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.
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 .
- ...
- 6 posts total
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. 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? |
+1 @ghdprentice Integrates combine the preamp with the amp, and sometimes a DAC, streamer, phono stage. Most integrated DACs are made to a cost point and are usually sonically subpar compared to external DACs - this is a major reason to go with separate DAC. Streamers also varies in sonic quality. Maybe a Hegel H400 all-in-one might be a good choice- the DAC is very good. Integrates saves extra costs on casework and additional cabling. Separates offer easier upgrade flexibility, likely an easier path to navigate to an ideal subjective sonics. Downside- more cables, boxes, expense
|
- 6 posts total