audiotroy,
Thanks for your suggestions.
The NAD 33 looked interesting, but it is quite a bit more expensive than I'm able to go at this time.
"
The M33, a BluOS™ enabled DAC/amplifier that can serve as the heart of a reference whole-home system. In its simplest form, the M33 (US$4999/€4999/£3999 MSRP) is an ultra-high-performance streaming amplifier with superb audiophile sound "
On NAD's website it's output is listed as "Continuous Power: 200W into 8/4 Ohms", so no more power on tap for the additional $2000.
The Hegel looks fantastic... but then from what I hear, Hegels are very nice. However it's another $5000 integrated.
To stop the guessing over the Strata's price...PS Audio has the price listed on their website. It's $2999. Of course, unlike the NAD, it is lacking a PhonoStage, so I'd need to come up with that additionally.
One does wonder where they had to skimp to do that and whether or not the DAC or Streamer modules can be updated via software/firmware.
I went from receivers to separates a few years ago.. so it feels a little odd going back, but I'm not going to be upgrading my Emotiva preamp/dac and power amp with other separates costing 3-5 thousand each.
I got a mid/low end Marantz CD6006 last month. It has a DAC that blows away the DAC in my Emotive PT-100. I stream from my laptop through the Marantz now. It just started me thinking about what level of components must be in the Emotiva to create a Preamp, MM/MC PhonoStage, tuner and DAC for $325.
Anyways, it will be very interesting to test one.
MTDining, The
Ayre EX8 looks nice. Not sure what the output is for 4ohm speakers. They list "
100Wpc into 8 ohms (20dBW)". (Again thinking of my Maggie 1.6's. Didn't see much in the way of streaming support, other than Spotify and Roon. Lastly, it's $6000.
Thanks all