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DAC/Pre-Amp Advice

Hey all!

Currently at a crossroads in my HiFi adventure. I want to know what you guys would recommend as my next upgrade to my system. Here is the equipment I currently have:

Bluesound Node

Yamaha A-S1200

Sony UBP-X800 (Using this as SACD player)

Rega Planar 2 Turntable

Pair of B&W 704 S2

 

I have had the amp for around 45-60 days now, and I love the sound now that I have had time to burn it in. Mostly stream music from Tidal right now (trying out Qobuz), and play the occasional Record/SACD with the equipment above. I feel the only things I am really desiring in this system is some type of room correction, and subwoofers.

When looking at room correcting software, what all do you guys recommend? With new Preamp/DAC would I need it to support MQA, or would my Node be able to take care of that? Budget is around $2500-3000, but I'm open to frankly any other suggestions. If you guys need any other info please let me know, looking forward to the discussion.

chuck_tamu
soix
9,621 posts
 

Below are recommendations for subwoofers (you should get two), a DAC, and a room correction device. With two subs the total would be about $3350.  You don’t need a preamp as you’ve already got a nice integrated amp.
https://www.svsound.com/products/sb-1000-pro-subwoofer

https://www.amazon.com/Gustard-R26-Discrete-R2R-DAC/dp/B0BDLKRK65/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1GVU3A5X076OZ&keywords=gustard%2Br26%2Bdac&qid=1673863633&sprefix=Gustard%2Br%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-3&th=1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/285086265679

As an alternative you could get this DAC, which is also excellent (I own it), and save $875…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649937157-musician-audio-pegasus-balanced-r2r-dac/

I’d think incorporating these things would bring your system to another level entirely. Go with Qobuz and forget the MQA nonsense.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

 

 

kota1
2,706 posts
 

@soix 

How do you propose the OP connect the DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 you recommend with an integrated amp? The Sony uses HDMI for SACD's, I don't see how this will work in the chain with out a separate amp and preamp???

kota1
2,706 posts
 

OP, your Node will take care of MQA using the RCA outs. Most room correction software is either built into the preamp/integrated amp or is in a device that sits between your amp and preamp. You could insert a DSP device between a source like your Node and your integrated amp via RCA or s/pdif but you would need inputs of the right type for each source, including HDMI for your Sony.

Replacing the Node with an NAD C-658 will get you Dirac room correction, inputs for most of your devices (except HDMI), and a pair of sub outs for subwoofers.

The C-658 does have a "card" you can purchase that can add 3 HDMI inputs as well as an HDMI output you can insert. This should work for SACD two channel but ask the dealer to confirm before you pull the trigger.

 

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