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  3. 182411-157137

Considering A New Streaming DAC (Pick 1 of 4)

Hi Folks, The four under consideration are Weiss 501/502, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Aurender A20, and Bricasti M1. Anyone of these will feed a signal into a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme preamp before going to a Pass XA 30.8 and out to a pair of Audio Note AN/K's ("mildly effecient" at 90 db). The K's are in a fairly large room (26x12). I currently have a Lampizator Amber 4 (bal w/vc) and do like how it sounds in this system, but wish to at least explore a one box option. Although I do stream (N100H) most of my "front end" time is spent either with a Macinstosh MR88 digital tuner or an Audio Note level 2 CD transport. I'm interested about folks preferences or experiences with any of these four DAC's taking into account my front end usage and existing system. I've also looked at the possibility of keeping my streamer and upgrading the tube DAC in the form of Totaldac or BAT Rex. Any thoughts on this are welcome.

scottya118

Showing 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,490 posts
 

I have a Lumin X1 streamer with fibre. I would use the DAC's mentioned in the OPs choices with fibre converted to USB. I find it interesting that GTT (distributor of Mola Mola) used to demo the Tambaqui with an external streamer and not the built-in Ethernet streamer. 

My long sold KRELL K-300i integrated (a great unit) had a built-in Ethernet streamer and it was not as good as using fibre converted to USB.

The built-in Ethernet is convenient, but my 3rd choice after fibre, USB, and then Ethernet.

 

 

yyzsantabarbara
4,490 posts
 

I was considering the Bricasti M12 but the lack of fibre input and the desire for less streamer boxes made me go with the Lumin instead. It has to be fibre for me. I was going to use the X1 direct-to-amp (CODA #16), but I found out I liked my Benchmark LA4 preamp in the chain. So, the X1 stays in the office, and I am now looking at the Lumin P1 for my Livingroom (it also has fibre).

Selling my DACs and streamers to go Lumin.

 

 

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