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Building a new system…looking for thoughtful recommendations

Long time lurker here… I’ve been listening to equipment for some time at various shops in my area.  I’m sold on a set of Magnepan 3.7i’s  and I have ordered a Bryston 4B3 to punch up the bass. (I do love classic and hard rock, Radiohead, etc).  I already own a modest turntable (project 2xperience with a Sumiko blue #2 MC) My fiancé tends towards newer and EDC music so I’d like to get a nice DAC with a phono stage built in.  My issue of course is that I’d prefer to get a tube pre-DAC but I’m concerned with matching up with the Bryston and it’s low input Ohms.  BTW Listening room is 30x20 with 9 foot ceilings. Budget..7K or so, hopefully I’ve answered most of the questions the noobs seem to get chastised for around here. Love the banter here btw. This new world doesn’t have enough of it anymore. 
jpasko01
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
Check out the AVM PA 5.2. It has an optional DAC Card and Phono stage that can be included. The DAC is good. The Phono stage is very good. This has a tube stage and is a first rate unit. It is fully balanced, has a variable output to increase matching with other brands amps and even has tone controls.

The McIntosh C22 is incredible. If you can accept an external DAC (which you can do on that budget) it would be very high on my list. The phono stage is INSANELY good.

I have had a schiit freya in my system that I took on trade. With elite amplification and those speakers, I might look elsewhere.

I am an AVM dealer so am a bit biased but it is a darn nice unit.  I have no relationship with McIntosh or Schiit.  .  
jpasko01 OP
14 posts
 
Thanks for the sage advice Hoosier.  I really can’t wait to get them set up. As for the AVM, I do t see pricing anywhere for the add on DAC and the Phono Stage?


phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
Op,  I drive Magnepans with a 4B3 and have had the Freya Plus with Melz 1578 Tubes running with it for the last 15 months.  I don't shop for gear anymore, the sound is sublime and they get get along well. I like the tubes in front of the Bryston.  Since I stream, the tubes for me are a must.
Cheers
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