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Dazed and Confused - Upgrading System But Too Many Options!

Help! I am upgrading my stereo and just have too many options. Every time I think I have it figured out I go down another rabbit hole. I’ll start by saying what I have.

Speakers: Paradigm Monitor 9
Amp: B&K ST2140
Preamp: Rotel RC980BX
CD: Arcam CD72
Phono: Rega P3

I have settled on the KEF LS-50 monitors. I am looking to add a network media streamer and either a new preamp or integrated amp.

So to keep this short, I see these as my main options:
  • Do I get an integrated amp like Rega Elex-R, Creek Evolution 50A/100A with a Ruby DAC or something else?
  • Do I leave off the Ruby DAC and get a streamer like Cambridge Audio CXN?
  • Do I forget about both of the above and get a Cambridge Azur 851N that is a preamp and solid media streamer?
  • Do I keep my B&K and just get a new preamp and media streamer (leaning toward Cambridge CXN)? I really like the B&K and think it’s very solid but then I would need to get another amp to power the Paradigms in the basement. 
  • Do I say “screw it all” and just get a PS Audio Sprout?

My listening style of late has been headphones on my Android phone but I want to return to where I was BC (before children). The monitor speakers will be better for listening anywhere on the main floor, not just in the sweet spot. I plan to convert my CD collection to FLAC (currently it’s all 320 kbps mp3). So I have some work to do but I need to make it easier for me to listen to music at home and upgrade the quality.

I know I rambled on, so if you made it this far, thanks for reading through.

Ken
treebeard1
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Treebeard, do yourself a big favor, get a great sounding integrated amp and then look at a Aurender N100 music player (or whatever your budget will allow, Aurender gives you great selection), there ya go! two pieces of gear! AND your hearing some of the BEST digital has to offer!

Regards,


Matt M
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
Unless you pick a integrated preamp with built in DAC, you will need a outboard DAC with N100.  

Aurender makes awesome music players.  You should check out A10 with a built in DAC and streaming capabilities.  

However an external DAC will allow total flexibility with future upgrades. 

erik_squires
15,669 posts
 
How about a Parasound integrated? Has a very nice DAC built in.  You'll still need a streamer. I see New Old Stock (NOS) Squeezebox streamers in Audiogon for around $500. The most important part for me at least is the remote software support, so whatever you get, try out the software first if you can.

Best,


Erik
mesch
3,394 posts
 
Ok, replace the separates with an integrated amp and get a music player. Some integrateds have internal DACs as do some players.  I use a Mac computer and if ever I changed to a music server can't say which one I would purchase. 

There are many very good monitors in or under the budget range of the KEFs (them included). Some by manufacturers/merchants with return policy. Check out Audio Advisor or Music Direct. 
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
Have been doing a lot of research and was all set on the Cambridge  Audio A851A and 851N.  Then I read about a recurring issue that randomly turns the volume up all the way and can damage the speakers.  Not sure how common it is though.  

My local dealer carries Cambridge so I stopped by today after work and they no longer carry it.  They said they now carry Atoll because it blows the 851A out of the water and they couldn't sell any 851As after customers did a side-by-side comparison.  I auditioned the Atoll IN100 with an Atoll DAC100se and a Bluesound Node 2.  It sounded great but just opened up more questions.  The Node is only $500 but I would then need a DAC.  Not a lot of info out there on Atoll.  

I found a couple AV dealers that I can audition Cambridge Audio and KEF LS50s.  So I guess that's my plan for now.  Has anyone heard of, or had first-hand experience with Atoll?  They are a French company. 
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