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Class A Options for adding Roon and MQA to existing system

I want to add a Class A digital front end to my 2-Channel main music listening system.  My current Streamer is an Oppo Sonica DAC which has a pretty decent D/A capability that I use to stream Tidal music.  What should I look for to add Roon and MQA?  The rest of my system consists of a Linn Sondek LP12 analog front end and a Primaluna CD player both feeding a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated amplifier.  I'm currently listening through the GoldenEar Triton 3's with my eye on purchasing the Triton References next (after I solidify all of the front ends).  I'd like to keep the Oppo for D/A conversion if possible to be able to focus $$ (looking to spend ~ $,500) on the Roon and MQA processing and be able to upgrade to a higher quality DAC at a later date.  As a bonus, I'd like to be able to include a SSD drive (preferably internal to the new streamer) for local download storage.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
boeingaudio
ezstreams
48 posts
 
I am serious about Class A, but i am not very computer literate. Ive looked at NUC options and they concern me due to those limitations.  I use a Synology NAS for non-music back-up/ storage and it was a challenge to set up.

I may not be able to get close to Class A at the budget I've set for this front end, but half the fun of being an audio enthusiast and hobbyist is the research, the hunt, and the dialogues like this with others that share the same interests. The other half is enjoying the fruits of that pursuit!

The Aries Mini appears to have the functionality im looking for, but several of the professional reviewers say or imply that versatility and price are its strengths with good but not great sonics. 

Im definately going to keep my eye out for professional reviews of the newly released Bel Canto e.One as well as any observations or suggestions from people on this forum community. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
As far as Mini SQ, I am very impressed with it via USB to Mytek Brooklyn DAC, in my system to my ears, about all I can attest to tbh.
It was an improvement on say, Tidal streaming from my Bluesound Vault 2 which fed the Brooklyn by SPDIF ( no USB out on the Vault).
But yes versality and price are very strong suits for it and with the capability of adding in any size SSD you desire it has become a full music server in my system for now.

I am sure there are lots of even better options but at what price?

Good luck with the search, always half the fun as you say!
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Brother has Aries mini with linear PSU but he is not using the SSD which is a nifty option.. he does have a Lampizator Amber2 DAC

OP are u Boeing person past present? I am

ezstreams
48 posts
 
Present. Working out of Huntsville AL. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
@ezstreams spaceage! Cool
i am retired, 7 zip codes but never Huntsville

the Synology is more or less fire and forget once setup ( probably jinxing myself as I say that ) I have not done it but the NUC is pretty cost effective, allows you to spend more on a good DAC.

have fun

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