2. digital
  3. 146766-11545

Does this exist? Preamp/Streamer/DAC with MQA, Roon and more

I'm looking for a particular set of features that seem to be very hard to find in a stereo (2.1) product. My budget is preferably around $2,500 but there is some flexibility. Here's what I would like:

Must have
-Preamp
-Network streamer
-DAC
-Roon endpoint
-MQA compatible (not interested in your opinion of MQA)

Want to have
-HDMI inputs/output for video switching only and 2 channel audio (to allow TV sound through stereo)
-Room correction
-Subwoofer management

I recently purchased the newly released NAD C658 which, when adding the optional HDMI module, covers every must have and want to have (Dirac room correction is coming in a later FW update) for a total of $1,800. Perfect! The problem is that so far the thing sounds lousy. I'm trying to let it burn in more and see if Dirac comes and makes it better, but it's not looking good after the first few days. The DAC seems to be the problem. It seems to suffer from audible time smearing and sounds too clinical and harsh so I am suspect about Dirac helping with that.

I've also seen the SimAudio Moon 390 but it's $5,300 and doesn't have room correction or subwoofer management. On the less expensive end, SimAudio also has the Moon Ace for $2,900 which has the same features as the 390, minus the HDMI inputs. I'd use the preouts to my own amp since the Ace is an integrated amp.

Then there is the Aurender A10. It costs even more than the Moon 390 and doesn't have HDMI inputs.

Cambridge Audio has some well regarded streamers but they aren't Roon compatible.

Finally, there is the PS Audio DirectStream and DirectStream Junior. I recently purchased the DSJr since it can be had close to my budget and while it sounds incredible as a streamer and DAC, it's not viable as a preamp. I spoke to PS Audio about this and they recommend using a separate preamp for the DS and especially for the Jr. I can't remember exactly why but they told me the signal to noise ratio when used straight into an amp wasn't ideal. I tested this myself and found that the DSJr sounded better even running through a Marantz AV receiver as preamp than it did straight into my amp (the receiver uses pre-outs to the same amp). I don't want to run a DSJr through a Marantz receiver and if I blow the budget on the DAC, I won't be able to get a capable preamp worthy of mating with it. Plus I'm really trying to get down to fewer boxes.

Are there any other options out there that I'm missing?
jnehma1
edsky
15 posts
 
@jnehma1 quite right, you can do the same with Roon. My apologies as I forgot you had Roon, as you were describing AirPlay as the mechanism you used to stream to your Marantz. I hear very good things about Roon. Though very pricey, I may give it a try someday.

If I may ask, how do you have your components set up? Are you using your AV processor and NAD pre amp to the same amplifier and speaker, or do you have two completely different setups? If using the same amplifier and speakers then I assume you run the Marantz AV pre outs into the analogue inputs of the NAD and run that in home theatre bypass mode?

Reason why I am so curious is I am exploring options around the exact same thing. If interested, here is the thread... https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/262491-mqa-dac-preamplifier-with-ht-bypass/
jnehma1 OP
111 posts
 
@edsky Initially I had the Marantz receiver in the family room due to the need for dual purpose with tv viewing. I run the preouts to my Musical Fidelity amp, so the receiver just acts as a preamp and DAC. I purchased the NAD to replace the receiver as a better preamp and DAC, plus give me direct Roon streaming rather than Airplay. I don’t plan to setup an HT bypass since the family room is just a 2.1 setup. I have a separate media room with surround sound.
1extreme's avatar
1extreme
161 posts
 
TEAC NT-505 meets all your requirements except for HDMI input.
miamiangler's avatar
miamiangler
34 posts
 
My results with the NAD C658 have been simular to AudioTroy’s.  I have the NAD connected to a Krell KAV 150A amp via Audioquest Mackenzie XLR cables.   From my amp to my KEF LS50’s I have Douglas connections 11 AWG speaker cables.   I have 2 other preamps availabile and have not even thought about using them.
mgrif104
327 posts
 
I might suggest you look at the NAD M12. Part of their masters series, it does everything you want, or has plug in modules to do everything want.  I have the unit in one system, PS audio Stellar DAC/Pre in another and Parasound Halo gear in a 3rd.  The PS Audio and NAD Masters gear is substantially better than the Parasound gear which sounds slow and muddy in comparison.  The NAD M gear takes a long time to break in (a couple hundred hours probably) but is resolving and sweet to listen to.  Is there better gear? Sure.  Still worth a look.  You’d be stretching your budget but might find a unit lightly used.
Best,
More to discover