I like SOIX’s idea about the ARC Ref 5se. Make sure you get the SE. it’s worth the used $1k upgrade. I own one right now and it’s amazing. That being said I would still start with the Lumin P1. It does everything. My friend who owns it has it going into an ARC LS28 SE preamp. The great thing is because he has the LEEDH volume he can adjust the volume without touching the ARC preamp remote without degradation. So you start with a killer piece and later use it as a DAC/ streamer. The other reason I am considering this is my turntable setup is off to the side for easy access. Because this Lumin has a regular input say for my phono stage I can run it right into the lumin which would be connected to the REF 5 SE. I hope this helps.
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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Another long time REF5se user / addict…. love it…. Love my Aesthetix Pandora DAC… you can get it w excellent volume control and it has the finesse and stones to drive a long XLR to amplifiers… They make 3 levels: standard, Signature and Eclipse. i have the Sig. Tube rolling a hoot in both the REF ( 6550 only ) and the Pandora. Enjoy the music and the quest OP……
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@hsounds Roll a 60’s New Jersey Tung Sol black plate 6550 into the ARC and get the pre on HRS or equivalent isolation for a near religious experience….. |
Tomic601, I have been keeping an eye out for the Tung Sol 6550 black plate. I just bought two NOS SED Winged C 6550. Very, very nice! Way better than EH or Sovtek. I was thinking about upgrading to the Ref 10 SE. I don’t feel that way anymore after the NOS tube. This is a note to the OP. Two people who love the $5k-$6k Ref 5 se. You will probably not be able to demo one. Don’t worry, you won’t need to. |
- 84 posts total