Thank you I will try that soon
Starting Over and I need your help
The more I read…….the more I become confused!…..Do I simply need to start over with more carefully selected components?
I currently own a Musical Paradise MP 301 III, Bluesound Node 2i, Omega 7 speakers, and a Rotel RCD 06 SE CD player. To me, this system sounds underwhelming, especially when streaming. I use Apple Music as a source but I am open to switching to another. I only play CDs and stream and do not see myself incorporating vinyl into the mix. Musical tastes are jazz and acoustic. The room size is smallish home office. By the way, I also own a Parasound Zamp that I currently don’t use because I do not have a preamp……should I sell or keep that?
I am willing to sell it all, if needed, to get better sound. If you were me, what would you change or keep? My total budget would be under $3000 and by buying some used I bet you guys can help me figure out what I should pursue within Audiogon to purchase.
Many thanks in advance for your expertise and opinions!
Andy
Raleigh NC
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- 51 posts total
Your biggest issue is Apple Music. If you are using AirPlay2 to stream from your phone, the Apple Music app will down-sample the stream to a very lossy 256kbps. This is an Apple issue, not Bluesound. Try signing up for a free trial of Tidal or Qobuz and see if that improves things on the streaming end. I have a Node 2i in my main system, where I have it connected directly to my preamp, as well as through a Denafrips Ares II DAC. I stream Qobuz, Tidal and FLAC files from a NAS drive. All sound great, but Apple Music via AirPlay2 sounds really thin and flat. I couldn't figure out why until I learned about how the Apple Music app works on iPhones and iPads to down-sample the stream. Sadly, Apple won't work with third-party streamers (except Sonos) to install Apple Music natively. There are a few Android-based streamers where you can add the Apple Music app and get lossless streaming (e.g. Eversolo). It is my understanding that you can get lossless Apple Music via the app if you use it on a MacBook Pro. Otherwise, you have to tether your Apple device directly to a DAC.
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There are many options. Schiit integrated, Hegel, Rogue to name a few. If you like the speakers keep them. The budget you listed doesn't leave you room for speakers. Get a HI RES streaming service Do not use volume on Bluesound as a preamp. It bit strips and won't sound good unless you play it loud. A sub is a good idea. 2 are better. Amp, sub and streaming service is a good start, real good. |
I agree with @daledeee1 's suggestions. I tend to think long term and pay a little more now to save me money later. I would buy a Hegel H190. There are several out right now on all the sites including eBay. I would target $2k. This integrated has a fantastic dac that you would need to spend much more to replicate as a standalone. It is 150 wpc and will easily match with speakers up to $20+k and fill a larger space if needed. I like Rythmik subs because the bass it fast and tight. They are very reasonably priced new. There are lots of quality REL subs and others around $500 in New condition on the sites currently. U could pair that with new Magnepan LRS+ and be extremely happy. You'll need some floor space for the Maggie's. All in $3500. A good used option is a pair of Goldenear Triton loudspeakers. They are $5k speakers that sound like $10k speakers and are extremely well reviewed. They have subs built in and could also serve as main speakers for a home theater if you ever want to set one up. I think u can get these for $2k ish. Both of these set ups give you full range sound. In either scenario you would have to easily spend $10-12k new to achieve the sound from your $3.5-4k investment. |
- 51 posts total