2. amps-preamps
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What is the right choice?

So I am looking to upgrade from a NAD C356BEE integrated receiver to something that provides better sonic fidelity and a phono connection and onboard DAC. The budget/price point is around $1000 to $1600. So far two different sale people recommend the Yamaha s801. I have also listened to the NAD c368 and c388 with my speakers attached which I have brought to the local dealer for demo.

So I look for reviews and come across Sean from Zero Fidelity who provides an interesting approach for a technology review of audio gear. He conveys a comprehensive look at the technology piece inside and out and leaves you with a pretty thorough understanding of how the Yamaha s801 will sound. A good performing piece just not great. Sean then leaves you with a look at some comparable amps.  The NAD c316BEE and the IOTAVX. The NAD is not worth mentioning relative to this study but the IOTAVX Stack based on all of his reviews is what I should be looking at.

Can anyone share their experience with IOTA's technology and service?

Is this the right step up in fidelity from the NAD c356?

Should I be looking at Arcam, Cambridge, Marantz, Pro-ject and Quad as part of this study? 
 
musicvt
audiojedi
225 posts
 
What speakers?  Digital tech moves so quickly I'd be looking at a Rega Brio and pick an external DAC of your choice if it'll drive your speakers well.

I've heard the Yamaha it's a great sounding amp the DAC is definitely the bottleneck but it still sounds quite good.  Marantz also has a couple models that are supposed to be quite good not sure if they include a DAC or not.

musicvt OP
7 posts
 
I currently have a pair of PSB Imagine B's which I am upgrading to the PSB Tower T2's.
mesch
3,524 posts
 
I own a Yamaha A-S701 and the NAD 356BEE. Though the A-s801 has a different DAC than the A-S701 I believe the pre/amp stages to be the same. I don't believe the A-S801 to be an upgrade from the NAD356, rather a more lateral move with sonic differences. The NAD sounds warmer, the Yamaha somewhat brighter with somewhat greater resolution in midrange. Which integrated would pair best with the PSBs is subjective.  Advantages with the A-S801 are the internal DAC, phonostage, headphone output, subwoofer out. 
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