Help with Audio Jigsaw Puzzle Please

The Matrix Element X2 is an integrated streamer + DAC + preamp.  It has a front panel volume control knob as well as an IR remote control.  It has analog as well as digital inputs, so I would think that (if you're not satisfied with its own  DAC) you could loop in the Lampizator.  

What's your budget?  A new X2 runs about $4400 new. Or, maybe a Bluesound Node X ($749) would work?  It, too, has an analog input, but not the standard dual right/left RCA inputs.  Its DAC is based on the ESS 9028Q2M chip. I believe an IR remote is included.

 

If you use the powered speakers with the dac/streamer, try turning the volume wide open on the speakers and control the volume from the preamp. I use a similar setup and this made a big difference for me. 
 

Good luck!

@mathiasmingus 

I have a SP9 MKll that I’ll trade you for the 6se. 
We all know that 9 is a bigger number than 6.😁

 

2^nd system, small room

Equipment: I would seek simplicity of use, anything decent will produce a great signal to your speakers.

What speakers, where they are located, and how their output works in that space are the key factors in any room, including a small room perhaps with less placement options. Square rooms are not ideal of course.

My 2^nd system is in my office. Very frequent and long use for 20 years as self-employed business (many days: early morning, all day, evenings, some weekends). The last 15 years as semi-retired and fully retired, use every day, but far less hours per day.

For 30 of those years, I had cherished old pieces going, but no ideal speaker location or matching the speaker’s output to the space.

5 years ago, I decided to change everything for improved location, imaging, adjust/balance the speaker’s frequency output.

Modify bookcases for speaker location; modify desk for center location for imaging; true bookcase speakers (size/no ports/horizontal placement if small room); level controls to balance frequencies in the room, specifically at my desk chair.

RESULTS:

Prior New Arrangement: Wharfedale Diamonds (no level controls on speakers)

 

 

 

Changed to Restored AR-2ax, level controls more frequent back then. (sorry about the pic quality)

COMMENTS:

Finally back to Tube Sound, very little heat using Little Luxman 10wpc

https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-sq-n150-integrated-amplifier-specifications

Bookcase depth for 11” deep bookcase speakers; slightly overhanging top for equipment/wires behind; height: high enough for speakers at seated ear level/top low enough for ideal operating height of Vertical TT and Reel to Reel. Note: I had the Teac ‘micky mouse’ dust cover for years, finally got to use it when unit is vertical.

Speakers: Vintage with Level Controls, allows individual adjustments l/r. I restored a pair of AR-2ax for my garage/shop. Nostalgia, had them when in college. Sounded so good I moved them here and bought a second pair for downstairs.

https://audio-database.com/AR/speaker/ar-2ax.html

Left speaker close to wall, right speaker no wall is an issue, minimized by speaker level controls combined with Luxman Balance Control, i.e. combo of frequency adjustment and l/r volume for center imaging.

 

USE: Prior, or now: I listen to listen, not background sound, so it was/is infrequent use while in here. New arrangement, especially imaging is truly enjoyable, like never before. ‘Background”: I enjoy streaming Pandora to discover ‘new to me’ artists, and I purposely spend some time, here and downstairs jumping around finding Music Videos, which also leads to ‘new to me’ artists.

As I started by saying: any decent equipment makes a very small difference compared to the speakers and the room’s arrangement, thus go for simplicity of use, perhaps achieve visibility of cherished vintage equipment.

OP,

 

😊… yes, you create a virtual system. After you get in there, it is easy.