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2 Channel (non-computer) System and Audio Streaming

Greetings all, 

I am seeking guidance from the vast experience of the Audiogon family on the various aspects of streaming and system set-up for a two channel audio system. Most of the articles and forums I have read tend to focus on computer (PC, Mac, PS) streaming instead of dedicated two-channel systems. I am seeking input on user experiences with cabling and setup for my system.

To give you an idea of my system, please see below:
  • Simaudio Moon W-3 Amp @ 120W/channel
  • Conrad-Johnson PV-L14 Pre-amp
  • Vandersteen Treo CT speakers
  • Oppo BDP 105D CD/DVD/BP/Streamer
  • Cocktail Audio X-45 Streamer/internet radio, CD Ripper, NAS
  • Audioquest HDMI cables (cinnamon/chocolate)
  • Synergistic Research Interconnect
  • Analysis Plus Silver Oval Interconnect between amp and pre-amp
Considering a Rega P3 TT in the future.

In any case, I am replacing the Simaudio and CJ pre-amp with an Aesthetix Minas Integrated (very exciting). The Mimas will have both a DAC and a Phono card (MM/MC).  I use Tidal for streaming, still have DVDs and blu-Rays, kept a small number of exotic CDs and hope to re-kindle my love for LPs (approx.500) once I have a turntable.

Now on to my reason for this posting: What cables offer the highest resolution 192/384 Khz -  24 bit, etc.) for use with both my X-45 and Oppo 105D? 

I'd also be interested in audio clubs/societies in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Thanks for any guidance and advice you are able to provide.

Cheers,

Steve


stevenyc
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
951 posts
 
Steve,
Very generally speaking, silver constructed cabling offers a lot of resolution. It sounds like your audio taste is in the analytical camp.
rego
378 posts
 
To elaborate on ’Silver’ a bit ... as a guide coax and digital appear to show benefit with full or partial silver content and good quality ’Shielded’ copper for analog ICs.

Also something to consider by @grannyring:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/streaming-sound-quality-want-the-very-best-sound-quality-netw...
stevenyc OP
23 posts
 
Good morning and thanks for your responses. Yes, I am somewhat analytical,  but also seek detail, warmth and sense of being in the room with the musicians. With the Mimas being a hybrid, I'm hoping to close my eyes and feel the music envelope me as I did when John Rutan demoed the Treos with the Mimas at Audio Connection in NJ. Not only was there detail and full sweep of sound, but I felt as though the music was coming from in front and around me as well. Amazing. 

I will likely get the Audioquest Coffee (10% silver), but would really like the AQ Diamond (100% silver) USB cable to get all of the great musical detail. Alas, its out of my budget with the Mimas purchase. 

I will post an update once I receive the Mimas, give it a break-in period and report back.

Cheers all,

Steve
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