I have a complex naim based Cinema set up and has realised that I can relatively easily add in a separate streamer for just 2 channel and looking for something as a good start. It needs to be good enough to be as good as my CD set up (which is from a Panasonic 9000 player - but heavily modified) and ideally a good chance to enjoy and explore more music
The basic set up will be from an ethernet cable to the streamer and integrated or separate DAC my set up is
naim 32.5 / Supercap / 4 x naim 135’s / Sonus Faber Extrema with a separate sub group that works from the 32.5 to feed a DSP and 5 subs which works from 10Hz or less only adding what the Extrema’s miss at the low end
I am thinking about something that I can experiment with power supplies as well as I have a number of 12V linear supplies to use. I ideally <£1k to start and happy to work with TIDAL again for similar not interested in high res just red book
The 9000 has linear power supplies, separate clocks and a lot of work to bring up to good audio performance so it’s a reasonable set up on CD currently
I am looking for weight, body, scale and dynamics and prepared to trade resolution and detail for drive, dynamics and swing. Most modern DACs do seem too lean, lack drive and sound thin and unrealistic. Plus I hear very clearly when bass is missing
Any suggestions I am thinking about perhaps a Blue Node, Wiim, Audiolab, Cambridge etc
The trouble I have its most reviews talk about soundstage and the reviewers systems are either headphones or bookshelf speakers, plus they don’t really say how good it is as a streamer as the system evolves. I cant remember the last time I went to a concert and was pleased to see exactly where the band were standing, but I do recall when the sense of scale and slam was on point
Think more like separation in that you get a wider and more open sound and flows with ease and immerse you. Bit like if you talk and then put your hands over your mouth and talk through it. You clearly hear how your voice collapse, sound less open and more congested.
Check out Lindemann Bridge II. I use it with my 500/552/NDS system. It’s right now up against the much more expensive Innuos Pulse.. and I believe I prefer Bridge II.. We’ll see. The Bridge II is an extremely powerful and affordable streamer IMO.
You mention looking for a streamer, but afterwards also talk about the sound of a DAC. So is it correct to assume you’re looking for a device combining both?
If you’re looking for just a streamer (or separates), consider a Primare NP5 mk2. Not sure which DAC to recommend to go with it. Or perhaps you’ll gain more with the Wiim pro, and getting a better DAC.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one, consider the Cambridge Audio CXN100 or EverSolo DMP A6.
Check out HoloAudio Red though it has a linear power supply built in. It runs on a Raspberry CM4, offering flexibility to use various software. Holo makes a great line of R2R DAC’s, I use a Cyan 2.
I hear that may not be the case ( I assume your post is based upon a posting from a dealer discussed elsewhere), but awaiting clarification from the sales and marketing teams.
Yes ultimately both, I’d like to try and old nDAC again I really liked it with an XPS but at the time too expensive to warrant. But even today out of budget right now
The Lindemann looks really interesting, does it have Airplay or just Bluetooth? I don’t think there’s much between the two. I might be soon looking for something similar, Airplay is very convenient for app based radio apps like BBC sounds.
No Airplay. But it has Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon over WIFI or Ethernet. Use that instead of lossy transfer like BT and Airplay. (it also has bluetooth)
A recently serviced UQ2, particularly as you have Naim kit, certainly within budget.
UQ2 feeds my av processor and for two channel amplification is into NAP250DR with (serviced) Naim Ovator S400s; great sound if it is only Tidal required! UQ2 also works with my Naim streamer and NAS of course.
Just convenience if I’m catching up with missed radio shows from BBC sounds. It’s not something I use all the time but I do find it useful. I listen to FIP radio often and have found that streaming from the Radio France app via Airplay is the same as the best internet radio 192kb feed available. Its obviously not Hi-res but surprisingly enjoyable.
I’m considering selling my Aries as I don’t really need it and it would release funds for elsewhere.
Hi @IWCDoppel, some idea of budget would be helpful. I’d suggest an Auralic S1 Vega which should give you all the things you’re after (soundstage, as well) and has lots of upgrade possibilities. But that might entail too much expenditure.
Although I haven’t heard it, based on the performance of the EverSolo DMP A6, I would have a look at the EverSolo DAC-Z8. Combined with the Wiim pro that should fit within your budget.