Aurender A-units, Auralic Altair, Rose 150B, DCS Bartok. Some of these much cheaper than your 10-20K budget. Actually there are a lot of them, and you will get all sorts of suggestions from this forum. Have fun researching and shopping.
DAC/Streamer/PreAmp
I hope this question will allow everyone to have some fun. I have a pair of Focal Sopra 3 (I dont consider them bright, but just right), 2x REL S812 subs, and a Bryston 6bsst2 amp. I know it is a 3 channel amp. It was being used in my Movie Theater. Going forward I will be using it for a 2 channel system until I decide to buy mono blocks. This 2 channel system will only be streaming digital music, but might consider adding a photo stage later, so would like analogue inputs. The room is fully treated from 30hz on up, and is 16'w x 30'd x 10'h.
I am looking for a Streamer/DAC/Preamp to run this system. I really do not want to add a computer to this system to run files through it. I prefer a plug and play solution. It can be one piece or 3 separates. I like a rich sound from top to bottom. I prefer a sound like Aretha Franklin over Allison Krause. I would like a big Soundstage. I also have 1 gig speed thriugh ethernet. The final item is the budget. I really like Value, so if you can come in below the budget it will be considered. $10-20k USD max. Will consider new and used. I have considered T+A, Naim, Mola Mola, and some other manufacturers, but would like yalls input.
Let's Go!!!
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@soix, I haven't really purchased or ripped stored music. Yet. I will be streaming more than anything else. I am open to tubes so a Lampizator or the like will work. I have also looked at the Grimm MU2, Esoteric, Weiss DAC502. I am trying to use you alls extensive knowledge to narrow my search to then try to get an in home demo.
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@dmaddox77 a good integrated like the Pass Int250 (for that size room you need power) would be a nice match with the Focals. Hard to find used but given time and patience, possible. |
Funny you mentioned Lampi because that’s exactly why I asked about tubes as Lampi DACs have a rep for having a huge, voluminous 3D soundstage. Then I’m thinking you want a preamp that can just convey all that goodness without either squelching it nor overdoing it to make things overly ripe, and the Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4 came to mind as it also throws a big stage but won’t overly color things, and the tubes last forever. Last, I’d hop on this Innuos Pulsar streamer that incorporates Innuos’ latest thinking and technology and comes with their Sense app that gets top reviews for both sound and usability, which puts it in pretty rare air as many others are compromised in one way or another. Here’s a pristine used unit that’s 31% or $2500 off the $8k retail price. Cha CHING! https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650067155-innuos-pulsar-streamer/ And you’re right — I did have a lotta fun with this and hope it’s at least somewhat useful. Best of luck in your quest! |
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