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Newbie looking for amplifier advice

Hello

After much painful research, I decided to purchase a Ryan R610. I heard Sonus Faber, Dynaudio, Magnepan etc but decided that a bookshelf is the best fit for my apartment living room.  

Room is 19x12x8 with carpeted floor and huge glass window. I have been advised Belles Aria but wondering if there is a DAC integrated around $2500 which can match this amp.

Specifically, the Parasound Halo catches my attention but am concerned about DAC longevity and have been hinted that Parasound isn't such a value for money as, say, Emotiva. 

Anyone run a Ryan/Belles combination? 
128x128andysingh
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Andy, email me at ctsooner@alumni.ou.edu as I don't see a PM option for you.  Let's chat off line as I have reached out to a few to see what they recommend for a streamer to mate with Codex.Pete
2channel8
758 posts
 
I think the OP's concern over DAC obsolescence is valid. Also, I have heard the Belles Aria. So good it is in my letter to Santa. The only other integrated I've heard (admittedly not a huge sample) that I like as well is the Prima Lona Dialog, and that's only 48 watts and can drive almost anything, if you're into tubes. Unfortunately it's over the OP's budget. They make a Prologue for under $2,000. Will your dealer not loan you the Belles for an audition or, at the very least, let you bring your Ryans in?
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I have the Bluesound Node 2 for streaming and like it a lot. Also considered the Auralic mini as the other option but went with the Node 2. I'm not aware of any devices out there that only stream music and don't have a built in DAC. It has a coax out that I suppose can be used to connect to an external DAC.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Funny as I heard the Bluesound 2 today also and feel that one of those and the Codex is a nice sound.  It really sounded great and looked good.
2channel8
758 posts
 
Andysingh, It's been 4 months.
Have you made a decision? How did it turn out?
I am seriously considering the Belles! But then I couldn't give a crap about streaming. ;^)
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