Streamer+R2R dac+True balanced Class A preamp all-in-one?


Hi guys,

Does a full featured streamer + R2R dac + true balanced class A preamp all in one box exist in the world at this time? Ameri-fi, Euro-fi, Chi-fi, any other Asia-fi does not matter.

Budget = upto 10k

Thank you.

 

deep_333

@deep_333    Do you need to have non-digital inputs?  If not, then I recommend a used dCS Lina Network DAC. This DAC streams directly from Ethernet and local NAS. The DAC architecture is their “Ring DAC” which is similar to R2R, although not “Non Over Sampling” (if that’s what you want in an R2R DAC). It can be run directly to Amp(s) by using the Mosaic control software’s volume control. The output is true balanced. Not sure the output is class A, but I know it sounds fantastic. Yes, I own one and I’ve stopped looking for something better. 

@rockrider  Non-digital inputs not needed (turntable is sitting in storage)...Not sure what this "Ring dac' is and will need to read up a bit. Eitherway, I need such a piece to add more class A-ish liquidyy gooey lushness to atleast one of my existing power amps. 

 

 

I am of the belief that a integrated streamer+dac+preamp unit eliminating unnecessary cabling and non-merging of different design ethos’ from different manufacturers can churn out better in execution.

I’m sorry, but at your $10k price level I completely disagree with this logic even leaving out the fact that you’re not gonna find the unicorn you’re looking for in one box unless you’re willing to relax at least one or two of your stated requirements. @pavel_dosko is absolutely correct that you should be looking at separates, and I’m sure others here will agree. What you say about built-in synergy and eliminating cables makes some sense but only up to a point and you’ve way passed that point. You won’t find what you’re looking for because it doesn’t yet exist so might as well resolve yourself that you’re gonna need at least two if not three boxes. Time to face facts and reality man. Don’t mean to be harsh here, just maybe a voice of reason FWIW.

@soix This manufacturer called Gustard (that you suggested) has gotten 2/3rds of the way there with the integrated streamer+ R2R dac for 1650 USD (8350 under budget). But, all of a sudden, integrating a higher quality class A preamp into that unit would suddenly never fit under or equal to 10k? My budget is too weak for that to happen somehow? Tell me about that fact and reality a bit more.... (we are talking about a class A preamp, not a power amp).

@deep_333 

You mentioned a turn table- what pre will you be using with that? There’s a little more going on when combining these features into a single unit- basically a trade off in the approach to attenuation. Personally I’ve never cared for driving an amp from a dac but I’ve read many posts/threads where others have preferred doing so. In my experience it boils down to the level of sound quality and performance one could expect from a unit trying to perform multiple functions vs separate components dedicated to a single function and doing it very well. With $10K to work with I would imagine you could acquire a very good dac/streamer and separate preamp that would outperform a single device that combines those functions.