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Requesting recommendations for simple and easy to use music streaming devices

An unusual question please:

I’m setting up my first and probably last audio system. I’ve used headphones before, but never speakers. I bought the Graham LS 6 speakers which I bought for their rich mid range. I was thinking of purchasing a streaming integrated amplifier because I thought an all in one would be simplest to use, and I was considering an Arcam SA 30 as it has both enough power and I’m told it would nicely preserve the rich mid range of the speakers. However, as I started to read about it I got scared off because as a senior I am, sorry to say, completely helpless when it comes to technology and the SA 30 has so many features there’s no way I could really use it. I would very much appreciate any recommendations for a streaming set-up, all in one or separates (integrated  amplifier plus streamer?), that would be easy enough to use. I don’t need a lot of features because I will only be using it to stream directly from streaming services (Amazon HD, TIDAL and perhaps others in the future; I will have none of my own files; no CDs; no phono). Any suggestions for a system, integrated or otherwise, that would be able to properly drive the LS6 speakers (8 ohms; 87 dB’s; recommended amplifier power 50–150 watts) and preserve their rich midrange, but also as simple and easy to use as possible? Budget could be $2000-$3000, but, again, simplicity is critical. I know it’s a difficult question because I am asking for two probably inconsistent goals: good sound and simple to use. Thanks very much.

switzer145
switzer145 OP
14 posts
 

Thanks all for your suggestions. I haven’t responded up to now simply because I’m still trying to digest the many suggestions ranging from the Node to the Naim Uniti  models and in between. I would love to get the Naim Uniti Atom and put this all behind me but, again, I need to do some more research to make sure it’s operation is simple enough for me (I’m not concerned about the difficulty of set up because I will have someone else set it up for me, e.g., Total Tech at Best Buy). Another suggestion I’m considering is to simply buy the Node, pair it with a good integrated amplifier and see if the sound is good enough. The Node is cheap enough so if I had to replace it it would not be a problem, and by all reports the Bluos system is about as manageable as it gets.

Again,, thanks all and I will report back. In the meantime, wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year.

Michael

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,054 posts
 

Another Possibility:

Rogue Audio Pharaoh integrated over on TMR $1.8K

Schiit Gungnir DAC new $800

Bluesound Node on TMR $500

 

just a tad over budget. easy to set up. People here can get you going on the hookup. But do your own research on that amp to make sure it matches up to speaker specs

 

Also a Hegel H95 over on usaudiomart within your budget. Has internal DAC so you could skip the Schiit with that unit and got strait from BS node to amp.

 

Too generalize to maximize SQ.

Streamer---->DAC----Integrated.

BSNODE-->Schiit-->Rogue

You can find and integrated with a DAC (Like the Hegel) if you want to keep it simple but many times specialized DACs do better.   They are almost always better than the DACS in streamers at the BS node price point. 

 

 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,054 posts
 

Review of the Paraoh

 

 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i agree with earlier input to keep the integrated amplifier separate from streamer/dac

as for the steamer/dac... the cambridge cxn v2 is an excellent one... simple, easy to use software and interface to stream tidal, qobuz etc... not complicated at all

there is a wonderful tubed output stage mod that dan wright/modwright does which makes it sound top-notch, if you want to spring for that, and i believe it will do wonders for vocal reproduction on your graham speakers

stock unit

modded unit

discussion about the modded unit

 

 

romanesq
108 posts
 

Before you drop hundreds or over a grand, please check out the Wiim Pro. 

It has coax and optical audio with bit-perfect hi-res performance. The software is outstanding. It is updated frequently and it is making waves.

$150 and is available at Amazon. 

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