I need some advice


I am starting to build my retirement system only for two channel . My system as of now is Oppo UDP -205 that I use for CDs and Concert DVDs and as my Pre amp Speakers are Paradigm Persona 5Fs and I have a old BGW Amp . so I was wondering what would be my best option getting a good streamer and than a pre amp or something like the Moon Simaudio 891 network player / streamer that also has a DAC in it .I have never been sure about 3 things in one box . 

mraruba91

I heard the Moon 791 + 761 amp with the Paradigm Persona 9H. It was a bit bright but that can be tamed with a warmer amp. The 761 would actually be great on my Yamaha NS5000 speakers. A warm-ish amp that would be incredible on the 5F is the KRELL Duo 175XD. I owned this amp and it was buttery smooth with good details. On the bright Persona it would sing.

My CODA #16 would also be good on the Persona, but I think the KRELL’s extra warmth wins out. The only issue with KRELL is that they may no longer be in business. Stil I would get an used 175XD and if you need repairs ship it to George Meyer in Los Angeles. They do KRELL and KRELL even sends their gear to Meyer if you do not want to ship across the country.

If I were starting from scratch, I may get the 791 or 891. I would definitely advise a friend to get that if all they want is music not so much gear headaches. 

I felt my much cheaper Benchmark HPA4 preamp and Schitt Yggi+ OG DAC were better than the 791. Not by much but those 2 components are exceptional in delivering what I like in sound. The 791 was a little more tamed down.

I also use a Sonore Optical Rendu to stream (have 1 set to sell, and 2 others). I think fibre optics is ALWAYS better than Ethernet as used in the 791/891. However, there are a lot of pieces in my setup compared to the tidy and almost as good Moon unit.

I have an Oppo as a transport. I do not use the DAC in it and instead extract the DSD and PCM layers via HDMI using a GeerFab D.Bob. Funny name but it sounds great. The output from that goes by SPDIF into my DAC. 

 

 

 

 

At the price of the Mooon 891 I’d be looking at separates unless you’re extremely space constrained or really want the convenience of one box.  Being beholden to one manufacturer’s streamer, DAC, and preamp is a big commitment for three critical components.  I read one review that had high praise for the preamp and DAC but found the streamer a bit lacking by comparison, which points out the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket.  It is clear there’s room for huge improvement over what you have now, and if you share your budget and what improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you you’ll get some good recommendations here. 

I found a used Moon 891 for about 16,500 or so so when I was looking for just a streamer I was in the 5,000 to 6,000 price range and as for what was needing in my system the Oppo is great as a player but the preamp section sometimes is bit lacking as for sound I like all accurate reproduction tight bass as most people say the personas are a little bright but if the recording is good I don't find them to be bright .I really want to get into streaming and want it to be easy to use when I get time to listen to music I just want to turn the system on and enjoy the music.

For a streamer I’d recommend Innuos or Aurender for ease of use, reliability, sound quality, and customer support.  The Innuos Pulse is $3800 and the Aurender N200 is $6300.  For a DAC the Denafrips Pontus 15th is $2000 but I’d also get their Hermes DDC to go with it that would bring total cost to $3300, or you could go for their flagship Terminator 15th DAC for $6000.  Given your speakers I’d consider going with a tube preamp, and the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL and Spatial Audio Raven preamps are excellent with the former being a little more neutral and the latter with a little more tube warmth but still relatively neutral, and both are around $6000 and offer trial periods.  If you’re not open to tubes the Pass Labs XP-12 or Ayre KX-8 are around $6000 and well worth considering.  Any combination of these will drastically improve the overall performance of your system and excellent speakers IMHO. 

I’m not familiar with your amp, but if that’s something you’re looking to upgrade I’ll mention this used McCormack DNA 500 because if I had your speakers I’d be all over this for only $3500, and they don’t come up for sale often.  Read the reviews. 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650201477-mccormack-dna-500/

 Anyway, just some ideas to ponder FWIW, and best of luck. 

Single box solution are always a compromise. If you spend enough, the compromise becomes very small... we are talking $10’sK. 

 

I also put together my retirement system about eight or nine years ago and was fortunate to be able to upgrade again, big time, while in retirement about four years ago.

Some generalities. The investment in Streamer, DAC, Preamp and amp should be roughly equal. The speakers should be a bit more than an individual component. Buying audiophile used is preferable to consumer or low end equipment. It will sound better and last longer... certainly through retirement. 

Take your time. For Streamers I recommend looking at Aurender. They have outstanding quality streamers at different price points, with exceptional sound quality and good control apps (for iPad or table to control your streamer). Used is a good option although new have good sound improvement. Dacs are more mature, but I recommend Ayre, Audio Research, Berkeley... although budget DACs, like Schiit, while not as good are excellent for the money. 

Today, streaming can be and should be your best sounding source... used to be vinyl and then CD. Being retired and having basically millions of albums at your fingertips is incredible... for only $15/ month. Once your knees give out, you will be thankful. 

 

The preamp is the soul of your system. You want a musical tube preamp... I recommend Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, or VAC. Used is great. They are built to last for decades and musical sounding... which will become much more important when able to listen for long periods of time. 

 

I hope this is helpful. How long to retirement?