2. digital
  3. 184146-182023

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!

jmill88
kota1
2,706 posts
 

discovered the unfortunate truth that everything from the wall power to the wall/floor ceiling treatment, equipment stands, furniture…everything mattered.

+1, everything matters, leave one out and you are spending money on pointless upgrades. Nail them all and save money in the long run because everything just works.

dcevans
180 posts
 

I noticed on Audiogon that Underwood Hifi is offering the MicroMega M-One 100 new for only $1999 ($3000 below list). This integrated like Focal is manufactured in France, and has been featured in audio shows with the Focal Sopra 2, considerably up the Focal line from Aria collection. The streamer per Underwood is not very good, the only weak point.  

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,922 posts
 

Plus1 Hegel integrated. I believe they currently have four models. I’ve had mine for about a year and a half and am still very happy with it.

All the best.

atanarjuat99's avatar
atanarjuat99
59 posts
 

Plus 2 on the Hegel integrated amp. I have the Hegel H390 and a LUMIN T2 streamer/DAC. With my old speakers, I used the LUMIN DAC but after I switched to Focal Kanta 2 speakers, I started using the built in Hegel DAC. It was just so much more musical. Took me a while to figure out how much the Hegel had to offer. And pairs super well with Focal speakers. 

jmill88 OP
1 posts
 

Looks like I might up my budget a bit and go with Hegel.  Thx everyone 

More to discover