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Help with DAC and Streamer suggestions

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and spending lots of time listening to great music!

Before I ask for your advice, I thought it would be good to tell you my system:
  • Martin Logan Summit X speakers connected with Acoustic Zen Hologram II speaker cables.
  • Shiit Yggy DAC connected with Acoustic Zen Matrix II reference interconnect.
  • Bryston BDP-1 music player connected with Kimber Kable D-60 digital cable.
  • Oppo 105D for SACDs, modified by Ric Shultz connected with Toto Tungsten interconnects.
  • Prima Luna Dialogue HP integrated amp with original tubes.
  • Furman Elite 20 power conditioner.
  • I have a dedicated 20 amp line running to all audio electronics.
  • All electronics are connected with Pangea power cords.
  • All music passes through Roon on my computer, and while playing music the computer does nothing else.  The computer has a direct connection to the internet, and all music is sent to the streamer via Cat-7 cable.
  • I listen to Tidal primarily, along with some of my own FLAC files.
 I want to change my music streamer and DAC.  I'd like something that will make the 2nd unfold of MQA, but that's not a deal killer.  I have around $6,000 to spend, and I'm fine with used equipment from Audiogon.

Here is what I've been considering:
  • Primaluna EVO DAC - $3,000, not MQA, won't add a better streamer, but might sound great with my Primaluna integrated.
  • Aurender A10 streamer/DAC combo - $5500 new, will make the MQA unfold.  Not sure about combining the streamer and DAC.
  • Mytek Manhattan II DAC with network card - $4700 new, does not add a better streamer.
  • Roon Nucleus Plus streamer ($2500) and perhaps a better DAC.
  • Small Green Computer Sonictransporter I5 for Roon and music ($1075) and better DAC.
  • Keep the Bryston and buy a Holo Audio May DAC ($5,000).
  • Certainly open to other suggestions.
As you can see, lots of options to choose.  :( 

I live in a very small town in Central Oregon and can't audition different components.

 I'd love to hear your suggested changes for my DAC and streamer!

Thank you!

Steve
smills59
kmmd's avatar
kmmd
73 posts
 
Steve, You’re welcome.

I’m suggesting that you not use a Roon Nucleus at all and just purchase a high quality streamer/server. Lumin, Innuos and Auralic are Roon ready while Aurender is not. My guess is that the player becomes the Roon endpoint if enabled. The core is elsewhere such as a computer. Someone please correct me if I’m wrong as I haven’t tried it yet.

Regarding a digital cable, I believe that they are system dependent. You may choose to use optical, USB, AES/EBU or coax depending on the player’s available output connections. (I believe that the Innuos only has a USB output to the DAC.) In my system, I went from a Curious to the Shunyata USB and noticed a significant improvement. I won’t get into details regarding cables, especially digital ones, as that is another can of worms.

Ken
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
I'm currently using Roon Core to my Bryston BDP-1, which is the Roon Endpoint.  From there to the Yggy via BNC cable.  I'm using a Lan cable from the Core to the Bryston.  The Bryston is pretty old technology, but still nice.  I see a few Lumin U1 Minis on AG for a decent price.  The U1 does not have a DAC, but is also Roon Ready.  

Think the Lumin will add improvement over the Bryston?
ddude003
161 posts
 
I use a Lumin U1 mini as a Wired LAN Endpoint fronting for a Chord Qutest DAC...  The analogue out side of the Qutest feeds my PremaLuna Dialogue Premium Preamp to a McIntosh SS Amp and onto to Martin Logan ESLs...

I have a MacBook Pro Wireless and a Windoz 10 Wired desk side that runs a Roon Core or Audirvana...  Works like the cats pajamas...  Very versatile and sounds Sublime...

Good luck in your choices...
kmmd's avatar
kmmd
73 posts
 
My two finalists for a new streamer / server were the Lumin U1 and Auralic Aries G2 or 2.1. The Aries allows one to install an internal SSD, and I installed a 2TB Samsung EVO 860 into mine. I had the opportunity to buy an Innuos ZENith Mk 3 in July with their 20% first responder sale, but I held off. So far I’ve been very happy with my choice, and I also enjoy Qobuz.

I can’t comment on the U1 mini versus the BDP1, as I haven’t heard either. If you do go for the mini, I’d seriously consider an external linear power supply such as an SBooster.
Definitely many choices, and it’s impossible to audition various combinations.  Good luck with your choice.
kmmd's avatar
kmmd
73 posts
 
Btw, the rest of my 2-Channel system consists of a VAC MkIIa SE preamp with cryoed Telefunken 6922’s, Pass Labs XVR-1 crossover feeding a Pass X250.8 for mids/highs and a pair of Bryston 7BSST’s for the bass biamping Maggie 3.6R’s. A pair of REL S/5 SHO’s augments the low end. Power conditioning for the above is via a Shunyata Everest except for the subs which are plugged into the wall.
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