Need advice on media player and or dacs

@ddgtt So lemme get this straight — the OP has about $8k invested in both his stereo amp and speakers total, and you’re recommending spending $26k on a streamer and DAC?  

If that puts you a bit over budget, then substitute the Grimm for an Auralic Aries streamer

A bit over budget???  So then keep the $14k DAC and downgrade the streamer and that makes it somehow doable or more reasonable???  Dude, get a clue here cause you’re on another planet entirely and clearly put no thought/effort into this — this helps the OP in no way whatsoever.  Jeez.

op  the marantz even n a pure mode  will not sound as good as a real high end preamp Marantz is re badged denon and these  mass  market components will not compare to a preamp like a cj or hegel

if you really want to elevate your system get a hegel integrated amp to power your mains with the home theater bypass to connect your marantz 

Dave and  Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Home theater and two channel specialists

If faced with a choice between an Auralic Aries G2 and Grimm… definitely the Grimm. I have had both in my system. Although for that money I would go for an Aurrender N20. Each more natural in the high end.

Thanks for the input ddgtt.  Maybe when i hit the lotto....

Audiotroy, 

Thanks

What you recomend seems more realistic. Which Hegel in your opinion would go well with my set up?