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DAC/Preamp/Amp Recommendations

Hello all,

I listen only via streaming (Tidal) from a Bluesound Powernode2 to PSB Imagine B speakers via Audioquest Rocket 44 cables to tame any high frequency harshness.  I’m reasonably happy with this setup but would like “more.” Bigger soundstage, better imaging, more “open” sound, etc.  I listen mostly to jazz and blues, plus some classical and rock.  I am decidedly NOT a bass-head and I listen at moderate levels.  I prefer a neutral to slightly warm tone.  Listening chair is about 7 feet from the speakers. I am 66 years old with a touch of tinnitus.

My budget is $10,000 total.  If I allow $4K for speakers and $1.5K for an Innuos Zen Mini with LPS (I would like to use Roon*), that leaves $4.5K for all the components in between.  The NAD M33 would fit right in that budget slot (can I bypass the DAC?) or I can go for separates.  This is where I need the advice.  One possibility is getting the NAD C298 amp and then spend $2.5 for a DAC and preamp.  The idea of a tube preamp is intriguing although I have never had a tube component.

Thanks in advance,
Paul

* from what I have read, this would be the most stable, futz-free way of using Roon.
ma128

Showing 2 responses by jbuhl

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
881 posts
 
If you only stream and don’t need the CD ripper you might consider this
https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter-i5 add an LPS and you should have a roon platform for less than $1.5K


Then consider Simaudio ACE at $3.5K. https://simaudio.com/en/product/ace-all-in-one-music-player/
Roon ready, DAC, plenty of digital inputs. and a nice clean setup. I have never had Simaudio product but the combination has me intrigued. So check out the reviews on the ACE
One Ace review among many.  https://www.tonepublications.com/audiophile-apartment/moon-by-simaudio%E2%80%99s-neo-ace/


$5k left over for Roon subscription and speakers.



Lots of options for you to choose.







jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
881 posts
 
Correction:  The standard Moon Ace may not be Roon ready.  So you could do and SGC package like this that gets you a renderer.  https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/audio-server/products/premier-server-player-combo-son...
Should still have plenty for speakers.

Also this is a Amp heavy group.  You might notify , somehow, the guys over in the digital group where a bunch of the streamer types hang.

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