2. digital
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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!!!

dmaddox77
dmaddox77 OP
49 posts
 

@benanders, I have.  I am.considering one for my 7.4.4 movie room in the future.  I want this to be strictly 2 channel system.

benanders's avatar
benanders
234 posts
 

Understood, @dmaddox77 . I too keep 2 Ch / “theater” separate. No such convenient DSP AIO’s for stereo-only that I’m aware of. Too bad, since that could be really handy for streaming to one MLP.

dmaddox77 OP
49 posts
 

@benanders one thing I have come to realize is my wife loves listening to music, so she allows me to turn up the system.  The movie room is closed off, so openi g the door just doesnt do it for me or my wife.  The game room though opens up to the entire house, so the sound is great.  The 2 channel will be in the game room.

benanders's avatar
benanders
234 posts
 

@dmaddox77 that is helpful info. No, I would not suggest DSP in your use case; mine is similar and a couple DSP implementation trials seemed unproductive for my goals. My stereo is similarly a whole-(shared-with-spouse)-household feature, and formatted accordingly.


I only listened to Sopra 3’s in one large dedicated room, I liked them.


If I were of your use case (and I was), I’d make sure whatever streamer I land on has software/interface format my wife can happily use before committing (to the streamer, not to the spouse as that’s already been done). I knew I didn’t want her saying the stuff to the streamer app that she used to tell early versions of iTunes run on a PC. Those were hard times… 😜

koestner
662 posts
 

On a Streamer/DAC unit what format does the streamer hand off the signal to the DAC. Is it USB, SPDIF or something better, as they're in the same enclosure. Eliminating this signal transfer seems to be an advantage over separates. 

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