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Considering A New Streaming DAC (Pick 1 of 4)

Hi Folks, The four under consideration are Weiss 501/502, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Aurender A20, and Bricasti M1. Anyone of these will feed a signal into a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme preamp before going to a Pass XA 30.8 and out to a pair of Audio Note AN/K's ("mildly effecient" at 90 db). The K's are in a fairly large room (26x12). I currently have a Lampizator Amber 4 (bal w/vc) and do like how it sounds in this system, but wish to at least explore a one box option. Although I do stream (N100H) most of my "front end" time is spent either with a Macinstosh MR88 digital tuner or an Audio Note level 2 CD transport. I'm interested about folks preferences or experiences with any of these four DAC's taking into account my front end usage and existing system. I've also looked at the possibility of keeping my streamer and upgrading the tube DAC in the form of Totaldac or BAT Rex. Any thoughts on this are welcome.

scottya118
rockrider
181 posts
 

If you are not considering Roon, then the internal streaming capability of the Tambaqui is not available. The Tambaqui needs either an external streamer, or at least an external Roon core. Either way it is not really a one box solution for streaming. 

I have not heard the Weiss nor the Bricasti. But I do have both Tambaqui and Aurender A20 in the house. 

Another true one box solution you might add to your list is the dCS Lina. I recently picked one up and it is very impressive. For streaming it can be controlled via Mosaic with Ethernet input. But it can also act as DAC for other sources. 

All three sound great in their own ways. I’m still optimizing Ethernet, power, etc. so not ready to depart with any of them yet.

Good luck in your journey!

benzman's avatar
benzman
385 posts
 

You can use Mconnect or other UPnP interfaces for the Bricasti. I really like my M3 but the Meitner MA3 looks pretty interesting. The Meitner offers a USB for local files so you could play your rips with no need for a nas or a streamer. Really like ethernet input with a EtherRegen and SoTM cabling in front of it. 

scottya118 OP
136 posts
 

Rockrider, Can you share experience of A20 vs Tambaqui with pros/cons for both?

rockrider
181 posts
 

@scottya118 

It will take me some time to look through all my notes, but don’t worry I’m not ignoring your question!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,326 posts
 

@scottya118 I would change my response if you are not planning to use Roon.
I compared Mconnect (allows you to use Qobuz and Tidal) vs Roon and preferred Roon for a more natural less “digital” presentation. From what you are describing a one box solution like the Aurender, Lumin or Auralic are better options. 

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