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CDP/DAC/NA Player Recommendations

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum & this is my first post.  I am slowly putting together my mid-fi setup and needed your help.  

I recently bought a pair of Dali Opticon 2 & Marantz PM 8006 to go with it.

Due to budget constraints, I went for the Topping D50s DAC.  While the system is still breaking-in and sounds quite good, I am beginning to question whether the Topping DAC does justice to the speakers & amp.  

Given the rave reviews, I ordered the BlueSound Node 2i to see if there is a substantial improvement or difference in SQ.  Besides, it also gives me the ability to stream from a ton of different sources.  While I am still waiting for the Node 2i, I am also preparing myself to increase the budget & perhaps go for a Marantz ND 8006 (get to use my old CDs as well).  I can get a open box or refurbished Marantz ND8006 for about $1,000.

So I wanted to hear your thoughts.  Any other options that I should consider in the price range that will have good chemistry with the Dalis and Marantz Amp?

Also, any forum members that use the Marantz/Dali combination? Would love to hear about your experience.  

Thanks in advance for all your help.  Cheers!
prashanth13485

Showing 1 response by yakbob

yakbob
449 posts
 
Sorry to say I don't have any experience with the equipment you list, but it sounds like you're giving up on the Node 2i before you've heard it. I'm not sure if you have a trial period with that piece, but maybe give it a fair shot before moving up in price point? Since the Topping is a fairly budget piece, the Node should be an improvement.

That said, the Marantz unit offers a lot of features and flexibility for the price so long as you don't rely on wireless features long into the future. Wireless = eventually obsolete. For the roughly $500 additional dollars, ask yourself if you're buying features or sound quality. If features, ask if any are those you can live without when the next tech wave hits.

Best of luck with your journey. The Dali speakers looks like a great start.
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