2. amps-preamps
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Looking for advice

I’m looking at adding a streamer, Dac, and possibly a transport to utilize with an older integrated - Krell 400xi. I’m looking at starting with the bluesound node and a Cambridge audio transport. My speakers are Totem model 1 Signatures, with a Rel B1 sub. When I have more cash, looking to upgrade and get the Chord Qutest dac. Is this a good use of $$’s or am I better off getting a used Naim Uniti Atom and go with one box, plus a transport or eventually the Unitcore?
 

 

dgplo17
soix
8,597 posts
 

I think your Zen Mini strategy makes a lot of sense, especially if you have to do this in stages.  There’s a Darko review from a couple years back where I think he compares the Zen Mini to the Node (both older models I think) and I believe he preferred the Zen Mini.  In any event, I’d take the Zen Mini over the Vault as it’s likely a better streamer, and the Innuos Sense software is apparently one of the better sounding out there.  FWIW. 

jpsreno
75 posts
 

i would suggest buy the best Dac you can afford, many devices can be used to stream until you have the additional money to then buy a streamer that is sonicly compatible witht he dac producing  the sound you are after. in the digital world in my opinion the dac is the core piece.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

I agree get the best DAC you can afford. The Zen Mini is a okay but the DAC is not very good. Fine for ripping and streaming. 

lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
672 posts
 

I have a Bluesound Node 2i going onto an AudioGd NFS-1 DAC and Audiolab 6000CDT transport.  I was strongly considering a Cambridge Audio transport since I previously had the Azur 840C CD player but the reviews on the Audiolab seemed better.  Very happy with this setup although I find myself not listening to cds all that much ever since I got rid of the jewel cases and put them into notebooks.

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