a used one go for $2400, but it’s only been out for about a year, so there aren’t many used ones out there yet. They have a trade-in program that may help get the final price under $2500. |
- 55 posts total