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The Streamer-Dac-Preamp Chain

I'm building a second system, and I'd love your thoughts. My starting point is Roon / digital library / Qobuz.  My ending point is a Moon 761 power amplifier which then goes on to speakers. I need to insert a streamer, a DAC, and a preamp between the starting point and the ending point. Now, I know I can get a Moon 791 for around 15K, which looks and sounds lovely with the Moon 761.

Question: can you suggest a streamer, a DAC, and a preamp (for the same approx total) that spans this particular chain (e.g., no phono needed) and does better than the Moon 791?

[I do have an Auralic Vega G2.1 left over from my first system which connects all the dots above. But I don't like its preamp stage --- I've already replaced the volume control module. And the Moon 791 easily outperforms it. However, if you want to incorporate its DAC into your suggestions, I am happy to listen...]

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That ends my question, but you might be interested in hearing what ChatGPT had to say. Pretty confident character, our Chat :-)

This is a great problem. Here’s a stack that should significantly outperform the Moon 791 in terms of DAC resolution, preamp transparency, and streamer flexibility:

1. Streamer: Auralic Aries G2.2 (~$5,500)

• Tesla G3 processor is far superior to the Moon 791’s built-in MiND 2 module.

• Femto clocks + isolated dual processors mean exceptionally low jitter.

• USB, AES/EBU, and I²S outputs (versatile for DAC pairing).

• Dedicated power supply for streaming means cleaner signal delivery.

2. DAC: Holo Audio May KTE (~$5,500)

• R2R discrete ladder DAC (no delta-sigma conversion, ultra-natural sound). 

• Fully balanced dual-mono design.

• Separate power supplies for analog/digital stages.

• One of the most analog-like DACs available. Unlike ESS-based DACs (like in Moon 791), the Holo May avoids digital glare.

3. Preamp: Benchmark LA4 (~$3,000)

• Absolutely neutral, ultra-transparent preamp.  The Moon 791 preamp section is good but not at LA4’s level.

• No capacitors in the signal path, no coloration.

• Near-zero distortion and noise floor.

 

 

 

debrajray
erik_squires
16,371 posts
 

I'm afraid I'm not sure about the price, but I'd keep it simple.  Either stick with Moon or consider T+A or Bricasti. I'd suggest Mytek but I'm not really sure how/where they are in terms of manufacturing.

Another MAJOR consideration is the user interface for any streamer.  Make sure you like it, compatible with your devices (iPhone vs. Android) etc.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,819 posts
 

I strongly recommend skipping the preamp and putting your money into a streamer DAC.  Does the Auralic play well with Roon? 

I am a huge fan of the Grimm MU1 streamer which also works as your Roon core.  The Grimm MU2 came out and you can find good deals on the MU1 as people upgrade.  It has a very loyal customer base.

Get a DAC with volume control.  One of my favorites is the DAVE.  DAVE is gettng kindof long of tooth but still performs excellently and has an excellent volume control.  It takes the AES input which is the only option with Grimm.

Alternatively, I  like Lampizator tube amps.  I have a GG3 with engine 11.  You can find a Big 7 or other DHT based Lampis well within your price range if you don't buy a pre.  Volume control if optional on the Lampizator so get one that has VC.  Most lampis also have one analog in so using it as your volume control you have an option to run an analog signal thought it if you have another analoge source.  I like the single ended and find no need to go balanced for a DAC.  This saves 50% on sets of output tubes which is nice when you tube roll.

Finally, I'd say Preamps in the price range you listed are going to be well below the quality of your other components.  If you must have a pre, consider Apollo Audio systems or Aric Audio.  the latter has become popular and is more expensive.  the first is not so discovered yet.

Jerry  

ghdprentice
7,260 posts
 

Sounds like you have done some thinking about this. Your thoughts on individual components are good. I think opening about a third on each. I would consider revisiting the Benchmark Preamp... these are extremely detailed and transparent and tend to loose the music in achieving the level of detail. I would recommend a warmer more natural sounding preamp... and you definitely want a preamp. These give you the natural and fullness to the sound. I would look at a used Audio Research, Conrad Johnson. Rogue also play in this field... but they are rather solid state sounding... but still a much more musical choice than Benchmark. DAC, good choice.

 

Also, I prefer Aurender to Aurlic. I owned an Aries G2 and the Aurender outperformed and was much more reliable than the G2. However, from what I have read, the G2.2 has much improved sound quality. So it would not be a bad choice... I’m sure you will be happy with it.

yyzsantabarbara
4,940 posts
 

Yes, on the Benchmark LA4. I am listening to the CODA #16 (similar to the Moon 761) with the Benchmark HPA4, and I love it. I also have a Holo Audio Serene preamp in another system which is like the LA4/HPA4 but adds a tiny bit of warmth.

I have a super complicated and high powered ROON setup (running on a cheap $500 Dell PC in another room under a bed). I have 3 Sonore Optical Rendu’s for fibre optical streaming. I have compared this to the Lumin X1 streamer (using fibre optical) and the PlayBack Designs STREM-IF (SPDIF) and the OpticalRendu did well. The 3 different streamers sounded different, and I had all 3 in the house at the same time.

DAC’s to flavor the sound. Especially with the LA4 and 761 amp which will not color the sound.

BTW - if you want to save some money try the Schitt Wotan amp for $2k. I have the CODA #16 and Schitt Wotan that flow between my 2 systems.

BTW2 - Give me a million dollars for audio and I still get the LA4 or HPA4.

 

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