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Streamer Advice / Recommendation for Denafrips R2R DAC

I really could use some help / recommendations on the choice of a streamer.  Here's where I am in my research:
I've decided on a Denafrips Pontus DAC (R2R) because of it's sound characteristics (musical while maintaining definition).  It is within my budget, while the Terminator is not.

My current thinking is I need a streamer that does not have memory, amplification or a DAC on board.  I will use the streamer-DAC pairing to listen to music in a AVR / Music setup: Denon AVR3700H (105 watts) connected to a Rotel 1590 power amp through the Denon precouts.  Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 (left right) speakers.  Bowers & Wilkins 802 center channel (power connection by Denon amp)  SVS and Yamaha powered subwoofers. When used for streaming Netflix it's a 7.2 setup.

For streaming music I listen to the usual list of suspect: Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify.  In it's current setup, the system is too bright and harsh.  Speaker placement is in the room from acoustic hell: rectangular 15' x 45' with the front/ center channel speakers facing the narrow width (unfortunately by necessity and I'm in the process of adding reflection panels to cover 15% of the room.

I am determined to achieve music that does not wear me out after a couple of hours listening: well produced electronic music / R&B  / piano jazz.  I like midrange dominance but without too much detail in the +8k hz.

I learned to budget more for the DAC than the streamer, but most of the streamers I've looked at are combo amp/hard drive/DAC or they have networking into multi rooms. The  Auralic Aries G2.1  is out of my budget by about $2,500 (at 5,100 US), Willing to pay more for great sound but am unsure the streamer makes that much of a difference than the DAC.

Advice? Setup Recommendations?



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pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
I couldn’t be more pleased with the generous insights you all have provided. I’m going through each of them and researching each of the pieces of hardware and reading reviews on your suggestions. I am very grateful 

The alternatives that you’ve offered particularly those which are a bit higher than my budget are much appreciated. Again my objective is great sounding music without breaking the bank. So I’m open two some redundancy in the hardware

One of the questions that is rising in my mind is the control software. I became aware of the Node 2/2i softwares popularity due to its ease of use. I’m interested to hear about alternatives there as well. (It’s not a major issue if I have to use manual controls/ no remote)

Please continue your suggestions. I’ll keep researching what you provide. I will be providing give you feedback on the purchase here on the forum. Again, thanks for your generous insight!
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,635 posts
 
The BluSound is OK except that your are stuck with dreadful BluOS. Oh yeah, and the Pro-Ject sounds better, I have both.
Optional BubbleUPnP into custom Volumio much better (on the P-J)
Denafrips has USB in, a non issue.
You can and probably will upgrade the amps next, as you will hear the difference much more clearly.
rfnoise
153 posts
 
This video review of the Aries G1 does a pretty good job of showcasing the Lightning DS interface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bO1RHX3LuQ

I forgot to mention earlier, there’s also the Aries mini, which a lot of folks had good things to say about when I was shopping for my streamer. There’s one that includes an SBooster linear power supply on US Audio Mart right now for $599.

Here’s a review of the mini:

https://darko.audio/2016/02/audiophile-grade-streaming-with-the-auralic-aries-mini/

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pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
Read several reviews of the Auralic Aries G1 and revised my thinking (thank you rfnoise).  Storage is quite functional and is used to to reduce chatter.  Who knew?

So I'm thinking Auralic Aries G1 feeding Denafrips Pontus is worth the money over budget.  

Any thinking on that pairing?
calvinandhobbes
309 posts
 
@fuzztone Just curious as to what the Pro-ject streamer does better than the Bluesound Node in terms of sound quality? I've read that but haven't seen specifics.

Also, what benefits do you hear from adding the LPS to the Pro-ject streamer?

Thank you!
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