@mwthorne i would start with the source. Adding a preamp will improve things but your source is still farm from ideal. The network bridge in the PS Audio DAC is known to not be the best. I really believe that the biggest bang for the buck is to start with the streamer. If you’re looking to potentially ditch Roon and focus on qobuz. a used Aurender N150 should be a good start. If you can swing the N200 even better.
Upgrade to PS Audio Direcstream Mk1 and Mac Mini?
Looking at upgrading my digital sources and potentially getting a streamer. My Mac Mini just died so I need to do something- I use that for streaming Roon and Qobuz. I am also reading the excellent reviews for the new PS Audio Direcstream Mk2. I have the Mk1. People have recommended Rose150B. The Rose150B seems to be a great streamer, potentially not as good as a DAC as the PS Audio MK1/MK2 and not a great pre-amp. If I added a pre-amp to my chain like the Lamm 2.1 would I see a material improvement in sound vs going "direct" via the DAC? Trying to figure out, do I keep a mac mini type music server and upgrade to PS AudioDirectstream Mk2. Do I replace my PS Audio MK1 with a Rose150B or am I going to need a separate streamer and a separate DAC.
My current system:
PS AudioDirectStream DAC/Bridge2 - connected to MacMini music server running - using PS Audio device as pre-amp
Thiel 7.2 Speakers
Lamm M1.2 Monoblocks
Thx
Malcolm
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I just purchased a used Lamm 2.1 Deluxe Pre-amp. We will see if that improves sound vs going direct from PS audio. I am also considering tape so if this unit works it allows me to add tape to the chain. So impressed with quality of my 1.2 monoblocks from Lamm I thought I would stay with the same brand. After reading reviews I am considering the Meitner MA3 DAC/Streamer. It solves the Bridge 2 upgrade and many believe the DAC is superior to the PS Audio DAC Mk2. I am reading that people say the sounder is warmer/fuller than the PS Audio DAC. I am looking for a little more warmth in my system. You can get a used Meitner MA3 around 5K. Getting the PS Audio MK2 Mac plus a used streamer is a 10K proposition. Thoughts? Thx |
I like the MA3 much more than any of the PS Audio stuff. It's probably system dependent though. Definitely see if you can audition either or both in your own home, that's really the best way to go. If not, you probably won't have much trouble reselling either one if you end up not loving it. Both are popular and fairly in demand so your total cost of owning it for a few months should be pretty small if you decide to sell after that point. |
Thx @v-fi v-fi. I just purchased the Meitner MA3 DAC. I have contacted PS Audio to see if I can trial the new MK2 with Airlens versus this setup. Things are coming together. |
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