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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?



128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xpmreagan2
sourcefirst
7 posts
 
Hi there. I have a Denafrips Ares 2. After a lot of research I came up with the SotM brand(Korean).
I went up all the way on the ladder product since the upgrade option exist.
I would recommend you to start with the sms200 neo or ultra first. than if your budget is still ok get the linear power supply sps500 or 500se. the se is double the price.
the cheapest solution to start is sms200 neo and the sps500. If you are happy with it you can ask your dealer to upgrade your models to Ultra and than se. Also the switch is very important but a later stage.
My system: router with linear power-cat7 silver rg45- sotm switch se with linear power sps500- Eno system rg45 silver-sms200 ultra se with sps500se with statement power cable-vertere pulse hd usb cable in test- ares2 denafrips-auris ha2sf with Telefunken 802s and 4 12bh7a sylvania.ZMF verite closed headphones with verite silver cable. later this month I will add the master clock.

ps with my source the denafpris ares2 compete with dac that cost easy 6x more as example the Sonnet morpheus or the sagra dac.

also make sure that all your equipment is on the same phase and that you run linear power supply on most of your source.

Cheers
Sourcefirst

pmreagan2's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
pmreagan2 OP
13 posts
 
Update 7/27/2021:  I am not operating the Lumin U1 streamer AES/EBU cable to Denafrips Pontus II using RCA cables out the Denon AVR X3700H's CD audio input.  The CD channel in the Denon required reassignment to ANALOG.  While a few on Audiogon cautioned me (thank you again) about signal denigration by the Denon...I will say the sound is detailed the tweeter and midrange and neutral fantastic.  Good enough for now as I prepare to transition into an upgrade.

some additional system specs:
A Rotel RB 1590 (300 watts) interconnects to FRONT L/R Denon PREOUTS powering the FRONT L/R Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2s.   
CENTER speaker: Bowers & Wilkins CT8.2 LCR powered by the Denon at something less than 105 watts (yeah, I know). 
L/R SIDES: Paradigm Phantoms and L/R REARS: Paradigm Atoms.

I began talking to my local HiFi dealer (Leo owner of Sound Advantage, Rochester MI) who was highly informative. He suggested a variety of configurations: Marantz 8805 or McIntosh MX123 pre amps configured with a five channel power amplifier.

Here's my question(s) to the group: What pre amp  - power amp configuration would you suggest?  I'm thinking the Denon will, eventually, need to be removed from the system.

travisg's avatar
travisg
85 posts
 
Sonore MicroRendu. Boom just saved you a ton of money. 
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