Spencer
Thanks for the detailed response..much appreciated. Sound quality is my primary concern, within SANE budgetary constraints. LOL......As you can see, I don't have an "uber system", but it's pretty respectable and I'm quite happy with it. Recently picked up the 4BST used for a grand, just serviced from Bryston and I love it running bi-amp with the B-100 to my Vandy 3A's.
Always thought the Marantz was a good machine, but it's getting old and fussy, which is why I'm here.
The Schiit DAC's seem to be something special, especially at the price point. I do realize that in this hobby, EVERYODY has different opinions on EVERYTHING. My personal experience has been mostly limited to what I have or have had over the years.
Interconnecting everything seems to be an issue as far as what cabling, inputs/outputs are best, etc., but bit of research should help me sort that out.. Lot of negative comments on using USB as an audio interface, noise etc.........The newer thunderbolt interface, via USB C, looks interesting, but I don't know if it's an improvement sonically.
Don't see myself spending, what I'd consider absurd $$$ that I don't have, on cabling and interconnects. I'm not saying that it doesn't make an audible difference, but in the end, it's still wire. If done properly I think the money is better spent in other areas..........but that's just my opinion. That's a whole different can of worms that I'd rather not open, so please don't tell me that I have to spend a couple grand on interconnects. Can't afford it, ain't doing it.
NAS seems to be the way to go, controlled via PC vs another one box solution..............Most of my library is redbook with a handful of SACD's thrown in, and some vinyl of course.......Yes, I do understand DSD/SACD and the other hi-rez files..........Some seem to think it makes a huge difference..........personally I think it depends on the particular disc. Many of my redbooks sound great, some of my SACD's possibly sound better, although the best of one is pretty close the the other, at least to my ears on my system. Perhaps upgrading to the better DAC will show a wider difference.
Looking into the NAS setup right now. Any audible reason not to simply use the PC with something like Audivarna or Jriver as the controller with an external drive to the DAC, to the pre?...........Trying to keep this as simple and reasonable from a $$$ point as possible, without losing sound quality..........No interest in multi-channel or multi-room playback. I have a dedicated, two channel, audio room and that's where I spend my evenings.
Much appreciate the time and help folks. I'm a good tech and a life long audiophile, but the computer based system thing is new turf for me. I'm retired and getting too old to do it twice or wrong. Do it once, do it right and keep enough money to buy groceries when I'm done. LOL
As far as the Bryston gear............Always thought that it as close close to "uber" as I could afford and still eat :) Built like a tank, best warranty I've ever heard of and sounds great. That works for me. YMMV
Thanks for the detailed response..much appreciated. Sound quality is my primary concern, within SANE budgetary constraints. LOL......As you can see, I don't have an "uber system", but it's pretty respectable and I'm quite happy with it. Recently picked up the 4BST used for a grand, just serviced from Bryston and I love it running bi-amp with the B-100 to my Vandy 3A's.
Always thought the Marantz was a good machine, but it's getting old and fussy, which is why I'm here.
The Schiit DAC's seem to be something special, especially at the price point. I do realize that in this hobby, EVERYODY has different opinions on EVERYTHING. My personal experience has been mostly limited to what I have or have had over the years.
Interconnecting everything seems to be an issue as far as what cabling, inputs/outputs are best, etc., but bit of research should help me sort that out.. Lot of negative comments on using USB as an audio interface, noise etc.........The newer thunderbolt interface, via USB C, looks interesting, but I don't know if it's an improvement sonically.
Don't see myself spending, what I'd consider absurd $$$ that I don't have, on cabling and interconnects. I'm not saying that it doesn't make an audible difference, but in the end, it's still wire. If done properly I think the money is better spent in other areas..........but that's just my opinion. That's a whole different can of worms that I'd rather not open, so please don't tell me that I have to spend a couple grand on interconnects. Can't afford it, ain't doing it.
NAS seems to be the way to go, controlled via PC vs another one box solution..............Most of my library is redbook with a handful of SACD's thrown in, and some vinyl of course.......Yes, I do understand DSD/SACD and the other hi-rez files..........Some seem to think it makes a huge difference..........personally I think it depends on the particular disc. Many of my redbooks sound great, some of my SACD's possibly sound better, although the best of one is pretty close the the other, at least to my ears on my system. Perhaps upgrading to the better DAC will show a wider difference.
Looking into the NAS setup right now. Any audible reason not to simply use the PC with something like Audivarna or Jriver as the controller with an external drive to the DAC, to the pre?...........Trying to keep this as simple and reasonable from a $$$ point as possible, without losing sound quality..........No interest in multi-channel or multi-room playback. I have a dedicated, two channel, audio room and that's where I spend my evenings.
Much appreciate the time and help folks. I'm a good tech and a life long audiophile, but the computer based system thing is new turf for me. I'm retired and getting too old to do it twice or wrong. Do it once, do it right and keep enough money to buy groceries when I'm done. LOL
As far as the Bryston gear............Always thought that it as close close to "uber" as I could afford and still eat :) Built like a tank, best warranty I've ever heard of and sounds great. That works for me. YMMV