The Hegel integrateds tend to have pretty good DACs and I think some of them have built-in streaming capabilities as well, so they’d also be worth a good look. Best of luck.
Just Getting Back Into Audio and Need Help
So I am getting ready to purchase a new Integrated Amp and speakers after not having a system for quite a while. Things have changed(A LOT) since I last had a system. I am deciding between an Arcam SA20, Parasound Newclassic 200, or Musical Fidelity M3Si integrated. I am probably getting the Focal Aria 906’s. My question is, what kind of sound quality would i get by using something like the Wiim Pro running to the internal dac on the integrated amp? Do I need a separate external dac? I really prefer not to have to do that. Or should i spend a little more on a streamer with a good dac? Will the sound be that much better than using the dac on the integrated? Thats probably a loaded question. I want good audio quality, but I’m not one to spend a fortune on cables and other upgrades. If I have to struggle to hear minor differences, I’m not spending the extra money. Thanks in advance for the help!
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Do I need a separate external dac? The DAC in your integrated will be fine. IF you want to add room correction to your setup then get a Martin Logan Unison streamer which has ARC room correction and just run the optical out to your integrated. I am using ARC in my two channel setup and make an improvement beyond what just a DAC can do. |
For a starter system, at an affordable / budget price, and integrated amp with built in DAC is the way to go. Spent most money (and time researching / demoing) on speakers. You can always upgrade later, when / if budget permits. I recommend putting Rotel and NAD in your list to research / demo. Good luck. Enjoy your new system, and the process of putting it together. |
- 12 posts total