I would say a Lumin P1. It is all of those things. Plus it has LEEDH volume control for great sound at any volume. Also it has an analog RCA/ XLR input. The power supply is linear. They say it is pretty close to the Lumin X1. I was setting up anti skate at a friends house yesterday and his P1 sounded amazing. Try to listen first to see if you like the sound signature with your Focals. I just heard the new Borensen speakers at Next Level Audio. Pretty amazing sound for $5500 with stands. Jays Audio Lab had a private event. They are supposed to be at AXPONA this year.
DAC/Streamer/PreAmp
I hope this question will allow everyone to have some fun. I have a pair of Focal Sopra 3 (I dont consider them bright, but just right), 2x REL S812 subs, and a Bryston 6bsst2 amp. I know it is a 3 channel amp. It was being used in my Movie Theater. Going forward I will be using it for a 2 channel system until I decide to buy mono blocks. This 2 channel system will only be streaming digital music, but might consider adding a photo stage later, so would like analogue inputs. The room is fully treated from 30hz on up, and is 16'w x 30'd x 10'h.
I am looking for a Streamer/DAC/Preamp to run this system. I really do not want to add a computer to this system to run files through it. I prefer a plug and play solution. It can be one piece or 3 separates. I like a rich sound from top to bottom. I prefer a sound like Aretha Franklin over Allison Krause. I would like a big Soundstage. I also have 1 gig speed thriugh ethernet. The final item is the budget. I really like Value, so if you can come in below the budget it will be considered. $10-20k USD max. Will consider new and used. I have considered T+A, Naim, Mola Mola, and some other manufacturers, but would like yalls input.
Let's Go!!!
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I’ve been looking to replace my Chord Dave DAC for under $25K. I’ve had home auditions of the Rockna Signature, Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Bartok, and DCS Rossini APEX. In my system the Dave and Tambaqui are more a like than different. The Bartok(non-APEX) mask details and the Rossini APEX is too bright in my system. In my system, the Rossini has better separation of instruments, wider and slightly deeper soundstage than the aforementioned DACs, but my wife said she had a headache after several songs from the brightness. Next up will probably be a Ideon Ion DAC. The Rossini produced the most significant differences between all of the DACs that I’ve listened to, but there still isn’t a night and day difference between any of them.
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OP …” I do not want to underspend”.
i recommended separate components for streamer and DAC. Many people believe that the streamer function doesn’t matter… at least as much as the DAC. This is not true. The streamer like a turntable cartridge makes a huge difference. By not underspending, that would be going cheap on the streamer and putting most of your money into the DAC. ….”but will pay up for quality and great sound.” Ok, in that case I change my recommendation. I recommend the Aurrender W20SE streamer ($22K) and the Berkeley Alpha Reference 3 DAC ($22K). I own the former and have had the latter in my system for a week. Both top notch performers and well worth their price for the sound quality. |
As you asked offline about the Backert Rhumba Extreme and ARC preamps I’ll share this review that compares the Rhumba vs. the ARC LS17SE, which was priced $2k less at the time but just as an indication of the different sound characteristics… As I mentioned, the ARC REF5 SE is an incredible pre and at a different level entirely from the LS17SE, and as you can get one of these used for around $6k that would absolutely have to be in the conversation. Here’s one that may still be available… https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ba7e-audio-research-ref-5-se-silver-preamp-complete-tube The newer Rhumba Extreme 1.4 goes for $8500 new so a pretty dear premium to a used REF5 SE, but if you can find a used Rhumba 1.3 Extreme and can deal with only one fully balanced input (versus 2 on the 1.4) you’re looking at a nice discount to a used REF5 SE. Personally this would be a tough decision and would likely come down to which sound profile most closely matches your personal preferences so read the reviews. The good news — there’s no way in hell you’d go wrong either way, so there’s that.
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