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Streamer Advice / Recommendation for Denafrips R2R DAC

I really could use some help / recommendations on the choice of a streamer.  Here's where I am in my research:
I've decided on a Denafrips Pontus DAC (R2R) because of it's sound characteristics (musical while maintaining definition).  It is within my budget, while the Terminator is not.

My current thinking is I need a streamer that does not have memory, amplification or a DAC on board.  I will use the streamer-DAC pairing to listen to music in a AVR / Music setup: Denon AVR3700H (105 watts) connected to a Rotel 1590 power amp through the Denon precouts.  Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 (left right) speakers.  Bowers & Wilkins 802 center channel (power connection by Denon amp)  SVS and Yamaha powered subwoofers. When used for streaming Netflix it's a 7.2 setup.

For streaming music I listen to the usual list of suspect: Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify.  In it's current setup, the system is too bright and harsh.  Speaker placement is in the room from acoustic hell: rectangular 15' x 45' with the front/ center channel speakers facing the narrow width (unfortunately by necessity and I'm in the process of adding reflection panels to cover 15% of the room.

I am determined to achieve music that does not wear me out after a couple of hours listening: well produced electronic music / R&B  / piano jazz.  I like midrange dominance but without too much detail in the +8k hz.

I learned to budget more for the DAC than the streamer, but most of the streamers I've looked at are combo amp/hard drive/DAC or they have networking into multi rooms. The  Auralic Aries G2.1  is out of my budget by about $2,500 (at 5,100 US), Willing to pay more for great sound but am unsure the streamer makes that much of a difference than the DAC.

Advice? Setup Recommendations?



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xpmreagan2
rfnoise
153 posts
 
@soix I was thinking exactly that when I read the OP’s post, but I’m kind of leery regarding offering unsolicited advice. Good call.

@pmreagan2 you can do pretty good for a preamplifier on the preowned market. Mine retailed new for $7k, was able to pick it up used for under $2k.
rushfan71
295 posts
 
Metrum Acoustics Ambre or Sonnet Hermes.

Uses an internal SD card loaded with either Roon, Volumio, or Audirvana.

No internal DAC. I2S, coax, AES/EBU, and optical outputs.
rafevw
70 posts
 
I also use an Innuos Zen Mini to stream. I use Roon as the software platform with the Roon Core residing in the Zen. I have about 1000 CDs burned onto the internal hard drive. This has been a pretty good solution for me, particularly at the price point. I stream a lot of music from Qobuz as well. Good listening!
blackbag20
484 posts
 
You might consider Gustard x16 ... I acquired one a couple months back.  High return for the price!


https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/gustard-x16-balanced-mqa-dac-review.17419...
bikerbw
108 posts
 
I would also second looking/trying out the Pro-ject Stream Box S2 Ultra.  I have the Pontus II and am using a Bluesound Node 2 as strictly a streamer - which is also an option, but I've seen the same opinions that the Stream Box is better than the Node streamer.  The thing with Bluesound is that the streamer portion is pretty much the same with the 2/2i/new Node, so you could pick up a used Node 2 for next to nothing and see how you like it and the Bluesound BluOS controller software; I've had the 2 and the 2i and the only real difference was the features for Apple and expanded wifi connectivity (which I didn't care about anyway and I use an ethernet cable).  The Pro-ject also has controller software that you can download for free and it handles higher than 192kHz through USB than does the Nodes.  Thing is, the only output on the Pro-ject is USB so if you can't use that it's a deal breaker, more or less.
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