2. amps-preamps
  3. 190579-192935

Help me build out my first system

Hi All,

New Audiogon member here, been a lurker for some time; thanks for all the tremendous info! I’m in the process of building out my first system and am hoping for some recommendations on streamer/dac and preamp. A friend has been kind enough to set me up with a McCormack DNA-1 (not yet in my possession) and a pair of Focal/JM Labs Electra 926s from a client who wanted to upgrade. 
 

At this point I’m trying to put together two sets of options: First, which components might really make the setup sing, not worrying much about budget (without going too nuts). And second, assuming a budget around $3000-$4000, what’s the best I can do?

 

The setup will live in a 14’x24’ room, and I’m in the process of building some panels for appropriate room treatment. Tidal is currently my preferred source, but am open to change based on compatibility req’s or being convinced of a better alternative for this application. I’d also like to allow for incorporation of a new turntable down the road. 
 

Am I thinking about this the right way? Thanks for your thoughts 

kdammeyer
kennyc
1,448 posts
 

The Absolute Sound magazine puts out an annual “Editor Choice Awards” of recommended components at all price points, about 170 pages of components.  Last issue was March 2024 issue #347.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,774 posts
 

firstly the real question is why would you even need a preamp these days?

you would need a preamp if you are using a turntable or a home theater 

if not you need a  streamer with volume control and that's it.

we are very partial to the atoll st200 a dac streamer with analog volume control and one set of analog inputs

very musical plays tidal quobuzz spotify,amazon music bluetooth internetradio roon capable basically all the streaming sources most people need, has a great free app 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Atoll dealers

 

paulcreed
556 posts
 

Since you will be using the DNA-1 I can relate. About 15 or more years ago I had a DNA -1 with rev a mods mated with a Rogue 99 magnum preamp and Joseph Audio Rm25si. That was an awesome system should be in your budget.

 

Rogue to my ears is a little solid state sounding but with the McCormack it was a great Match with the warm mid range heavy DNA. I loved that amp. McCormack’s are also known to match with Vandersteen speakers.

 

The Rogue takes 4 6sn7’s I used 2 Ken Rad vt231’s and 2 silver label RCA’s with great results but I threw other tubes in there also. The Rogue responded very well to tube rolling.

 

If all this is over budget you could try a dac with a volume control but that’s a gamble. Sometimes it works sometime it’s bad. I’ve had some amps sound better without a preamp than with one you never know till you try, good luck.

helomech
1,670 posts
 

Buy pre-owned gear

vthokie83
843 posts
 

First I have no experience with your current equipment, but you have gotten some good recommendations. If you have $4,000, here is a good start:

Schitt Freya+ preamp - $850

Denafrips Ares 15th DAC - $1,150 (or better yet a used Denafrips Pontus II $1,400)

Used BlueSound Node 130 (not 2 or 2i) $375 (or better yet used Innuous streamer $1,400)

Decent cables - Zavfino makes great affordable entry level cables, Arcadia interconnects, Nova speaker cables. Supra cables makes very good entry level data cables; Excalibur USB cable $110, Cat8 ethernet cable $50 2 meters.

All of that would be around your $4,000 budget, and each component could easily be upgraded as you can afford later.....but this would be a very musical starter system that you'd love to listen to

 

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