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Looking for recommendations

I have Revel F228Be speakers, NAD M22 amplifier on low frequencies and a YBA Integre DT amplifier on high frequencies. DAC is a Benchmark DAC2 HGC and the streamer is a Bluesound Node 2i. 

I am looking to upgrade the streamer OR sell the Node 2i and DAC2 and replace it with a combined streamer/DAC unit.
I currently use the DAC2 as a preamp.

I've been reading reviews and past discussions on the Lumin U1 Mini,  Aurender G1, also on the  NAD 658,  Teac NT 505,  Cambridge XLN V2,  and Lumin D2. Others for consideration?

My budget is $2,000 for streamer only or $3,000 for streamer/DAC.

Please help with your thoughts and recommendations on which way to go and why? Thanks!
ericnicky
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I had the miniDsp SHD Studio running into a Benchmark DAC since the studio doesn't have a DAC. So it's not an apples to apples comparison but I found the Dirac very helpful with their room correction. Here's a review and measurement of the SHD.

https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-minidsp-shd-dac-ds...
ericnicky's avatar
ericnicky OP
32 posts
 
Thank-you, this might be better (and cheaper) for me since I have the Benchmark DAC2 already.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
If you use your DAC you could look at the SHD Studio. It has Dirac as well. 
ericnicky's avatar
ericnicky OP
32 posts
 
Yes, I just watched an excellent video by Hans Beekhuyzen on this product. Very compelling indeed and at an attractive price. However, I don't see a 12V power supply included or an option for purchase.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
It SHD Studio comes with an outboard power supply, the SHD it's internal.
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